Words by Alex, Pics by Butty, Logistics by Big Events Bern
Crew: El Presidente, Slim, Butty, 3 Sheds, Dr S, Troll, Bern, Mark, El Pud, Eric, Lee, Doog
Berns: Dunc, Big Nic
Route: MC, Zig Zags, Charity, Cheeky wiggly bits to Narnia, More under the trees to the road, Forest Chapel, Standing Stone, Nessit, Between the DH, Ressies, Kings Head Gurnett, Black Road, Blakelow Road, Berns.
Conditions: Mild & Sunny, cool later.
A Bern organised special to celebrate 60 years of El Presidente, and a very welcome return of many of the country and social members of the TNR family.
Billed as a pootle round the forest until a drinks stop, Bern went a bit more hardcore with lots of swoopy deep ruts under trees (complete with plenty of puddles!). Staying off piste often the better choice, lots of mud splatter, and an evil roadclimb back up to the top of the forest.
All forgotten at Dan’s bench (well then the next one along as it happened) for a refreshing G&T with ice and lemon whilst enjoying the views.
Doog followed it up with a fine single malt for his turn at birthday drinks, and then Bern suggested we stop off for a swift half before getting to his, so he could prep food.
What could possibly go wrong with this plan? Thornton in his element calculating the relative merits of Leathers and Coalpit lane, or Kings Head and Blakelow as the least worst route option. Kings Head won (although that might have been for the good feedback about the barstaff). Landlord or Neckoil and its pints all round, followed by a half, and then prised out of comfortable quaffing to face the final climb before food.
We are more than a little behind Bern’s half hour schedule, but he had everything ready with the help of Lee, Dunc and big Nick, so all is good.
Red Willow tinnies are a wildly varied selection with smoked lager, ales of all varieties and porters, some reaching 8.8%!
A fine feast of bruchetta, brioche wrapped burgers (the cheese in the cheese burgers having been devoured whilst the buns toased!!) followed by a set custard pudding.
El Pres is presented with a huge card, and a signed first edition of Heligoland – the story of the birth of modern quantum physics.
Lots of catching up, sampling of the beers, and a late depart for many. Our ebiker escort to our wobbly bolly bandit managed to lose his charge at the off, but we got a three rings later. Team Tythy had close shaves with geese crossing Hulley road, and Troll headed off to take up residence on El Pud’s floor for the night.
…fantastic night, many may have been a little slow in getting going the following morning!