Words and pics by Pete
Crew : PTD, Sean, Butty, 3Sheds, El Pres , Pete
Route : Maze , Towpath, Beehive Bridge , War Memorial , Higher Lane, The Quarry Path (to the ridge) , Trig Point, Descent to Kerridge bridleway – Waulkmill Wood – Poachers Snicket , Blaze Hill Tarmac , Jumper Lane, Oakenbank , The Poachers
Conditions : Dry, about 14c , a bit cloudy but very mild and Spring like
Notes:
Sean brought his “Bird” , new, British and acoustic
Butty was also acoustic on his old, but trusty, Liteville ..as he had forgotten to charge his E-steed (tee hee we all sniggered)
3sheds is still sporting his heritage Spesh (as the new one is awaiting new bits)
Paul was on his E-steed
El Pres was on his faithful (but neglected) Giant – with slipping drivetrain and a bag of excuses
I was on my 26in Five , ageing but reliable (a bit like me)
It was a shortish , but novel route in the familiar territory of Upper Bolingtonia and Kerridge. With a revisiting of the push/carry up “The Quarry Path” to the top of the Ridge
(Library photo of the Quarry Path )
I claim the original route idea but there was a democratic debate at a few points – when Paul is in the crew and you ask his opinion you will always get some other ideas ..
A little “hike – a – bike” in bits but the ridge is always a good place for a view and some good descents – the southern end after the trig is especially good .
The tarmac ascent of Blaze Hill and then returning via Jumper Lane and Oakenbank is much better that way around (all credit to PTD)
(Library photo of the Blaze Hill View )
The Poachers was fairly busy . Voodoo IPA at 4.8 was initially disappointing but got better as you supped …but the barrel had run dry after three pints were pulled.
Our old friends’ Dortmunder Union and Leffe Blonde had to be “ drafted in “ (tee hee number 2).
Whisky was taken by a select few in the AOE .