Larkling Ride to Bagnall

Seven out on a surprisingly mild (but hilly) third edition of the Larkling Ride.

No photos unfortunately. Out today were: Simon G (leading), Mark, Adele, Phil, Pete (on an impressive electrically assisted Bianchi), Dave, Kirsten (briefly) and myself.

We headed out of South Park with The Lark Riders, but were quickly distanced going up Hollin lane. Phil remained somewhere in between the two groups for the first 5 or so miles but was eventually absorbed into the Larkling.

David H caught up with us around Danebridge, but only stayed with us until Longsdon, where we turned off toward Cats Edge, a beautiful area that I had never been to before, but with a stiff climb out of the valley.

Just a few more miles on hilly quiet lanes and we were at the cafe, which was in the middle of nowhere. The huge roaring fire in the middle of the room was great. We were there for a good hour and as we were leaving the Larks turned up in dribs and drabs - one brave sole wearing shorts!?

We set off again through some lovely quiet stone villages: Bagnall, Endon and Stanley before starting the long but steady drag up to Lask Edge. Great views riding along the ridge before descending into Timbersbrook, the bulk of the climbing now behind us. We saw the 1.00pm Club Run riders heading up as we were coming down. Hope they didn’t end up getting too wet!

Onto the standard Gawsworth return, we avoided the rain that we were promised. The group went their different ways around The Flower Pot.

We had a range of abilities out today, but we waited and regrouped at the top of each climb, so everyone could go at their own pace. “Electric Pete” was first over all of them!

My Wahoo is saying 42 miles at 12.0 mph, not too bad considering how hilly it was: (4,200ft of elevation).

A really good, challenging (but not too challenging) ride, more of this please Chris! Thanks for organising and Simon G for leading again.

Hopefully Sue will be back from injury next week.

Ian.