Words by Alex, Photos by Pete
Multiple groups from: El Pres, Slim, Butty, 3 Sheds, Troll, Stunt, Dr S, Croxy, Doog, Lee, G, Dunc, TJ
Early riders route: RB, Endon House, Steps up to Kerridge ridge, Trig point, corner of Lidgetts lane, Bull Hill, Walker Barn, Charity, Extension, Standing Stone, Nessit Hill, Bobs bench, Kings Head.
Conditions: Not that warm, but not that cold, overcast, mostly dry.
An earlier 5:30 start at rainbow bridge naturally split us into several groups.
El Pres on post ride logistics at the Kings Head “2 sided tents” with firepits special.
The route there to include an RV with the Doog for a belated birthday dram.
Butty arrived on the E, and much speculation about whether it would get up the Kerridge steps ( 3 Sheds on non E did better!)
Good to do Kerridge “the wrong way”, and the descent to the former shonky gate of Cheshire worth it (although it almost did for El Pres’s watch!)
Long slog up to the new road, and a very fancy old OS spot height marker has been hiding in plain sight on the Corner of Bull Hill lane at the top. More upwardsness to Charity, a failed RV with Lee, and time to appreciate the delicate bilberry flowers as we regroup.
Too much chatting by the downhill specialists leads to some close pass overtaking at speed down Chazza, but no incidents! Extension loose and rocky, and Stunt has a dab after hitting a large one!
The joys of the light mean you can see the trail far ahead, which is good for getting up speed for the S Bends 🙂
A quick pat of Dans bench, before route of your choice to Bobs bench.
The Doog handing out very generous glasses of Bowmore, and wonderful stuff it was too!
G & Dunc arrived having managed to lose TJ just a couple of minutes before hand (he was found, and no French motorways involved this time!) Lee also found us too.
Whisky bottle empty, time to head downhill for the Kings Head 8:30 cutoff!
The King’s Head was a revelation . Customer service on another level ! Food and beer arrive very quickly and we are constantly checked to see if we need more beer. Little marquees work well and plenty of warmth !
Will it be indoors next week??