Twelve riders set out from Cleopatra's in Holt: George,
Steve Haywood, Steve Tan, Clive, Ray, Mold Andy, cheeky Andy, Tom, Keith,
Trevor and Jim. It has become increasingly common, and sociably enjoyable, to
go out on a united club run. Nevertheless, differences in pace will often mean
that riding in two (or three?) separate groups continues in the future.
My route was intended to explore some lanes new to everyone.
The weather was hard to judge, particularly in deciding what to wear. Dave and
Liz would have had a wardrobe frenzy! We
headed for Tilston via Crewe-by-Farndon. From there we rode to Threapwood by
way of Chorlton Lane. At Tallarn Green we cycled south-west to Drury Lane, and
across to Whitewell, an unusual, but quiet and scenic route. It was soon time
to ring either The Raven at Tilley, or The Burlton Arms to see if they wanted
to cope with twelve old sweats in lycra. Clive thought that The Raven could get
busy, and I agreed, so Burlton it was. Ray had to get back, so took his leave
at Fenn's Heath. This was now prime Shropshire easy riding, wafting along in
midsummer on well-surfaced roads meandering lazily through lush green
countryside. Whixall, Waterloo and Wolverley were the way, and soon we were
passing The Dickin Arms at Loppington. The staff at The Burlton Arms were
friendly. The eating environment is attractive, and the food is consistently
very good. It took a while to prepare, because we were such a large group, but
this pub is certainly one of our favourites. We should have let the faster lads
take off a few more miles out, in order to stagger the food preparation to
everyone's advantage. On the other hand they would probably have got lost!
'Crossover Clive' would never get lost, but he was still under the impression
that we were going to Tilley.
All things considered, a direct route home was favourite,
although small, more rarely used lanes were still on the agenda. The weather
after lunch wasn't as pleasant as forecast, but nobody got too damp. The route
to Penley was through English Frankton, Lyneal, Welsh Hampton, Breadon Heath
and Tarts Hill. Jim left us here for Malpas where he was cat-sitting. I may
have been leading in theory, but at this point I had two groups of riders in
front, and instead of taking time for a final map check, led a waiting group
inadvertently south at the last junction before Penley. The next cross roads at
Hampton Wood had signs left, right and centre, all to places we didn't want to
go! We retraced our steps and eventually joined Clive and co., sheltering from
a shower in Penley.
The rest of the route was a brisk, familiar ride north through
Holly Bush, Worthenbury and Shocklach. Despite a semi-sprint by many over the
last six miles or so, Lewis's were shut fifteen minutes early, or so I was led
to believe, but I've just checked their website and they close at 16.30! We
finished up at Cleopatra's at 4.52, and were accommodated by a friendly member
of staff from the North-East, despite their official closing time being 5p.m.
He earned a tip or two for his trouble.
It was good to have had Trevor and Jim properly on board
again, and in great form. George was in notable good shape after his weeks
away. I suspect some extra training miles have been going on, which bodes well
for the moderate '100' next week. I think I'll pack a tow rope! 56 miles easy
miles were covered in the usual agreeable company.
DH
See route map and/or gpx file download.
No comments:
Post a Comment