It must have happened before but I suspect not very often, that the run leader returns on his own. Well to be honest there were only five of us to start with: myself, Dylan, Julian, Chris Latter and John Chrystal. Dylan and Jules, both race fit, set what would be fair to say was a challenging pace, despite the tail wind. After about ten miles, Chris pulled alongside and said “the last time I was going this fast Fausto Coppi was up front” – he’s older than he looks. About two miles later John said “where are we going today” – on explaining my detailed route plan including three major climbs finally arriving at the cafe above Bollington, he announced “I’m too fat for that, I’m on the wrong bloody run”. Things were not going well, especially as I hadn’t planned to lead the run and was not entirely sure which way to go.
I surprised myself by finding Alderley Edge and we set off in a sort of planned loop towards the hills. At this point Chris and John went striaght on at a turn and shouted back into the wind – “We’re off to AJs” – then there were three.
With a bit of help from Jules we found Pott Shrigley and ascended the infamous Brickworks climb, then down into Kettleshulme and up the long climb to Oldgate Nick. Dylan did a very passable Contador impression flying up both hills with plenty of out of the saddle bursts. Luckily for Jules and myself his two and a half stone of muscle is not much use on 1 in 4 windy descents where he struggles to stay on the tarmac. One last tortuous ascent from Jenkins Chapel and we were at the café.
After the stop, a small climb, then a great long descent into Bollington, and Dylan said he wanted to go straight home and Jules volunteered to show him the way. I was keen to complete my ‘planned’ route via the Wizard home and wanted a few more miles so we parted company. I had my trusted no expense Garmin with me so what could possibly go wrong.
The Angel of the North statue is very impressive when you get up close and no matter what anyone says, Blackpool illuminations are a match for any of the wonders of the world. I arrived back alone and tired.
Statistics according to the Garmin 436 miles, 27,654 ft of ascent, average heart rate 24 bpm, and average speed 87.4 mph.
For sale one Garmin. Kev
Brilliant blog by Kev! The majority went on the "short" run today. Around 60 miles today in the end. We suffered as much as everyone else in the wind today. We went South to Alsager before returning up North to Wheelock. Wheelock Cafe as always offered great facilities and food. It was then direct through Bradwall and Warmingham back home.
The pace picked up just after Weston to Wheelock with two races on offer, the first for the motorway bridge won by Kris, the second to the cafe won by Matt G (this writer was pulling in the breakaway before loosing his bidon).
On the way home the pace picked up after Middlewich through Byley back home.
As always thanks to Al Silver.
By kris:
Absolutely brilliant kev! Never laughed so much!
I was unsure about the garmin, but I think I'm sold on it now, especially with that performance boost!!
Legs are feeling a bit sore this morning. Got to love the hills!!! Real shame there was such a small group on the long ride. Lots of riders in the short ride that should have been with us 😉