Date: Tuesday 15th November 2011
Route: Earthquake, Cadover, Trig Point, Hawks Tor, Lee Moor, top side of clay pits, Cadover, HQ.
Riders: Sam, Stephen, Keith, James, Colin & Alex.
Depart WP: 19:45
Arrive HQ: 22:30
Distance: 18.5 miles
Weather: Dry, mild, windy.

THE ONE AND A HALF MAN RIDE

This route had been in the air for a few weeks, Paddy had called it, Stephen was very keen to ride it and Colin had a plan to better it. So off we went knowing that once you're heading around the clay pits the half man option is dead and you're racing against the clock to get back to HQ in time for a pint.

The start was fairly normal, Sam waiting for us all at the top of Earthquake with Colin off to his customary slow beginning. As we turned left at Cadover Bridge it became very apparent that the strong wind had yet to abate as we all tried to shelter behind Sam. We traversed the car park and headed up the china clay track towards the trig point. Without stopping James took over the Meister's role and took us into what seemed like a china clay river bed. The sensation was quite unique, it felt like riding with flat tyres!

After a bit of play around the humps and hollows on the edge of the pits, I caught up with Sam who had his chain in his hand. Alex was repairer-in-chief this time. We soon found ourselves back in civilisation, Lee Moor of course. After a short bit of road we were into the woods and trying to get down a very boggy track. I failed miserably and had one of the best offs of my life! It wasn't so much an off as an ejection, I somehow left my bike and flew ten yards through the air before landing with a text book somersault!! No damage suffered but I did continue to proceed in a more cautious manner (i.e. walking mainly).

The time was 9:30pm and we had the big climb above the pits between us and HQ. No time for small talk, up that hill we went. As always some parts had to be walked, but Alex rode more of it than I'd ever seen before. The Routemeister was lagging behind now with a broken saddle and temperamental gears. As he arrived on the track at the top of the hill I did a Routemeister on the Routemeister and allowed him just 10 seconds rest time!!

The last stretch was quite good fun apart from the climb up from Gratton Bridge, not pleasant and as usual as we neared HQ Westy started speeding up! We arrived with half an hour to spare but missed Sam there. He wasn't feeling his usual self but he is one of the few that still comes out even when he's got man flu! The ride had taken it's toll and consequentially the drinking performance did suffer with only the Meister managing a second pint. Anyone for Stephen's Grave next week!

Reporter: Keith