Words by Pete, Pics by Butty & Pete
Crew : El Pres, Pete, Butty, The Troll
Pub : Dunc
Conditions : fresh snow and clear roads . Just about freezing.
Route : Bull hill to Tea Rooms -Shining Tor – Naughty route to Hooleyhey lane – Dead man’s hill – Blaze hill – The Poachers
Pub : Poachers
Notes :
A rarely used rendezvous, and then a long drag up to the tea rooms . But hardly any traffic and the road was fairly clear of snow and ice.
Orion visible low in the south east as we rendezvoused at the top of bull hill. Chilly waiting on Phil but thankfully only for 5 mins ; He and Butty led the charge up towards the Cat.
Off the tarmac and into the unknown. A little trepidation if I am honest . Was it going to be viable ?. A bit of pushing on the first climb to the Stakeside path . As we turned left the wind was noticeably stronger and it began to snow a little, but it was deep enough to give traction but not too deep.
I stopped to don an extra layer. Much needed, a bit too cold.
Butty reached the Shining Tor trig first, and had a wee snifter of Nikka Whiskey ? waiting for our intrepid foursome. What a capital chap he is. And the Japs know how to make some fine liquor.
Onward – Phil and Butty disappeared down the snowy slopes at an alarming pace. Chris and I followed gingerly, uncertain as to how this was going to fair.
But it was surprisingly doable . I had chosen my ancient Cotic Soul hardtail as the steed for this evening as I have been inspired by Dunc’s winter ride performance on his Genesis Fortitude 29er. The Soul is the closest I have to this formula. It does have a little front suspension, but not much.
It made the long drag up to the cat that bit easier and was no real hinderance on the snowy off-road bits.
In this section down to Hooleyhey lane you really feel like you are out in the wilds. And some faith in one’s steering and sliding capabilities is needed, but it was quite satisfying .
The last stretch to the road was the most rideable I have ever known it , a joy indeed.
Back on tarmac , a short climb up dead man’s hill (Ewrin Lane) and a brief stop on Pike road at Pike Low. Shelter from the wind and a dram of Glen Scotia (12 year malt) , with a tot of water. Our second Whiskey stop. Campbeltown be blessed.
Full speed ahead to the warmth of the Poachers ..the lights getting more enticing as you drop down Blaze Hill.
Louis has gone , and a new young barmaid replaces him. The inevitable £7 guest pint (Cloudwater IPA?) is tried by most. Phil gets in an early request to stay at Palmer Towers.
El presidente gets the only remaining portion of chicken and chorizo pie.
The troll goes for the Leffe call early ….and Dunc suddenly appears.
Ribaldry and merriment ensued . Another fine evening.