The Tale Of A Weekend Ride Resurrected
This weekend was my routine opportunity to build up a decent run to add onto the #Sep100 spreadsheet – and of course to enjoy the great outdoors. Unfortunately circumstances conspired to make it impossible for me to get out on Saturday.
I won’t bore with you the details, but suffice to say that the following factors were involved: A fish; Some fungus; Rain; Work. Not necessarily in that order, or to scale. I achieved a (not very impressive) total of marginally over 2 miles in a trip to the garden centre and back for essential supplies.
Hardly a long Saturday ride.
So, On Sunday…
… I was a bit antsy. We had plans for a houseful for late lunch so I thought I’d be stuck in all day. My blessed Other Half perceived my angst, so she sent me off to play out on my bike. I didn’t need to be asked twice. “Why don’t you have a couple of hours out on your bike while I sort this stuff out?” – “Ok, bye!” *whooosh*
I opted to try a new loop, climbing past Tandle Hills Country Park along Thornham Old Road (Thornham Lane) after a climb across to Royton. I was really pleased with how the old legs held out, without needing a rest at all on the way up. From the top of Thornham Lane it’s a great, grin-inducing descent to Slattocks.
From Slattocks, it’s less than mile alonf the towpath (avoiding the parallel main road) to Thornham New Road which leads back towards Royton. I’d not ridden this lane before, and now I know why it’s not too busy:
Don’t Drive Up Thornham New Road!
At this point, I’d already ridden through three or four similar puddles but this was the deepest. There was no option but to swallow hard, loosen up and keep pedalling. Thankfully there were no surprises lurking in the murk, so I got to the dry track unscathed and relatively dry. My feet did get submerged as I pedalled but noting more unpleasant than that.
My Advice?
Don’t try riding the length of Thornam New Road unless it hasn’t rained for a week or more!
Having said that, I had a lovely 15 mile ride out, got lovely and muddy and cleared the cobwebs nicely. Arriving home, refreshed and smiling, I hosed the bike (and my soggy shoes) down, went upstairs for a shower and prepared myself for my afternoon’s role as the gracious host.
You can see the route here, if you fancy a nosey.
Happy Days 🙂