Words by Alex, Photos by Pete
Crew: El Pres, Butty, Dr S, Slim, Smiffy, Stunt, TJ, Troll.
Guest Appearances en route: PTD, Ian
Route: Zag, Charity, Narnia, Hardingland, road to Standing Stone, Picnic (squeaky bum) descent, lower RHS trails, Kings Head.
Conditions: Mild but very windy
Notes:
Storm force 6 with 40mph gusts is no weather for going high, so a forest based route seems a good plan this week.
The bottom of the zag seems to be at the apex of a natural funnel – the wind roaring so loudly that it’s quite difficult to hold a conversation! Once we are quorate we head uphill, at Windyways there is some shelter – and conversations can actually begin!…This week mostly the renovation work needed on Dr S’s new place in Kerridge 🙂
Charity tarmac is a real slog with a serious headwind, but once again shelter appears at the top.
Also appearing from Hacked way lane are PTD and Ian – both on E bikes, good to see the “Lad” after a long time. Plenty of e bike banter, they are on a cheeky ride with a bit of a time limit, so we let them go – only to catch them up again halfway up charity proper where they meet Butty coming up from his van parked near the Smithy.
Team E hop the fence to do the trails that cut the corner, whilst the rest of us complete Chazza to the Narnia turn.
A little muddy under the trees on Narnia, before we sweep down past the cottage and onto a dry and rocky Hardingland. Lower Teggs covered in a layer of autumn leaves before we pass between the higher and lower ressies and head down the steps and along to the road.
Time check – and wind check (its really picking up!), we opt to ride up the road all the way to Standing stone – mainly to keep out of the wind, but also to keep on time for the pub.
The road is closed to vehicles – seemingly because of the “new” pond half way along is overflowing across the road (or has this undermined the walls on either side?) – carpets of pine needles blanket our way as a result 🙂
Less fun is the final climb – there is a reason we avoid this route most of the year!!
8pm and all’s well for the final descent down the right hand side – narrow, fast and rooty there is a squeaky bum moment at some point for most, but it’s a cracking section – plenty of scope for zig zagging either side for those of a trailbuilding bent?
Right then left over the little bridge, up the slope and then down the sandy track back to the road, another old skool TNR favourite.
Route one to the pub and some well earned refreshment!
Inception, Sir Philip and Landlord mean we are spoilt for choice – and we have the big table by the fire too (not that it’s especially cold tonight)
Gammon was the winning choice, bean chilli was tasty but on slightly short portions, but all choices are consumed vigourously. Table service for beer an added bonus. Some hilarity from the staff as their full size skeleton decoration decides to lose it’s legs as one of the team brushes past!
Troll vents frustration at strange connectors on his electrical gubbins that he and Ruth are installing, and Butty keeps us amused with the list of kink features available with various AI girlfriends!!
Ruth arrives with tales of having watched too many glanding videos on youtube (wiring related honest!)
El Pres does pudding, then triggers an AoE on whisky, tonight we get to contrast Ardberg and Jura, and Stunt wins the Pete Whisky Description bingo with Izal Medicated 😉
It has actually warmed up since we arrived, but the rain is just beginning, did Pete and TJ regret not asking for a van assist home??