A Craig-inspired adventure today, over yonder hills to Cheddleton. We had a good group out and they set a good pace out past Congleton and Astbury – and then the climbing started, on occasion along the Cheshire Cat route – and didn’t stop until we finally reached the cafe – which was very nice, other than for the fact that it was at the top of a 20% hill, a sting in the tail that had all our riders moaning so much that they didn’t notice me ride past them on the last corner and beat them all to the cafe! Hee hee. 
It was lovely sitting outside the cafe, (a converted Victorian school room) soaking up the warm sunshine – and the only person who was at all grumpy was Kev, who despite getting to the front of the queue to place his order, ended up being the last to get his lunch – and he’d been told there were no beans, despite the fact that everyone else somehow managed to get some. Can’t think what he did to upset the waitress!
The return ride was as challenging as the way out, up and over Biddulph Moor, with much sweating and grinding of gears but beautiful views at the top to make it all worthwhile. Then Ben punctured (the only one of the day) which gave us a chance to admire a field containing 20 alpacas, 1 plastic full sized zebra and 1 plastic pig. A big notice on the fence remonstrated against “the 3 idiots who cut 10 strands of wire and let our animals out at 23.07 on the 24th October” – they would get their come uppance. I’m intending to send this photo to the local paper and see what happens…
This was the best of club rides – great scenery, great riding, great company, and we all kept nicely together. Thanks to Craig for leading, and the WVCC banter prize goes to you all: Ben, Chris 1, Chris 2, John Keen, Nigel, Rob, Kev 1, Kev 2, Max, Steve, and Gareth (who also wins the most beautiful bike competition).
Posted by Eleanor