Good turnout at the Legion this morning, fine drizzle and overcast skies saw riders don rain capes to start but were soon packed away as the rain stopped and cloud thinned. Having had our picture taken for a Northwich Guardian article we split up into 3 groups, a small group headed for the hills of Blaze Farm, while Derek lead a good 10-15 sized group to Ma’s in Tattenhall with the remaining 20-25 being lead by Jules to Two Mills.
Before we headed forth we all had to check out what had to be bike of the day with Jon Conboy, rolling up on his fixie; named evil with a passport picture of Dave Hinde on the headset. Brilliant! As Jules said “has anyone seen this man?!”
The pace over to Two Mills was good, we cruised along at a good pace but still allowing for good chat in the bunch. Jules lead a great route both there and back, on the way there we head out through Acton Bridge, taking an early left and the climb up the back of Norley. Through Delemere Forest we did the usual venture upto the outskirts of the cycle path however we decided to continue on through Picton and Little Stanney before going through Capenhurst for the sprint for the cafe.
Kev Campbell took up the pace early on was quickly chased by Jules with Wood & Titch on his wheel. As the pace increase, Titch felt good in his legs and surged past Jules. Wood sensing danger quickly hopped on to his wheel. Titch pushed out a good sprint taking victory with Wood unable to come around the outside in the headwind.
The run home ventured right to the top of cycle path and we followed it right along to Chester with the wind on our backs. Glorious. It was here that the group split in two, with Craig taking some 10 eager beavers on an extended tour home via Holt with the rest of us going through Chester and then round the back near to Tattenhall and Eaton. It was at this point that we came across two problems. Chester Rocks music festival meaning it was rammed in the centre and Jon Conboy’s arse.
On a poor saddle attached to his new stead Jon was starting to suffer with severe arse syndrome with such symptoms as “feeling like I’ve spent the night with George Michael”. It was from this point, and for the next every 5 miles, we were reminded of just how sore his arse was. You will be pleased to hear Jon got home ok and I’m sure you will join me in wishing Jon and his arse a speedy recovery.
Our route took us up to Tarporley through to Oulton Park and back home, finishing with the customary Whitegate hill climb which was won by Jules with no-one able to match the watts being pushed through the pedals.
Great route and well lead by Jules.