Right.
Thanks to all for traveling some distance to what promised to be a wet cold ride, a fact not mentioned too much in the week leading up to it. Particular thanks to all the non-East Mids folk who wouldn't have been moaned at if they hadn't appeared.
As the East Mids know, the Long Mynd is particularly special to me. It provided some of the most memorable day-rides for me in the early '90s, when I was somewhat fitter than now. Retrobike got me back into riding regularly after many years away, and my target was always to be able to enjoy a day-ride on The Mynd. This was the third year we've been back. I see it as my 'MOT', and each year has been different, for time of year, weather, and route, (last year we got sun-burnt eating lunch outside in mid-March).
Particular thanks to John for his help in planning and leading.
Now for the apologies:
Apologies for the lack of views , which are really special, honest.
Apologies for keeping you hanging around, particularly at the top of the last Mynd climb (last year folk could just collapse in the sunshine).
Apologies for the hiccup in the seamless organisation when things got a bit vague on the route off Stiperstones. This was always going to be the tricky bit, and the intention had been to recce it in the week, but work and wife took over.
Apologies for cutting the route from that advertised and the resulting amount of road riding.
Highlights for me were many:
Passing the non-retro guy on his fs orange on the first Mynd climb.
General navigation in the cloud (makes you realise how easily it could all go horribly wrong).
The pub coming good. With the route chosen it was the only option, and to see the portions realise that it was good value for money. Really glad I only has a side of chips. How on earth you managed the Stiperstones climb when full of sausage, mash and gravy......
The climbs. Yes, a huge sense of personal achievement on most of these. The Stiperstones climb with its 20% gradient stands out as I couldn't believe how steep it looked when we came down it on the way back.
The descents, obviously. The first major descent down to the pub was a bit of a disappointment for me as it had been 'stoned', far more natural last year.
The Stiperstones descent (forever to be referred to as 'Geoff's Descent') proved to be a corker. Thanks for the comments on my speed down this Gav, which was helped by a suspect front brake and an increasingly ineffective rear.
The route shortening removed two great descents (and hard climbs) but they can be redressed.
The final descent of course, the poor light removed some of the sense of speed, which built up almost without you realising. I'd totally forgotten about the off-camber slide down the rocks into the narrow track down the side of the Batch, which gave the addrenalin level a fresh hit.
Videojetman's rc100. So pleased you've still got this and ride it.
Jitensha, always good to see a new face, and I hope that you weren't put off at all. I think if it had been my first ride I'd use your expression..'NUTTERS'
Bolly, I can't believe you out on a road-ride today... see you next time.
You're a great bunch to ride with...... A great day.