The April Special Ride to Ellerdine Heath was a re-visit of that of October 2021; however on that occasion only Matt and John W joined me on a longer version of Dave M’s route. This time out I had extended the route to lanes anew along with old faithfuls to make a 65 miler.
So six Briskets arrived at Audlem public car park just in time to park up their cars. I came with Ken, Ray came with John M, and Richard and Nick arrived separately (and just in time for a last parking space). Ken and I did a brisk 5 mile warm-up to assess wind conditions before going to the cafe to meet up with the others.
The route was designed to take advantage of the brisk westerly wind at the start, then head southerly for many miles before turning into the wind to run along into Oakgate Nursery cafe for lunch. So we head east via Bunkers Hill and Madeley Heath to slide through Keele by the university. Back over the M6 and passing the Keele services, it was a fast run down to Chapel Chorlton.
Here we enter the long one and half miles of Butthouse Lane - a very muddied lane of agricultural usage (even with a tractor half way down it). At the grateful end of it at Standon Mill, we use a very large puddle to wash the wheels down. Onwards we wiggle to Croxton where I recall another long agricultural lane known as Ginger Lane. I remarked when we three in 2021 rode it that it would not be necessary for anyone else to do so again. This honour now is also bestowed on Butthouse Lane!
We work our way south westwards via Adbaston and Sambrook where the threatening sky deluges us with rain and hail. At Howle we phone the cafe as per instructions. The next 7 miles are a head-down ride into a strengthening westerley wind. We arrive at the cafe after 41 miles to see the Mods nearly finishing their lunch, and ours almost ready to bring to table. The cafe did us proud in not wasting time when we could refuel with the favourite of the day i.e. toasted paninis.
Suitably refreshed and carbohydrated, we set off about 15 mins after the Mods. We are now following the same route towards Marchamley and its steep hill. We see them ahead but ignore their hilly route to continue onto to Hodnet. Up and out via Wollerton and Darliston, the rain threatens again as we cross the A41 bound for Ightfield.
It's now “downhill” all the way back into Audlem with 65 miles ridden and a well earned rest. After loading up the bikes, Ken and I drive out towards Whitchurch on the way headlight flashing several members of the Mod Group who are on their way into Audlem to finish their ride.
Overall a very satisfying ride with no “events” to speak of except for that muddy Butthouse Lane. Riding through this beautiful spring countryside was a joy, especially with great company of the brisk riding set who took it turns to punch ahead into the wind or lead on the hills.
CA
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