Biking Networking: Birch Vale write-up

Disclaimer

Cycling is a dangerous activity which can result in serious injury or death. All cyclists are responsible for their own safety and must decide for themselves if they are a competent cyclist for the event they attend, cyclists must assess the level of risk for themselves before and during any event, and must not put other people at risk. No assessment of a cyclist's competence is made by the ride leader. Individuals must be able to assess obstacles and decide whether they have the skill to safely ride them. If an individual isn't sure whether they have sufficient skill to ride any section of the ride then they should walk it to avoid injury. All cyclists must wear a helmet and take responsibility for disclosing any relevant medical conditions, allergies and emergency contact details to the ride leader before each event.

Wednesday, 26 August 2009

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.