Bike Ride 16 August 2005

Once again it was time to saddle up and ride like the wind as Poynton Round Table geared up for their annual pilgrimage along the Middlewood Way.

As this once busy railway line is flat, level and pretty short it only seemed appropriate that we met at the halfway point, namely the Boars Head in Higher Poynton.

Once the numbers had swelled to an impessive count of double figures and the last pint was drained, we set off amid lots of mickey taking & merriment over the various creaking & groaning noises - these came mainly from the bikes as the last time they had seen the light of day was last years excursion - however I have my doubts!!!

A dozen helmet jokes & lots of “hey my lights don’t work, the wife must have knicked the batteries again - not sure why!!!” comments we arrived at our destination, this time ending up miraculously at the Windmill Inn for much needed refreshment.

Once again our numbers were swelled as two bikers were seen alighting from their support vehicle, promptly bolted on their wheels and pushed the bikes across the car park, one pausing briefly to thank his wife for the lift, before mopping the sweat from his brow and ordering a beer.

A couple of hours later, and being lulled into a false sense of security by the lights outside we realised that it was time to leave and head back home. After using the ‘force’ to navigate back and by the simple use of anyone with front lights leading the way, it was deemed sensible that all those with functioning rear lights were interspersed in the pelaton (thus preventing minor incursions into the hedgerow) we found ourselves back at base camp (the Boars Head!) in plenty of time for (the obligatory) refreshments.

Once the sweat had dried, drinks drunk and weary limbs rested it was time to bid a fond farewell to this years Tour de Poynton, go home and look forward to walking like John Wayne for the rest of the week having spent so much time in the saddle.

Words by Nigel Forrest.

Pictures by Kevin Stewart.

Pints consumed by Poynton Round Table.