14th Clubrun to Fairways, Sutton – 31 miles
Bob Banner organised this ride, in surprisingly warm, calm and bright conditions, leading Bev Hambleton, Mark Allen, David Grocott, Peter Hayhurst and David McVitie via Brereton Country Park, Davenport / Dane Valley, Swettenham, Newsbank, Marton, Gawsworth, through and around Sutton village, to Fairways Garden Centre where they enjoyed a late breakfast / early lunch and a rest / chat before returning on the same main route – but this time, mostly downhill – until they were faced with Radnor Bank and then went their separate ways. The riders thanked Bob and wished him “All The Best” for his forthcoming heart surgery.
14th – Stone Wheelers 25-mile TT on Uttoxeter Course
Our two representatives recorded their best rides of the year: Kelvin Milward – 56:45 and Pete Smith – 57:08. The winner was (as usual) Simon Bridge (Manchester Wheelers) with 49:00.
15th – Clubrun to Old Ma’s Café – 76 miles
Jim Cook, who led this ride, was concerned about the forecasted gales and rain but he and the six companions had suitable wet-weather clothing and everyone was happy with the dry but windy conditions. Denise Hurst, Charli Alston, Mike Line, Marcus Rohrmann and Jamie Gibbons (Guest), plus Peter Hayhurst (who turned for home near Nantwich), rode at chatting speed, via Hassall Green, Haslington, Weston, Wybunbury and Peckforton, to old Ma’s Café at Gatesheath. They had a lucky escape when a large oak tree crashed into the road only 30 yards ahead – but they managed to stop, just in time, and then formed a chain to hand their bikes over the tree. The return route, mainly wind-assisted, was via Huxley, Bunbury, Calverley, Church Minshull, Warmingham, Smallwood and Astbury where the heavy rain commenced, so they were soaking in no time – but pleased that it had been a dry ride until then.
