Celebrating the fact that the weather was rather better than last weekend, fourteen hardy souls set out on the long run to Prees. We’d been promised a steady ride, which would suit those wanting to step up to the long run. Buoyed by post-Llanberis hubris I decided I should be able to hack it, as long as I could keep sending my domestique to the front to control the pace. As it happens I needn’t have worried and Jim, Jules and Alan between them (and a few others) set a steady but brisk pace, which allowed us to manage the odd conversation, always a good sign! Jim had established a long circuitous route to Prees on quiet lanes, some of which I didn’t recognise, and we rode through Swettenham, past Congleton and through Wynbury. The route was mostly flat, apart from when it wasn’t. We rode in exemplary form with a neat two-abreast formation, and potholes were shouted out, traffic waved past and the group kept nicely together….which was all fine until we’d been out for over two hours/40 miles, tiredness kicked in and the “how far to the café, Dad?” calls started. Dad (aka Jim), having ridden on the front all the way (and not forgetting the extra ten miles he puts in just to get to the HQ for the start) was himself starting to flag, along with everyone else, and we all noticed that conversation stopped as our stomachs started rumbling. Somehow the tiredness was forgotten about as the cafe got nearer, and the inevitable sprint started, which, judging by his position at the head of the line in the café, was won by my super-domestique.
The café at Prees is much loved by the motorbike fraternity, who also like beans on toast and large cups of tea, so it’s perfect for us.
The ride home, direct back via Bickerton, was fairly uneventful other than our only puncture and a misunderstanding over the Pickerton Hills where we inadvertently got split up, which Jim was understandably a bit frustrated about as he’d done such a good job all ride of keeping us together. Anyway having duly reviewed this “learning experience”, and agreed that everyone should have a rear mirror on their bikes, we rode happily together through Tarporley and home.
With Kev and me were: Jim, Jules, Alan, Colin, Steve M, Ewart, Jo B, Mark, Mike, Alex, Matt and Paddy. It was good to see some riders trying the long run for the first time, I hope they enjoyed the experience. Thanks to them for their company, and Jim for a fabulous route and for keeping us so well together. We did something like 80 miles at an average speed of 17mph+, so not a bad day’s training.
Twelve good men and true (and one good woman)