Crew: Troll, El Pres, Slim, 3 Sheds, Bern, Lee, Dunc, Butty, Stunt
Biddle HQ: Ruth
Route: A meander down the lanes to the back of the Cloud, under the trees ascent to the top, rocky then bermy descents back to the road. Staffordshire way, lanes round behind Biddulph Grange country park, visit to Cabbage cottage, back to Hot Lane for BBQ.
Conditions: Cloudy and breezy with a decent rainshower post the Cloud.
Notes:
The Troll has invited us to his for a ride and BBQ as his birthday event! a good sized crew turn out for the legendary hospitality and a change of riding scenery.
A decent effort all round to be riding away past the clutter of Leonards Farm at 6:15, with a target to be back for 9. Troll warns us that rain is expected but should be done by 8 ish.
Fine views from Lask Edge Road (trig point in the field is at 336m) with a panorama of the Roaches, Shutlingsloe and Shining Tor to the East, and Mow Cop, the Mid Cheshire Ridge, and the Welsh borders to the West.
Fine flowers in the meadows, and fresh growth in the hedgerows curling out to snag those who get too close.
The ascent to the Cloud is a meandering shared trail that is rooty, muddy but totally rideable and a very nice climb – if a touch soft in places..and watch out for the low branches in places!
When we break cover to the heathland, the sandy/rocky narrow trail is far less forgiving, so some pushing here and there until the last bit to the Trig.
More great views – and a big talking point is the wall of grey about to engulf Macclesfield! The wind direction where we are stood suggests it will miss us, but then Butty points out that the clouds are moving in a different vector..
Some local riders on bigger rigs come up, and after a brief chat they head down the rocky route.
We follow soon after – and find it’s not a flowy as we remember – a distinct need to use the sides more or commit to drops then rocks.
Far more fun is the purpose built trail in the woods – swoopy berms, flowy drops and lots of fun! Even with the odd semi submerged section, and some slippy roots in places it’s still fantastic.
Whist we regrouped partway down, Lee had consulted his weather app and told us confidently that we were safe from rain.
By the time we were at the bottom of the next section, we could hear the gentle patter of raindrops on the leaf canopy, and as we headed down some lanes to get onto the Staffordshire way, we needed to put on waterproofs. Looking to right some very dark clouds were overtaking us!
We’ll be fine under the trees say’s Phil – and it does give a decent amount of cover, we pass a guy practicing his Rapping skills, and a slightly glum couple out walking in gym gear realizing that they are going to get damp!
This triggers 3 Sheds to reminice on what features he looks for in the landscape when on a walk, and he’s not the only one. Opportunity would be a fine thing.
Time and weather dampen any enthusiasm to extend the loop, so we swing East, get some tour guide patter on the history of the Biddle halls, and make a stop at Cabbage Cottage to see progress.
A fine construction it is, we admire the stonework, the pallets of Stafforshireshire Blue tiles ready to begin affixing to the roof as soon as the inset solar panels are fitted next week.
A slightly flexy ladder leads up the scaff to the roofline, affords good views over the trees, and a closeup of the Green Man gable stone.
Inspection complete, and skies clearing, time for the last climb back up to Hot Lane and refreshments!
Ruth has already lit the firepit, and the BBQ, so with a fine cloudy citrusy ale in hand we can admire the stunning sunset unfolding in the West.
Nibbles include “baked beans on a stick” – not the heinz variety but huge creamy butterbeans in tasty sauce. There is also some warm bread and spicy dip.
We get to sample some Keeved cider – really nice.
The main event is sliced BBQ’s kebab in pitta’s with superb salad, fantastic falafels, and a wonderful chicken ,rice , aubergine and tomato fried concoction that would make a lebanese style kitchen proud!
To a great playlist we sit round the firepit and enjoy the big sky views, spot stars, planes (id’d with Flight tracker app), and satellites. Talk of a chinook going over Poynton and Cheadle yesterday. Lees next bike trip options…it all depends on the weather, and his DuoLingo skills! Also a new unit of firewood – 1 bin lid’s worth (good use of bin lid Bern!)
With the 5l cask empty, we get some random tins from the frige of doom, and enjoy sampling those before the pudding stout comes out.
The day trippers soon depart, and the overnighters get started on the Tamavulin.
Tis well past the witching hour before we head to bed.
The next morning a hearty breakfast of Oatcakes with cheese, bacon, black pudding, sausage, egg and tomatos is being rustled up by our hosts, with tea and coffee being dispensed liberally.
Sunny and clear – more features on the horizon are being discussed – a big white towerlike structure Wrexham way, something akin to a big sail near Liverpool, and closer to the house – the wonky trailer in the field (Quirky Calendar opportunity – the trailer in all seasons?)
A fine do, a happy Troll, extra special thanks to Ruth for having us and being chief house elf.