A RIDE - KNOTT END (and not to Knott End!)

SUNDAY 5 JUNE 2011

Well what a turn round in the weather, after two days of 24 degrees plus it plunged to less than 12 overnight, it was a return to winter.

A low number of members on the town hall square were agreed, today was going to be a crap day, and as the rain began to fall heavier, so did hearts, it is after all supposed to be summer, summer rain is supposed to be warm if wet.

A telephone call the previous evening tied us to calling at the Bon Appetite to pick up our two Darwen members, Steve and Bernard.

With the rain bouncing down we left Bolton heading Adlington and Chorley and before long my feet were as cold as any time in winter as water washed over my shoes, why oh why didn't I put my overshoes on.

A puncture delayed our progress but not unduly but we would not be at the Bon Appetite at the agreed time with the Darwen boys. About this time the rain abated but waterproof tops could not be removed, it was too cold.

The main topic on reaching the café was 'who's going to Knott End?' Steve and Bernard had already decided against going due to the weather, the rain was again a steady downpour as we sat in the café with our bacon barms and tea, outside did not look inviting.

Pete and Clive, riding in shorts without leg warmers were not keen on going any further, cold being the main reason. Paul, Ian and I decided to ride on a bit further, Elswick perhaps, as Paul and Ian wanted to 'get the miles in' whilst preparing for the marathon Barcelona to Bolton ride.

As we left the café the rain became very light and eventually stopped beyond Preston Marina.

The going was fairly brisk, the wind being quite kind often swirled behind us helping us along while reminding us that the return could be quite hard.

Knott End was a very welcome sight despite the cold steely grey skies and the wide estuary normally busy with bobbing white sails lent a wintry feel being bereft of activity.

Suitably fed we began to make ready for home but we decided a few photos were a necessity, who would believe we had decided to complete the ride to Knott End without proof.

By the time we were ready to go it was 1.45.pm. could be a late homecoming, myself I wasn't bothered but Paul had promised an early return to 'her indoors'.

We made the return back toward 'The Heads' but bypassed them in the lanes to Out Rawcliffe and Cartford Bridge where once again we had to pay the toll man, when I say we, I mean me and Ian, Paul's twenty pound note coming in to play again.

Despite a very brisk wind, oh that bloody wind, we made very good progress, Paul doing sterling work on the front being eventually joined by Ian. Together they gave me much needed shelter as we sped along, this riding with the aspiring big charity riders is doing much for my fitness, but it is hard going at times.

Once through Preston we are on the rolling A6, the drags on here back to Bolton with weary legs can be very hard, Paul and Ian with many miles accumulated did not appear to have 'weary legs'.

Just to emphasise the last bit, Paul opted for Chorley Old Road at Horwich followed by Wallsuches, wow!! I was just glad to roll down Chorley New Road nice and easy now on my own for the last couple of miles home. Whilst rolling along 'easily' I realised just how stuffed I was and Meriden Grove seemed a little steeper, boy I was glad to get here.

Nearly ninety miles with superfit 'boys', glad may be an understatement. Report by Tony Bowles