Wednesday's weather was so soaking, that I wasn't sure who would take a long drive to risk more of the same on the Thursday. I was pleasantly surprised by the support, as both the brisk group and the moderate riders arrived in force at our staggered start. The new hosts at the Old Priest House cafe in Audlem were friendly and efficient. A few stalwarts were unavailable for various understandable reasons, but with Steve Hughes managing to join us, we were at full strength with regard to our lunch booking. Alan showed me a picture of Roy's post-crash purple leg. The leg and a broken thumb were why Roy was not with us. The images did not put Alan off scoffing a hearty breakfast! I believe that our attractive route was created by Dave Matthews in his hayday (circa 1965). We had ridden it before, about nineteen months ago, on a warm, sunny day. The moderates set out as St.James's church struck ten o'clock. The group consisted of Steve Haywood, Alan, Steve Hughes, Dave Pipe, Dave Matthews, Andy Barber, Battery-less Baird and myself. Ray had left his battery for his e-bike at home, a million miles away in Moreton, but was still game to have a go on his heavy machine.
Andy Whitgreave had sent me a copy of Dave M's previous route, so I had marked it on my paper maps in the hope of providing some helpful assistance. So it was, that Dave M led us out on the undulating lanes to Norton in Hales and on to Loggerheads. Andy's route map had an interesting looking back road featured at Mucklestone, which I must try if around here again. After Loggerheads, Dave took a turn that led us further down into a pretty hidden valley following the River Sow with Bishop's Wood to our right. The road was closed beyond Adbaston, so we had no alternative but to follow the road through Knighton, over the Shropshire Union Canal, and hope that the Roman Road at the end was viable. It all worked out well as we passed through Sambrook, and crossed the A41 to Howle.
It was at this point that we decided, with a headwind, but just two relatively straight stretches ahead, to ring Oakgate Garden Centre cafe to tell them we would arrive in thirty-five minutes. Then things unravelled! The apparently straight route to Great Bolas had a sort of 'disguised'(!), right turn in it, which we didn't take, so we ended up in the village of Tibberton instead. Dave M got splinters from scratching his head, and we had to navigate a hummocky three miles or so, which included crossing the River Meese and the River Tern in order to get back on route. It was reassuring to have Steve Hughes' Garmin-led intelligence at this point. ( I was just hoping to run into Tonto, and was intent on keeping the sun to my left). Our e.t.a. was now out of the window, and I had to inform the Garden Centre to put our lunch back in the oven. This was also a real twist of the knife for Ray, who had to pedal even more miles on his unpowered tank in order to reach our lunch stop.
Traversing the A442 was a bit dodgy, and it was a relief to get out of the headwind, and finally sit down for our grub. The Oakgate cafe was very busy, but there were two reserved tables for our club. Service was instant, and the staff put themselves out to take and deliver drink orders, rather than have us queuing at the busy counter. The food was 'lite bite', pre-ordered quiche and Panini fare, but some of us had ordered extra chips. Andy 'seven bellies' Barber was still hungry though, and resorted to vacuuming any leftovers. Dave 'no carbs' Pipe had not touched his new potatoes, and Andy found these particularly enticing. I suppose he has to be a calorie loading machine to have the energy for all those long Audax rides. The Fast Lads arrived a bit wet and muddy, as Clive's longer route, and their timing, meant they had just been a bit unlucky with the precipitation.
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| Photo by Steve Hu |
We returned via Stanton upon Hine Heath, and then headed north with the strong wind mainly helping us all the way back. The notoriously steep Marchamley Hill had some of us walking. Just before that the Fast Lads had been sighted behind, but they were headed for Hodnet. We had also passed the West Midlands Shooting Ground which disturbed a very peaceful, scenic area. On hitting the A442 my route map showed a brief downhill section, then a right turn on a tight bend into quiet lanes, but we had no sign of the lead riders. There followed a number of phone calls, and hopes of intercepting them on a route through Fauls and Darliston. So, the three lagging musketeers were Dave Pipe, Steve Hughes and myself. Dave and Steve stopped for waterproofs at Millenheath and then stopped at Ightfield to take them off again. The threatening heavy shower was short, so didn't really soak us us. We were quite happy making our own way, but we didn't want the lead group wasting time trying to find out what had happened to us. Steve eventually managed some communication, which meant we all knew our respective locations, and could relax.
We chose to hit the A525 into Audlem near Rookery Farm, and then had a speedy, wind-assisted last lap back to the start. Dave Pipe and myself had fancied a coffee, but the Old Priest House was, unsurprisingly, closed. We were the last ones to return. I apologise for my part in the ride leadership being a bit flawed, it was not the closely synchronised model of Paul Daniels and Debbie McGee, with clearly defined roles, and a bit of magic to ensure no mistakes. However, we are very grateful to Dave Matthews for constructing such an enjoyable route, and the weather was loads better than expected. Congratulations to Ray for a sterling effort. Many thanks for your company and support, and I hoped you liked the ride, if not a lot, you still liked it!
See route map and/or gpx file download
DH
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