There were loads of riders at Harford, all attracted by a sunny if cold day and their New Year’s resolutions to get some miles in. One ride went to Holt, I went with the longer ride to Prees.
We were slightly disorganised to start with, but things did settle down eventually and we made a nice neat crocodile of riders making good progress on Cheshire lanes – until we hit the Peckforton Road, where we hit a big patch of ice and no fewer than seven riders hit the deck. We think this is probably a club record and we also think (hope) no-one was hurt too badly: although Ian looked sore and a few WVCC tops looked less than clean.
At that point we split as some riders decided to head to Holt rather than risk further ice; and we rode to Prees via Malpas in good time. The cafe at Prees is amazing – Kev and I had beans on toast + cheese + 2 cups of tea each + cake for £8. I don’t know how they do it – I suppose that’s called “stacking it high and selling it cheap” catering.
Then back home at what felt like a fast pace via Wrenbury and Wettenhall. It was a beautiful afternoon – there was a clear blue sky, and the sun had some warmth in it, which is a rare treat at the moment. I managed to keep up OK until the final hill into and then out of Whitegate when a race was declared and my legs went on strike. I’m not sure who won.
Thanks everyone for your company – making it to the cafe were navigator Graham, front rider Kev, Kevin, Ewart, Nick (amazingly, keeping up fine on a hybrid), Vince, Adrian, Peter, Alan, Simon, if I’ve left anyone out apologies, and let me know!