Words by Pete, Photos by Butty & Pete
Crew : TJ, Butty, PTD, Pete, Troll
Route: The Maze , Beeston Brow, Long Lane, Birchencliffe, Dale Top , Bakestonedale Rd, Spuley Lane, Blaze Hill, Jumper Lane, Oakenbank , The Poachers
Conditions : Cold
Notes :
With all the southern boys (apart from The Troll) and the Tythy Brigade being hors de combat for various reasons …it was left to the Bollington Boys and the Poynton Posse to sort ride logistics.
A table at The Poachers secured for 8.45pm , we mustered at The Maze for a chilly circuit of Upper Bollingtonia and its proximities .
PTD had a good route plan …which soon involved lots of climbing. Beeston brow is an early challenge , but the peace and quiet of long lane was our reward .
More climbing and the odd bit of getting off and pushing got us up to Dale Top.
Lights off so we could get the best view of a very clear night sky in a distinctly chilly breeze. Cassiopeia, The Pole Star ??, the plough, Orion, The Pleiades ….
A veritable astronomical feast with Paul educating us on the location of the Pole Star.
It was fortunate that most of us were gazing up as we were suddenly blessed with a brilliant view of a meteor streaking across the heavens from West to East with a really long tail.
Slippery as hell coming off Dale top and down to Bakestonedale Rd – but definitely a proper bit of mountain biking .
More climbing again – this time up Blaze Hill – but tarmac is always easier – and we were spurred onward by the promise of some in flight refreshments .
I think we had a TNR first this week – a wee dram of Glenfiddich at the Jumper Lane bench. Thanks for bringing the metal shot set, Butty.
I think it was good that our consumption was moderate , as both Paul and I nearly came a cropper on the descent. At the bottom of Lithkill Lane , where you need to turn 90 degrees right to Oakenbank , there was a patch of wet loose stuff;
Fantastic crescent ? moon hangs low over the town as we drop towards the Poachers.
Poachers was at least seeing a little trade – they were down to 3 staff due to ‘Rona.
Phil and Butty introduced a TNR first in the food ordering : Table mushrooms & Table Spring Rolls
Scampi and chips ? , Dortmunder Union Pils , Leffe and a mini AOE were the order of the day (at least for me)
Oh…and a bit of a conversation about Jimi Hendrix .