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Lots of souls at Hartford this morning but most opted for Alan’s shorter run – including two tandems courtesy of the Fearons and the Gregorys. Once it had been announced that the longer group was heading for the hills there was a notable lack of take-up and eight of us set off. Five minutes later we had to stop whilst Kev (having suffered a terminal mechanical) nipped home to change his bike, and the shorter group went past us with much “hare and tortoise” type ribaldry. We resumed our ride to Gawsworth where John Conboy and Lou left us – and then there were six. Kev took us up the left hand fork by the Leather Smithy in Macc Forest – you know the one, with the 25% gradient. Much smugness was expressed by those of us with triples. Our new (or rather returned after 20 years) rider John Keen struggled up on 39/23 only to hit a gutter and collapse into the banking on the side of the road – and broke his saddle/seatpost. He somehow still made it to the top of the hill at which point a “thank heavens for zip ties” fix was effected (see pics) and he rode off back to Macc to find a bike shop. So then there were five: Kev, me, Max, Keith and John Green. We rode up from Bottom of the Oven to the tea rooms above Rainow – can’t remember the name – and to our horror found they were shut. There’s nothing worse when you’re psyched up for a stop. “I’m not ‘appy” said John G as he delicately manouevred his expensive wheels back up the farm track across rubble and cattle grids. Kev then suggested a “short detour” to the Peak View Tea Rooms via Jenkins Chapel (25%+ gradient), down the other side, and up the Goyt Valley. More grunting, gear changing and zig zagging but we all made it and the views were stunning. We felt we deserved a nice long cafe stop and then returned swiftly, aided by the beans and a tailwind. Vital statistics: 69 miles, av 14.7mph (not bad considering the hills), max speed 41 mph (down from the cafe to Bottom of the Oven: my front wheel developed a wobble in the wind which was a bit scary) and we were riding for 4 hrs 37 mins. And now the dog needs walking, the family wants feeding and all I want to do is sleep.
Posted by Eleanor.