An excellent long run today, to Dagfields in beautiful Autumn sunshine. It was one of those “what should I wear?” sort of mornings as we set off in a thick fog with temperatures of c 5 degrees, but sunshine was promised. It didn’t take long for us to ride out of the mists into the sunshine, but it never got that warm and although we were all in leggings-long-sleeve-tops-and-warm-glove combos, we didn’t get too hot even when the sun was at its height. But it was certainly a fabulous day to be out, with crisp air, a blue sky and the trees all starting to turn golden.
Jim took us on a circuitous, mainly flat route via Farndon, Worthenbury then Malpas, then via Wrenbury (where whilst waiting for a train at a level crossing Iain entertained us with his track standing ability) to Audlem. The roads were fairly quiet and most car drivers sensible and considerate – and road surfaces varied! We all stayed together well, with various riders taking the front – the one to watch is Jack Campbell who every time he went to the front, anxious not to go too slowly, did the opposite and left some of us breathing through our ears. By the time we got to the cafe we’d done 50 miles at a fair lick and we were ready for our beans on toast.
And then home, the direct way right through Crewe, then on lanes to Middlewich and back to Northwich. Again the pace was swift, and we were often singled out, either to allow cars past or because the number of people wanting to ride into the wind was limited! I ended up with 74 miles on the clock, an average speed of 17.6mph, 2,300 feet of climbing and 4 hours 14 minutes of riding.
We were: Jim in the lead, Kev and me, Stuart, Kev and Jack Campbell, Jeff, Iain and Jamie. Craig, Graham and Woody left us on the way out, somewhere near Wrenbury.
It was one of those rides to savour, with an ingenious route from Jim, who kept us all together; and despite the evidence of recent hedge-cutting, no punctures or mechanicals at all. Thanks to Jim for leading and everyone else for your company and chat.
Jamie was enjoying himself…
Iain’s track stand