Sang Al Green but could Tony Jo and I ensure this happened? Rob Taylor was really looking forward to a trip to Bridges and eager to offer me assistance when planning the route. Rob suggested I avoid Shrewsbury and head west going through Malpas and Ellesmere and after a bit of route adjustment Rob & I planned a route of 83.6miles.
Unlucky for some we had a group of 13 which distilled down to 10 on the day. The weather was bright and sunny and Tony gave the talk about, sticking together after which we set off with Andy and Paul Barnes providing the group great shelter, the pace was brisk to Moulton where we followed the River Weaver to Winsford.
Regrouping in Nantwich Jo gave, “The talk” thus the pace settled down and we rode steadily to Malpas, passing the handsome Red Lion Pub, which according to, everyone’s favourite builder, Andy had very fine Lime mortar.We stopped at the old Fire Station for Lunch where some local riders were keen to talk about the club’s name and our route.
The Route from Malpas to Baschurch provides excellent views towards the Welsh borders. In Baschurch we stopped at Moor farm shop for a brew and Cake. With 20 Miles to go Bridges seemed a long way away. Our Table was booked for 18:30, so Tony rang ahead to explain we may be a little late.
The last 10 miles starts as a gentle climb from 300ft, getting steeper and steeper before topping out at 1200ft. I was pretty much done in at this point, Lee and I watched Jo and Graham spin up the climb. I was glad to take a moment, to enjoy the view just before the top of the climb.
As we descended to Bridges we saw Andy B waiting at the junction, true to form the group had split and taken an alternative path to Bridges, Paul B had energy to spare and shot past the Bridges sign adding a little bit more to his ride. Amazingly we arrived at 18:15 in daylight without a single mechanical.
When would the faffing commence?
