B RIDE - KNOTT END

SUNDAY 10 JULY 2011

My first Sunday ride for four weeks,after the bad back today was to be the test!

I had told people that Knott End was too far for me and was planning to turn round at Catforth.

Maurice and I left the Town Hall shortly after 8.30 on a bright, chilly morning with the odd drop of rain still about, we knew that Ken and Frank would be at the Beehive, Ray an unlikely starter as he was being treated by his grandsons, nice work if you can get it.

Set off from the Beehive almost exactly 9.00, after taking off our rain/wind tops, mistake number one! tops back on before Adlington as the drizzle increased.

Riding into a slight westerly wind we followed the well known route through to Bamber Bridge before picking up the tramway, stopped off for a comfort break at the cafe in Avenham Park, the recently applied gravel looks great, not sure that it's cyclist friendly.

Riding down through the Marina the wind had picked up into a fine off shore breeze, just like the seaside.

After Ashton Park we got into the Christie Hospital Blackpool ride, there were as usual hundreds of riders, riding every type of bike, riders in tutus and some in black tie. It's easy to dismiss these people but I always end up admiring their enthusiasm. Inevitably there would be a lot of tired and aching people on Monday.

As we arrived at Billington's craft centrewell before 11.00 there was only one customer, predictably the food and service was up to it's normal standard.

Return leg via Penwortham, Where again we came across the Christie riders. Then on through White Stake, what an odd name on to Midge Hall. Reaching the main Chorley to Southport road, we turned right for Croston riding up Syd Brooke lane to the Delph diving club. Here as per normal a cup of tea sat in the sun was a welcome reward for our efforts.

One of the downsides of stopping at the diving club is the ascent of heart attack hill, riding up to the motorway bridge.

By now, after my layoff I was a spent force, even more spent than normal. This was highlighted by Ken who appeared to get a burst of energy riding me into the ground.

Riding back along Chorley New road it was clear that there had been torrential rain, just for once we can say that we saw no rain after the initial drizzle.

Maurice, chose not to stop at Catforth, he completed the Knott End ride as a solo rider getting home at 5.10 with 89 miles, clearly his tour in France has done him good.Well done Maurice.

A magic day, I've a lot to do before I'm match fit, good company and good weather.

71 miles back at Walkden. Report by Peter Moore