Tea with Dee.
John Mann and I met to ride once again to Red House Farm, a ride arranged before I realised that the Wednesday ride were also bound for the same destination, I only saw their ride on the runs list this morning before setting off.
John asked my opinion as to where we would be when caught, Hollins Green I reckoned. A call of nature once again just approaching Bent's garden centre was answered, today the background music had Ray Charles unmistakable voice while tinkling the ivories!
On we went and once on Holcroft lane an enormously helpful tail wind had us floating along, not quite as fast as the few cyclists on tri bars who shot past us, but a nice pace. Just before we got to Holcroft lane a slight figure shot past at greatly impressive speed, just visible under his red gilet was an older Bolton clarion jersey in the unmistakable pattern of red yellow and black, but who was it, I was at a loss.
We had a short break at Hollins Green, again the unknown cyclist was discussed but without realising who it could possibly be. It was here I was chastised a little by John with a cheeky observation. Having mentioned to John the invite by our A group to ride back with them on Sunday and my reluctance to engage in 18 + mph chase, he mentioned speeds of 21mph in places and how fast his legs were revolving behind my fixed gear. I chuckled and pointed out that I was actually back pedalling. I agreed that the pace would be judged accordingly from this point on.
Once over Warburton Bridge and reaching the Green Dragon pub, our clarion clad mistery cyclist was revealed, there sat in the bus shelter giving us a shout was Fred Smith, well I never. With a wave and a shout we responded and carried on to the Pennine way cycle track. John had earlier expressed reservations about using the track due to overnight rain but I reassured him it would be fine but in doing so I recalled saying something similar once before being confronted by swans on a cycle path. The path was in fact perfect with hardly even a puddle to be seen, much to John's relief and though he didn't know it mine as well.
By now the sun was beginning to feel warm and in the shelter of the tree lined track it really was superb cycling and 84 year old John was really enjoying the day. Blue sky and lots of broken white cloud set the scene for the approach to the farmhouse cafe now a mere half mile away and still the B group had not put in an appearance, surely they should have passed by now.
As we locked our bikes in the farm yard adjacent to the cafe a group of cyclists appeared, it was our fellow club members.
Dee joined us at our table while the rest after exchanging greetings decided to dine in the outside patio area. The chat was lively, humorous and interesting especially when it came to John's retrieval of his club newsletter that he had forgetfully left on the table the previous Wednesday.
The Wednesday group was a good size showing the interest in a midweek ride when we are blessed with nice weather as today, it was nice to see, Ken Hahlo doing a good job as leader.
John expressed an interest of a further visit to the old Warburton church and a search for the now elusive gravestone of an unfortunate young that gave a glimpse of his life while also a hint of mystery. Again we failed to find it.
After browsing the grounds we left to tackle the wind that had so assisted us on our outward journey, Holcroft lane would once again be a challenge.
Once at the top of the lane and with the wind now mainly behind and across we were mighty relieved and normal progress was resumed.
At Daisy Hill we paused a while before going our separate ways, John expressing his delight at being able to enjoy riding his bike despite his recent medical problems, at 84 he has a true appreciation of the humble bike while I appreciate the company of a true gentleman. An Indian Summer does not just apply to the weather!
John asked my opinion as to where we would be when caught, Hollins Green I reckoned. A call of nature once again just approaching Bent's garden centre was answered, today the background music had Ray Charles unmistakable voice while tinkling the ivories!
On we went and once on Holcroft lane an enormously helpful tail wind had us floating along, not quite as fast as the few cyclists on tri bars who shot past us, but a nice pace. Just before we got to Holcroft lane a slight figure shot past at greatly impressive speed, just visible under his red gilet was an older Bolton clarion jersey in the unmistakable pattern of red yellow and black, but who was it, I was at a loss.
We had a short break at Hollins Green, again the unknown cyclist was discussed but without realising who it could possibly be. It was here I was chastised a little by John with a cheeky observation. Having mentioned to John the invite by our A group to ride back with them on Sunday and my reluctance to engage in 18 + mph chase, he mentioned speeds of 21mph in places and how fast his legs were revolving behind my fixed gear. I chuckled and pointed out that I was actually back pedalling. I agreed that the pace would be judged accordingly from this point on.
Once over Warburton Bridge and reaching the Green Dragon pub, our clarion clad mistery cyclist was revealed, there sat in the bus shelter giving us a shout was Fred Smith, well I never. With a wave and a shout we responded and carried on to the Pennine way cycle track. John had earlier expressed reservations about using the track due to overnight rain but I reassured him it would be fine but in doing so I recalled saying something similar once before being confronted by swans on a cycle path. The path was in fact perfect with hardly even a puddle to be seen, much to John's relief and though he didn't know it mine as well.
By now the sun was beginning to feel warm and in the shelter of the tree lined track it really was superb cycling and 84 year old John was really enjoying the day. Blue sky and lots of broken white cloud set the scene for the approach to the farmhouse cafe now a mere half mile away and still the B group had not put in an appearance, surely they should have passed by now.
As we locked our bikes in the farm yard adjacent to the cafe a group of cyclists appeared, it was our fellow club members.
Dee joined us at our table while the rest after exchanging greetings decided to dine in the outside patio area. The chat was lively, humorous and interesting especially when it came to John's retrieval of his club newsletter that he had forgetfully left on the table the previous Wednesday.
The Wednesday group was a good size showing the interest in a midweek ride when we are blessed with nice weather as today, it was nice to see, Ken Hahlo doing a good job as leader.
John expressed an interest of a further visit to the old Warburton church and a search for the now elusive gravestone of an unfortunate young that gave a glimpse of his life while also a hint of mystery. Again we failed to find it.
After browsing the grounds we left to tackle the wind that had so assisted us on our outward journey, Holcroft lane would once again be a challenge.
Once at the top of the lane and with the wind now mainly behind and across we were mighty relieved and normal progress was resumed.
At Daisy Hill we paused a while before going our separate ways, John expressing his delight at being able to enjoy riding his bike despite his recent medical problems, at 84 he has a true appreciation of the humble bike while I appreciate the company of a true gentleman. An Indian Summer does not just apply to the weather!
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