Lark Ride to Goostrey

‘Where are you going today?’ my better half said.

‘Goostrey.’

‘Goostrey?’

‘Goostrey, via the Brickworks and the A54.’

Fireperson regards Larks and Larklings: Alison, Richard, Craig, Stuart, Andrew, Paul, Ewan, Simon, Darren, Steve, Dave, Dieter, Carl, Rob. Larks joining en route: Steve B and Eddie.

One dozen assorted Larks enjoyed a great route by Darren, who also lifted the mantle of ride leadership from my slumped shoulders. I enjoyed going a little faster than usual on the flat bits (yes there were some). Our intended destination, Pastimes of Goostrey, was heaving so we decamped to Goostrey Home & Leisure which has expanded exponentially since my last visit c1862, and which was … heaving.

So heaving that I eschewed my normal antipathy to such comestibles by eating an 80g bag of Slabs - Slightly Sea Salted Thick & Big Chunky Potato Crisps in the queue and presented the bemused young lady at the till with an empty packet, into which I had slyly slipped the banana skin from my five-a-day portfolio. I followed this with a quick excursion back to the shop for a one pound flapjack (sterling not imperial), by which time my baked beans on unbuttered brown toast had arrived in such quantities as to make it unnecessary to stuff my gob with the industrial quantities of muesli and toast (separately) that is my post-ride recovery repast of choice.

How fast did we go? Dunno. Whatever it was, I am officially too slow to lead this ride (I’m the official so I can decide). I’ve loved creating routes and making friends, and everyone is always very gracious at waiting, but I’m old-fashioned enough to believe that the ride leader should not be the slowest on the ride, as I have been for most of this year. Raph is leading next week while I do something less strenuous.

After that? The ride needs more volunteer leaders please. That means: the ride needs more volunteer leaders please.

Could it be you? Don’t know how to use Ride With GPS? Choose a ride from our extensive back catalogue, or ask me for a dem. Don’t know how to post a news article? There’s a video tutorial on the website, under Documents and/or ask me for a dem. Don’t want to ride in the rain? Cancel the ride. Wanna have a go? Email me, Chris, at chris.c@macclesfieldwheelers.org.uk

Ewan, Dave, Steve, Raph, Craig, Dieter, Darren, Paul and Carl at mile somewhere.

Two big boys grabbed the tractor table first: Raph, Craig.