Circuit of the Edge (easy ride and steady 50 versions)

The usual easy ride suspects tackled at least 3 different versions of the Circuit of the Edge. There was an 8.30am 50 mile version led by Becky and Rob, and including Alison, Roy, Kev, Brian, Adele, there was a 9.30am 33mile version led by John, including Michelle, Caroline, Sue, Griff, Richard, Jack, Mark H, Simon Ga amongst others, and there was a cut down version of that for Jim, Ruth and me.

The one thing that they all had in common was an extra cafe stop at the Wizard tea room! Jim and I had left Wilmslow at ten to ten with a cunning plan to arrive at the Wizard first, and meet Ruth there. Our route took us up through Mottram St Andrew, giving us chance to wave at the 8.30am 50 mile group, and then John’s group as they cycled in the opposite direction. Jim, Ruth and I all had our drinks by the time the 50 milers and 33 milers arrived very close to one another, forming a gigantic queue. It was a good chance to chat and catch up, before Jim, Ruth and I set off for the Artist’s Lane loop. We were overtaken on the downhill by a 9.30am speedy 50 miler group (hereafter referred to as the Whippets’ group due to speed and build). Our loop took us along the bypass, back along the old road towards Alderley Edge and back up Artist’s Lane. We waved at John’s group as they descended Artist’s Lane, and then whilst we were having a short breather at the top, the Whippets appeared, racing up Artist’s Lane. It turns out that the 50 mile route does a longer loop out to Chelford for that part of the ride!

We three decided to do a slight detour along Prestbury Road to the top of Birtles, instead of the main Macclesfield Road. At Birtles, Ruth headed for home, as this was her first ride after a 3 month break. After descending Birtles, Jim and I did the Henbury loop, omitting the additional loop to Redesmere and Pexhill. A few faster Macclesfield Wheelers were already at the entrance to Flora, the sun came out, so Jim and I ordered and sat outside.

The Whippets arrived next, followed some time later by John’s 33 miler group, and then club president, Jill. It was a great opportunity to sit in the sun, chat and catch up with club members who we do not usually ride with. The 8.30am 50 miler group were arriving at Flora, just as Jim, John and I set off back to Wilmslow.

There is photographic evidence that some club members then went on to the Hanging Gate!

Katherine

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