With the weatherman forecasting barmy temperatures in the week to come and Ian Smith saying it will even last into June, it was a bit of disappointment to roll up at the British Legion avec arm warmers and gilet. A chilly wind while on the bike took away the heat from the sun trying to peak through.
Another good turnout, I think both runs shared 15 riders each. The short run started off with 17 including Elaine (great ride today), Ian Smith, Ewart, Chris Gilbertson, a returning Matt Gilbertson, Benn Jones, Chris Graham and son George out for the first time, Jack, Bob, Alan, El Presidente Dave Daynes, Jimmy Williams, Garry Brown, Jim, Ali and Tim (both of which out on pretty much first rides). I hope I haven’t missed anyone and got all the names right!
Today’s destination despite the moans was Congleton Garden Centre via the Cloud. We headed up towards Goostrey (I know for a second week running but Al is back next month so you won’t have to put up with it for long), the climb up into Holmes Chapel, along to Brereton Heath, Smallwood, Astbury and then a stop at Congleton Garden Centre. Here we lost Garry, Jimmy Williams, Alan and Dave Daynes who opted out of the climb and went for an early bath.
It was great to see a big group take on the Cloud. In all honesty it isn’t a hard climb, the hardest part is the couple of miles out of Congleton and then it’s pretty steady. We regrouped a couple of times just to make sure everyone was ok but everyone stayed pretty much together which was great.
As we were waiting at the junction ready to go back after the decent past the Wood Mill we noticed we were two people missing. After 5 minutes of no sign, Jack, Ian and I went off to make sure everything was ok (anything to have another go at the Cloud the other way up eh?!). Unfortunately George had a bit of an off coming down the decent, nothing major and fortunately landed in a hedge. Both George and bike were fine, a slightly grazed knee and a bit of embarrassment was all that was the matter. Chris took him back to the Garden Centre the shorter way and we met back later on for the ride home. George don’t be worried, you can’t call yourself a proper roadie until you’ve had an off! You did a great ride today for your first one you can be proud.
Back at the cafe with 38 miles already in the legs everyone tucked into beans on toast. Unfortunately Ewart’s took a while to come and by the time he got his, he told them to take it away as he had to get home to Wrexham. Quote of the day: “From Wrexham and back on a Blue Ribbon”!
With time now ticking on we went direct back. A good pace was taken up all the way home only having to stop once for Chris Gilbertson’s double puncture! We kept together all the way to Lach Dennis, pushing out 20-22mph all the way which was brilliant.
I arrived home with 65 miles on the clock. Not a bad day in the saddle!