Words and photos by Pete (& Alex)
Crew : Troll, Dunc, PTD, Pete & 3Sheds
Pub: Alex, Adrian & Biscuit
Route : RB – War Memorial – Endon – via Novel traverse – Kerridge Bridleway – Waulkmill Wood – Church St – Eateries reconnaissance – Pott Shrigley – Moorside Lane – Chapel descent – Long Lane – Pappas Kebab Shop – Poachers
Conditions : Cool (5C) , no rain but fairly muddy
Notes :
When I called the Poachers to book a table …I was suprised to be informed…no food being provided as they have no kitchen staff ! eek ! . But carry-out nosh taken in is OK as an alternative ! (They even provided crockery and cutlery)
So it turns into an easy ride with some reconnaissance of take-out food places . It was not totally slack as we had a novel traverse of the saddle of Kerridge using the footpath from the end of Lidgett’s Lane – very slippy and lots of pushing .
Good to be up on the top especially as its a calm night. A little tricky trying to stay upright and get down to the bridleway . The Troll became Mr Tumble Troll due to insufficient tyre tread …but we all struggled to get traction .
Carry-out recon : The Chinese is cash only and has no fish & chips ..but The Kebab place takes cards and has a vote of confidence from PTD.
A loop out to Moorside Lane and the Chapel descent – PTD takes on Beeston Brow solo as the rest of the crew aren’t keen on gaining and then immediately losing height . Great mackerel sky on show on reaching the Brickworks. The chapel descent was particularly wet and muddy , but reliably satisfying .
Back via long lane , most went left up Green Lane , I went right as it was the fastest route to my Kebab !
We left our “shipping order” in the capable hands of the ladies of the Kebab , and winched are way up to the Poachers where Alex had already set up base camp at our usual table . The Troll played a blinder and drove down to pick it all up !!
There were jealous glances from the Nancies as the Kebabs were unpacked and consumed…generous portions of chips too. Dunc goes straight for the Peanut Porter (or was it a stout?), which divides opinion.
Dortumunder is a more popular choice to start with.
Once the table is cleared, and more beers are consumed, the tables are turned as the Nancies pop across the road and bring back curry from the viceroy!
Adrian and the lovely biscuit arrive to join the throng, before the responsible early leavers head out. A small AoE sample a smooth whisky to warm the cockles before a chilly ride home.