Chaplog tries hard

Winster - Minninglow - Gratton Dale Circuit

A power problem of our own!

Time to start getting out. Lynne and I went for a cycle ride, the Winster Circuit, out behind Bakewell. I was a little apprehensive as my birthday present of March 2002, a saddle bag for my bike, had not been used - ever. This is a case of severe lack of match practice and likely to casue a sore bottom. A major disappointment was to find the café at Elton closed. I have heard good things about this café, “the best in the Peak district “ has been mentioned. The problem was compounded when I realised that I had got up early, had a light breakfast, and it was now 11:30 am. I needed lunch. The problem was solved with a packet of cheese and onion crisps and a bar of chocolate from the local pub - an embarrassing start.

Airnimal

There was a guy riding a bike up the street before we started and he was still there when we returned three hours and fifteen minutes later. The bike was interesting so I asked him about it. He said he was adjusting the gears for a time trial the next day. I am glad it is not only me that takes over three hours to adust the gears on a bike!. It has twenty four inch wheels, folds into a suitcase, elastic suspension and looks expensive. A very good bike to take on holiday as you can check in at the airport with your bicycle as normal luggage.

The ride is mostly off road on well surfaced tracks with some easy but good grassy descents. The highlight is Gratton dale which I have never seen before as there is no climbing. Judy and Lynne tell me it is fantastic for flowers in early summer. The bad news is they are going to re-introduce stock in the near future. Some pictures:

Crassington Water in the distance

We both fell asleap around the time of the Ten O'clock News. I woke up on the floor at 2:30am feeling a little uncomfortable!

Posted by mikec at August 16, 2003 12:30 PM