Eight riders braved the cold and wet weather to head to Flash Bar. We headed out on Buxton road and turned for Thorncliffe and turned off to head to Bradnop. Here, the mighty “Two Sauces Symcock” set a fast pace up the climb but we managed to re-group and take on the climb to Onecote and on to Butterton. We dropped down in to Hulme End and on to Hartington before reaching Long Dale. Here, Ant A set off on a lone attack and almost reached the junction before we caught him, a great effort in the headwind. We had a brief stop to discuss the route as there was some confusion but set off for Earl Sterndale and past the only Church in Derbyshire to have been bombed during the Second WW. We dropped down in to Glutton Bridge and took on the climb up to Flash. Here Dave M led us almost to the top before Aide D and Matt overtook him, brave riders! We re-grouped and headed in to Flash and the welcome warmth of the cafe. Here riders were soon enjoying large coffee’s that for once were actually large, bucket size mugs that hit the spot. Dave M’s effort took so much out of him that he had to order Beans On toast and a slice of Tiffin to refuel.

Due to the coffee’s there was a wait for the toilet so we had a little break in the group. We rode through Flash and on to Back Of The Roaches before dropping back down in to Meerbrook and Abbey Green before arriving back in Leek at 1PM after a wet, thirty eight mile ride which was enough given the weather warnings of storm Freya. Thanks to Shaun M for planning the ride and for putting up with our complaints over School Lane. It was good to see Phil S back out with the club as well.

Nick A