Words & Photos by Pete
Route : Maze – Towpath – Beehive bridge – higher lane – lidgetts – half KB to tarmac & Robin Hood & Oakenbank – Spuley Lane – Pott Shrigley – Moorside Lane – Birchencliffe descent – Long Lane – Green Lane col (its the better way into UB) – Church House Inn .
Crew : Smiffy , Chris & Pete
Pub : Croxy
Conditions : 3c , a very blustery Easterly – gusting well over 35mph
Notes :
This was one of those rides whereby just getting out was an achievement in itself , given the inclement weather. Thankfully it was not actually very wet. However, I decided caution should be my watchword and so it was the 2nd time ever I have donned my Mountain Equipment walking-cum-ski jacket for a TNR.
Despite a 6:30pm start we not one single “worker” in the crew tonight ! . But Smiffy was almost on time
I did think of a subtitle for this week – Keeping a low profile – we didn’t climb anything higher than Lidgetts Lane or Moorside Lane because the wind was just too strong.
Was it too slack ? Or ok given the weather ? We did two hours so I consider it was a worthy ride , and we felt smug for braving the elements .
Good view of a hunting barn owl on the wing as we arrived at the Brickworks
On arrival at the Church House I found that Andron hadn’t got my text with the food orders …but it was not a problem. I think we have the required customer loyalty points now.
The pub was far from empty – The Poachers running group turned up (Ant & Chris & others I don’t know) . Plus four of the nancies looking a bit chilly.
Croxy joins us and regails us with stories of stumbling upon German nudist colonies in Lanzarote
We were glad we made the effort to get out !