Distance-
85Miles Ave Speed - 17.3 ave
On the ride today was myself Matt Hoyles, Gethin Butler,
Dave Littlefair and also making a guest appearance was Matt Stell. After
some very heavy showers we headed up the A6 with the rest of the Withys run
before they turned off and took the easy option!!! (Only Joking ;-) We then
headed towards Garstang with a brilliant tail wind before heading through
Cockerham and onto Lancaster. By this stage we had been averaging not much
less than 20 mph and I was beginning to think things could not get much
harder. How wrong could I be. From there we rode out through the lanes to
Silverdale where we took in a brilliant climb which soon had us all quiet.
Yes even Dave had a moment of silence!! It was then decided that we would
visit or favourite haunt of Beetham for our lunch. A big bowl of soup and
(well it would have been orange cake but the Butler beat me to it) Scone
later and we were soon back on the road. After a tough morning I was hoping
for a steady ride home over the Kellets but how wrong could I be again. I
wont even begin to try and explain where we ended up as I have not got a
clue but all I know is that after many long climbs and some tracks later we
ended up in Arkholme. Lets just say on our run into the village we went down
a lot of country lanes all of which had grass growing in the centre of the
road. That's never a good sign. Anyway from there we headed to Hornby and
onto Caton were we turned to ride over Queremore into a lovely strong head
wind. By this stage it was obvious that we were all starting to feel the
ride catching up and as we ended the first couple of lumps I lost my head.
It was then a matter of survival and thanks to you all for waiting at the
cross roads. I was then very glad that we turned out onto the A6 and
straight back down to Preston. I got back home very tired but had a real
sense of achievement. It was brilliant to get a good ride under our belts
again and after a nice bath and a warm mug of Vimto I was looking forward to
next week. Can I just say thanks to everyone for yet another brilliant ride.
I feel very honoured to be riding with so much talent, when we are out
riding together and to be given the opportunity to do rides like this so
thanks. Role on Roys ride now!!!
