Disley Write-up

We got the bikes out in the now predictable torrential rain, and dared to believe in my unswerving optimism that it would brighten up. Fortunately, we left the rain in the car park and chased the storm clouds over the top of Buxton Old Road. The long climb was duly rewarded with a dramatic panoramic view across to the Kinder Valley beneath brightening skies.














The quick descent down Redmoor Lane, through sodden spongy grass left Edwin’s brakes steaming and hissing as we walked through the farmyard.
We dropped down across the A6 at Furness Vale, and then started a long climb beneath pylons before hitting the relentless rocky bridleway, polished by the rain. We stopped for a breather and contemplated a sign offering half a pig for £3 per kg. A good offer, but no-one fancied the continuing up-hill with a pig on the handlebars!
We skirted along Chinley Churn and then took the final descent back onto Laneside. In the fading light, we decided to avoid the A6 and Edwin led us along the canal path back to Disley.

As we passed Swizzles Matlow, the smell of Refreshers distracted Owen, and he twitched amusingly close to the canal. Safely back, we sampled the very hospitable Ram’s Head where the beer was good, and the Bangers and Mash plentiful. Not quite half a pig, but not far off!

Birch Vale write-up

The afternoon had seen monsoon rain bouncing off the streets of Stockport and new Mills, prompting a call from Dean at 4pm asking if we were still going ahead, and then questioning my sanity when he heard my positive reply of “oh it will brighten up, if not, we just get wet”.

Fortunately, a couple of hours later we were on our bikes, and riding off beneath hazy amber skies which were holding off the heavy slate grey storm clouds.

Appropriately enough, we stormed up Highgate Lane at quite a pace, conscious that we had limited daylight, then shot down the often loose and dusty Motorway Descent although the rains had given it just enough tackiness to allow swift cornering. We then showed Jon Gildea a new, and much liked alternative to his usual route: The Campsite Descent, before looping back into Hayfield and climbing Snake Path. Jon brutally cleaned the loose rocky ascent after the gate, and we then caught up with Alice and Sam before descending the classic that is Shooting Cabin across Carr Meadow to Glossop Road.

Curtis foolishly followed my wayward line, and none of us could quite believe it when we saw Jon get his line wrong after descending the rocky steps, only to bunny hop up the opposing bank….incredible… odd, but incredible!

We finished off by heading down Swallow House Lane, and then picking up the final two sections of the Lantern Pike to Birch Vale descent (fantastic). After all that effort, like any athletes we needed a Carbs (& Hops) based Sports drink, which, fortunately, they served by the pint in The Grouse. Great stuff.