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Alan S left on the short run announcing – we’re off to Two Mills, the long run can go to Holt or anywhere else they want. We all looked at each other – I stupidly said we could go via Summertrees and the Candle Factory and then round the back way to Holt. Fine said Alan Kemp you lead, I had that sinking feeling of an Italian Captain falling into a life boat but decided to bluff it out. Ten of us set off toward Whitegate, Alan K, Dave Fearon (on a fixed!), Jon C, Kev C, Tim, Howie, Vince, John K and a friend of his who hasn’t been on a club run for 25 years whose name I have completely forgotten but for the purpose of this tale will call Newie (sorry I’m getting old and forgetful)

Alan announced he had had a tough ride yesterday and was so tired he could hardly sit on his bike. Ha ha ha ha, suffice to say on the way home Howie came up beside me and said ‘this has been great preparation for Llanberis, high winds, hills and a view of the back of Alan Kemp disappearing into the distance’. We went to Eaton, up Hollins Hill, down to Quarry bank, along to Willington Corner, up Chapel lane past Summertrees and back to Quarry bank. At this point my sanity and credibility were questioned as it dawned on some of the party that we had just been in a circle with a gratuitous hill thrown in. I got quite a lot of flack but I did my best Bernard Hinault impression and told them to go forth and multiply.

Then over to Burwardsley and Bickerton via Tattenhall for a couple more hills before a regroup. It must be said that Dave F is amazing, with his metronomic riding up the hills. How the hell does he do it on a fixed, if I could have caught him I’d have pushed him off.

We then regrouped and all agreed to pretend we were on a club run and keep the pace sensible and stay together. There was complete consent – yes you’ve guessed it as we set off Alan K and Jon C disappeared into the distance not to be seen again until Holt. A fine meal in a crowded restaurant and we all set off refreshed. A fairly uneventful return except Dave and Alan sat on the front the whole way back and talked. We were treated to everything from Alan’s competing in the Peace race to Dave’s early days of TT’ing as well as some interesting facts about early girl friends. It was better than a radio and apart from regular shouts from the rear of ‘half a rev’ they did a fantastic job in very adverse conditions.

All in all 65 miles of hard but enjoyable riding at this rate we’ll be ready for Llanberis.

Despite what it says below – Posted by Kev