Bob’s Afternoon Run
Eight riders assembled at the Lord Nelson under a sweltering sun and just before we were about to set off the landlady came out and asked if we wanted a drink. Yes we did! So we all went inside to get a cool beverage. Just as well we did as Alan had been held up in Preston and arrived just as we were going inside.
After about half an hour in the cool interior we were ready to set off and with Bob leading the way we made our way across to Anglezarke and Yarrow reservoirs up Winter Hill and on over to Belmont village. Turning left here we travelled past past Bolton Sailing club to the Tockholes turnoff and negotiated the speed control nightmare down towards Feniscowles. We turned left at Feniscowles primary school and through to Riley Green and then Bob’s place at Coup Green.
When we arrived we were surprised to see Jim Kenyon in the garden. It was good to catch up with him and hear his tale of balance problems that prevent him riding. He seemed in good spirits and outwardly in good health. Barbara had set out a load of drinks and nibbles and we sat under the gazeebo, in front of a lovely fan enjoying a chat. A while later the cottage pie and hotpot was brought out and I must say credit to Barbara, it was very, very good. Most of us had 2 helpings and then the deserts arrived. A creamy trifle and lemon meringue pie. Delicious!
The charity tin was put on the table for thank you donations which will go to our charity and members generously donated to the fund.
Dave and Bob left for a while to see some equipment that had become available in Copull and came back to tell us of the situation. A good milling machine and lathe were part of the offerings and it sounds like a lot of tools and other equipment is available which we will advertise in the club.
Alan had to leave to get home to his guests and soon after Mark and Cliff left us.
At about 6:45 the remainder departed and with many thanks to Bob and Barbara we saddled up and went our separate ways home.
Thanks to Bob and Barbara for the run and food, everyone enjoyed it immensely.
My thoughts are that running an afternoon run like this instead of an evening run is better than an early evening run as it avoids the main commuter traffic, gives more time for the run itself and is not constrained as much by sunset time so could be held later in the year if we wanted. Just my view but any other suggestions welcomed.
Richard