I think it was a first, other than during late January and February, that more people headed on the long run than the short! For those that headed on the short run, the destination was chosen as Henbury to be lead by Ian Smith as Al was having a weekend off on the back of the bunch.
There was a good mix of people on board including new rider Stuart who rode well with us all day. Spanish Jed was with us for a final run before departing once again to the warmer climate of Virginia for 6 weeks!
Ian and Syd lead the run out, we pootled out around Anderton into the back-end of Budworth, towards Tatton Park, Ashley, Mobberley and circled around Siddington. We wound around loads of different lanes, picking up cyclists as we did so.
Henbury is well known for it’s mountain top finish. A breakaway group was formed by Al and Spanish Jed with Connor following. A burst of attack was soon settled down and another group of riders including an excitable Phil Sharrock joined us. With no one wanting to commit, Wood burst out of the group to test the legs. It shook off a few and Phil Sharrock attacked, it would be an attempt that was too early, as he slowed Spanish Jed flew past on a counter. Using the momentum Wood kept on going, feeling the previous day’s 25 in his legs but in the final metres Connor managed to take the sign by half a wheel length.
Beans and Toast scoffed we headed for home, taking in a loop as we did so. We stopped just outside Goostrey for the first and only mechanical of the day, a pothole defeating the tyre of Nikki Culis.
After Goostrey an intermediate sprint took place with Al Silver taking the honours. The obligatory sprint for the Lach Dennis sign then followed, a long lead out from Spanish Jed was overtaken by Phil Sharrock who pulled the punch along. 100m to go Wood punched away from the punch to take the sign.
Not wanting to go away empty handed Spanish Jed took the Davenham hill climb on the way home.
A really nice route from Ian Smith, good chat, nice easy riding which kept everything together mixed in with a bit of fun. A good day out on the bike.