Easy riding out of January

Finally the ice melted, the weather improved to a damp chill, and we made the most of this with a pop up Thursday morning ride, as well as the scheduled Sunday easy ride.

Last Thursday Sue rode over from Macclesfield with Richard and David for the 10am Wilmslow start. With Jim and myself, that made 5 of us heading out to Barnshaw Smithy, enjoying riding outdoors on our bikes again. We sat outside at the cafe, it was a little chilly, especially for David who was splashed by a vehicle speeding through the car park potholes. Jack arrived on his trike whilst we were working our way through breakfast baps, he had been delayed by traffic, but joined us for the sunny ride back to Wilmslow (the cafe was very speedy with the service). I managed to lose my phone out of my bar bag as I went over some potholes, fortunately my club mates behind were more observant than me and rescued it.

Today’s ride was from Macclesfield to Shipbrook near Davenham. Simon Gr and Simon R kindly agreed to shepherd riders from Broken Cross to Siddington, where I met up with them. After our navigational adventures 2 weeks ago I had come prepared with two working Garmins, and a sheet of paper with turn by turn instructions. I had also spent some time yesterday reviewing and memorising the route using Google street view. We split into two groups, with a group of 8 heading off first at a slightly faster pace, navigated by several Simons, whilst I led a slightly steadier group of 5.

The route had been devised by John, so there was inevitably a track, one of the many Sandy Lanes in Cheshire. This one ran along the side of Boundary Park, and it was just as muddy as it had looked on Google street view. Jack had to walk a short stretch with his trike as it was also very rutted, and there was a high risk of an upside down beetle impression. There was a strong headwind most of the way, so I appreciated Nigel and Jack taking a turn on the front.

We arrived at the cafe just as the last rider from the ‘faster’ group was placing his order at the till. The courtyard has had some temporary fencing and a gate added so it was sheltered and reasonably warm, given the heater. Pete J also arrived in time to eat with us, and the breakfast baps were delicious.

The route back was shorter with a tail wind, and the ‘faster’ group were going very slowly as we left the cafe, so we rode as one group as far as Jodrell Bank. Three of us then turned off towards Wilmslow and Alderley via Bate Mill, whilst the rest headed back to Macc via Catchpenny Lane. Next Sunday’s ride will start from Wilmslow, and if the weather looks good I will lead another Thursday morning pop-up.

Katherine

After the drenching..

Heading back from Mobberley in the sunshine

Nigel, Rachel, Jim, Pete, Jack, Mark, Tim, Simon Gr, Simon Ga, Phil, Griff, David and Simon R