A wild day in prospect as four “Briskers" set off bound for The White Horse in Overton. The reason for the lunch location was to head into the stiff westerly winds on the way out and get blown home after lunch. The Moderates decided that they would also go to the White Horse and plotted their own route. So Ivan, John, Paul and myself set off on a non-obvious route up to the Pheasant at Burwardsley and over the top to Peckforton. This "footpath come cycle path" route is cyclable and is a useful shortcut. We have to share it with two white Discos today as their drivers practice their controlled-descent skills - why were they in white cars? - they probably won’t be at the end of the off-road training! At the Bickerton Poacher, we turn towards Bickerton and take the lane that shoulders Larkton Hill. Ducking down past Duckington, we cross the A41 at Edge Green bound for Kidnal.
In Chorlton, I pick up a rear wheel puncture and don the latex gloves to effect the tube change. The wind is blowing now and the rain is in our faces as we try to make up time. At Cloy, I decide to cut out the experimental loop through Lightwood Green and go straight to the pub into the westerly winds. I’d phoned the pub earlier and was told that they had a Christmas party in but could accommodate us, and it would be OK. True to their word, we all were.
The Moderates were ensconced in one corner of the bar with their food order about to be delivered. We take the other corner and order the food, and Ivan and I sample Joules “Slumbering Monk” ale. The food comes quickly and a further two pints as well. Well it was soon time to get outside into the cold again and hurtle down Overton Hill, Wrexham-way bound. Ivan breaks off to go to Connah’s Quay to pick up his now mended Disco, as we three wend our way back to Holt via Cross Lanes. Eschewing the prepared ride, we now head for home. The route would have been 50 miles, but on a cold, wet, and windy December day the 60 miles I managed from home was quite enough today. The bike looks absolutely filthy - a jet-wash day tomorrow is in prospect.
CA
No comments:
Post a Comment