Riders: Matthew Lowe (ride leader), Peter Hanks, Kevin Thomas, Martin Crapper, Mick Lee, Tina Musgrove, Robert Stevenson.
The weather forecast was not good and it started showing signs of being correct before we set off! The hardy few, standing outside, were keen to let those of us sitting in the changing room know that it was raining. But we didn’t care (yet!). A little light drizzle never hurt anyone (before).
Red ride out of the way and we set out towards Harworth and Blyth. There were a lot of cars about and both fast and close but we made it in one piece regrouping just over the A1 roundabout. Light drizzle had become drizzle! Through Blyth and onto the Worksop road and the weather gods decided to unburden themselves. We carried on through stair rods turning right at the 100 acre wood.
We were wet by the time we reached the café, some more than others. Gloves were all over the radiators, oh and Tina’s socks. Check photo, shocking I know.
Conversation over snacks was different with Tina telling us she had ordered tomato soup which was vegan! I learned something new (Twice) firstly Vegan wine doesn’t use animal products ???? And secondly proper wine might use fish products to clear it. Life is a minefield for the unwary! But be happy that vegan beer is available at selected outlets.
If only Rob had fallen off again you wouldn’t have needed to hear this! Thanks though “A” you must have used the right words on the wee chappie..
The group photo was fun, using the timer on the iPhone I got 5 well focused shots of the ceiling and Tina managed a selfie missing only Pete out but it took so long we could retake it to get him in.
Dinnington was another minefield, we were a bit spread out and Pete and I at the back knew there was a choice of right turns but couldn’t see anyone ahead so we did the obvious and accelerated up the wrong road. At the far side of Dinnington we saw the main group coming out of a side road and gave chase catching up on the way into Laughton. Using the fingers of both hands I was able to work out that we had lost Kevin! Main group ‘knew’ he was with us, ‘Us’ knew he was with them. So we waited and eventually he appeared coming up the hill. Kevin, a little kindness doesn’t always work. You have to be waiting on the right road for laggards not on the wrong road!
Some of us were angling for a second coffee stop and were disappointed as we went past Leger Lakes. We had the wind behind us and made good headway down the long hill into Firbeck. Matt stopped at the junction with Kidd lane and suggested we might want to avoid Techno tube which was flooded and covered in debris. Foolishly we chose Kidd Lane!
the road seemed steep being at the end rather than the beginning of the ride but we met again at the top. The ride down from the hilltop into Oldcotes was a fast and easy bit of the journey. But in the village we turned right before the lights then left to go into Styrrup. Who planned this? We were still early though so the extra hills, not slopes, were welcome and somewhere or sometime along the way another coffee stop had been arranged. So some of us went past the garden centre, some went in. Hot shower outweighed hot coffee for me so I went the other 1/4 mile home leaving some in Wellingtons and others heading to the cricket club or home.
I had forgotten about rain by this time, clothes were dry and I looked back pleased with another good ride out, thanks Matthew.
Riders were: Matthew Lowe (ride leader), Hilary Thompson, Rob Stevenson, Hilary Thompson, Kieran James, Christina Cooper, Chris Higgins, Nick Kay, Martin Crapper, oh and Hillary Thompson, well you can’t hear enough of her can you!
The car park gate was locked but we didn’t care! in fact the red riders used it as a table one even leaving his banana as an offering to the rain gods. The weather was fine, a bit breezy possibly so the offering worked. Do rain gods actually eat the offerings - we didn’t. And precedent is everything so we aren’t going to follow the fine example.
The route was a well kept secret although we knew we were heading to the airfield café and with only 8 of us we didn’t need to phone ahead. So we set off east along towards Bawtry turning right and passed Harworth as a very tidy group. The first of a number of red lights created us at the A1 roundabout but a brief rest never hurt anybody.
Over the roundabout and through Blyth heading towards the 50 Acre Wood was a tad tiring being straight into the wind so we turned right down Crossley Hill Lane then a quick right and left brought us to Wigthorpe. Somewhere along the road Kieran decided he needed cash and an ATM so rather than skirting it we added Worksop town centre to the itinerary. But not the direct route it was pretty busy, so we zigzagged our way to the central pedestrian area. There were a couple of ATM’s so Kieran took his time to choose the nearest one. it was a pedestrian area with a big sign saying “No Cycling” so Matt made us walk! Only about 100 yards but painful, and at the end he found a sign. Not from the rain gods but an earthly one telling disabled users that they were not exempt. A technical photo-shoot over we went round the houses and made our way back the way we came and then along to Rhodesia and the outskirts of Shireoaks.
There are lots of lovely lanes around and we did Spring and Steetley Lanes before reaching Dumb Hall Lane and then turning into the airfield café. There were not many customers and we found seats around a large table. Coffee and cake for £2.50 is rare but worth going for. Not sure about the bacon sandwiches but they seem to go down well.
Planes were coming and going cyclist just seemed to be staying - the seemed lots to talk about. Eventually though we set off. Straight into the wind and into Thorpe Salvin and Kiverton Bridge and from there up Dog Kennels Lane The hill left us a little spread out and waiting at the top was another excuse to wait in the sun and chat. Whilst we loitered the shooters and beaters were busy in the barley field in the distance. Probably only noticed by me but then Kieran asked me to mention the Pavé we cycled over and I have no idea where that was! Cobbles I’m good at - spotting - but not riding over I like to forget pain quickly!
Through North and then South Anston and into Dinnington with a hiccup somewhere which left Rob separated form us by cars at a junction - but we were good for another chat and waited patiently. To avoid the main road and the traffic we turned left along Laughton road and then turned right passed the comprehensive school and then down Lodge Lane into Gildingwells and then Letwell. Ramper Lane and lamb lane gave us time to get excited about the freewheel down Kidd lane - which we did with panache. Another small chat session in Firbeck before setting off.
Not sure whether the scream or crash alerted us to a problem but a familiar sight greeted us - Christina on the deck bike behind! it seems someone had to brake and Christina seeing that happening applied the brakes, bike stopped rider didn’t. Fortunately there was no need for any first aid (as yet I haven’t needed my first aid training) and after a few minutes we were on our way again. I guess the bruises will appear overnight but I hope not.
Christina , Hilary and Kieran left us to go to maltby and Rob abandoned us to go direct to Oldcotes and home. Four of us carried on up Thornbury Hill Lane and into Tickhill. We waited patiently at the Millstone to try and get out and we waited and waited. Matthew got bored waiting and shot out between a couple of cars and we waited. Eventually a battered old van waved and waited to let us out and we set off in pursuit. Little chance of catching him up once Matt got going!
Chris went straight on at the Buttercross and Nick and I followed Matt towards the cricket club. But we didn’t go there - Matt had stopped at a bus stop. Nick went straight on having waved goodbye and I stopped briefly to say thanks. Home from there for me is short ride, Matt had to go load his bike into the car and drive home.
I hope he had as good a ride as me and I look forward to next week. Thanks everybody.
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