Despite the forecast of overnight Siberian temperatures the morning was frost free and wind was absent, so there was a reasonable prospect of company. Out on the road the temperature was hovering just over freezing, with ice at the roadside but the sky was bright and the cloud clearing. Up the hill at Willington a lonely cyclist was burning up calories in a low gear. Drawing alongside I verified it to be Veronica and the day's partnership was confirmed. Over tea and toast we agreed that progress would be slowed by uncertain road conditions and the distance limited by the cold weather. Dragging ourselves out of the warm cafe we set out under a cloudless sky and down the hill to take a right past Oak Tree Farm and a left to Clotton. The autumn shades had given way to stark outlines of branches against the blue base wash of sky. The roads were clear until we arrived at the black swans' lido at Hoofield where the residents were skating on their ice capped pool. On the bend we had to take care over slush and broken ice. Nearing Newton, the hills of Beeston and Peckforton came into view, dark in contrast to the bright sky but before enjoying a closer look we had the welcome stop at the Ice Cream Farm. Why is it easier to sit down than get up in these places? Heading out with the temperature slightly higher we approached Beeston with its stonework lit with a yellow tinge today but this changes with the time of day and the season. Down Bates Mill Lane the road was shaded by Beeston Hill and the surface looked treacherous. Veronica took it with the gay abandon of a cavalier while I was more the stubborn donkey until conditions improved at the bridge over the canal by the Shady Oak. And then it was up the hill to Birch Heath and Tarporley and more hills along Utkinton Road to keep the central heating going. Lamps were lighting up as we bid our farewells in Kelsall and I headed off in a race against dusk for a warm welcome on my home ground. Only 44 miles in total but with a rating of 'unmissable'.
RH
No comments:
Post a Comment