Words by Alex, Pics by Pete
Crew: El Pres, Slim, Dunc, Troll, TJ, Slim, Lee
Pub: Butty, Adrian & Biscuit
Route: Rainbow Bridge, Over the Canal, Clarke Lane, Redway Lane, North Farm, back of Kerridge, Rainow, Oakenbank, Poachers.
Conditions: Unexpectedly wet and muddy
Notes:
A slack ride proposed to ease legs and backsides back into the saddle post Traws Eryri, the days rain having finally stopped, we congregate on the middlewood way.
Dunc takes his coat off, the skies darken, Troll arrives and also removes the waterproof, rain begins to fall – and heavily! Rapidly we cover up and take shelter under the trees, much muttering about lying weather apps!!
The precipitation eases to light drizzly stuff – so we head off on our little loop, spashing through puddles, and down past the horsey farm. On the track below White Nancy most of Bolly is in cloud with only the lowest buildings visible…the weather is reminicent our our wet first day last week riding out of Machynlleth.
Back of Kerridge is greasy, we opt for the direct line to the green lane up to the Rainow road – and dodge spiky fronds and overhanging branches with the weight of the rain bringing them lower and closer.
Dunc has brought some rusty nail to celebrate Wills entry to Bristol (it being A level results day), and we partake in the bus shelter by the Robin Hood – how classy are we!? (“are we in tramp mode now?” says Pete)
Tis a fine nip, and we can taste that decent whisky has gone into it!
Talk of a quick pint in the Robin Hood is banished as the thought of getting back into wet coats sends a shiver down our collective spines.
Oakenbank beckons, once crested there is a bright stripe in the sky below the low cloud still clinging to the hills. Very mudsplashed and wet by the bottom, before the short stretch of tarmac to the welcoming lights of the Poachers.
Lee has finally caught up, and is on the way up to meet us when he can turn round within sight of the pub
Bin bag protocol needed on the seats, we swap weather tales with the other bedraggled riders who have also been caught unprepared tonight.
Sarah is away, but Matt and Rhod look after us well, and there is a suprise chocolate cake for Butty’s birthday! Adrian has also joined us with Eric’s maps (of vintage edition) and Biscuit makes friends with the Nancies.
Modest AoE with a Leffe (never a bad answer) before girding for a cool ride home, although the skies have cleared, and with the back end of the Perseids – several shooting stars are reported.