Bob’s Afternoon Run 20th July
We were lucky with the weather as the intense heat of the previous two days had passed and 10 riders arrived at the Bluebird Hotel at Samlesbury in comfortable temperature riding weather. One rider had been seen along the way with a problem but insisted we carry on and he would return home when he solved the problem (Electrical). Bob informed us that the run would only be about 18 miles but would be mainly on country roads. So a little later than expected ten riders set off into Balderstone and then Osbaldeston to join the Longsight Road (A59) at the Bay Horse Pub. A little further along we turned right into some narrow lanes. Now don’t take the following route for granted because I actually have no idea where we went! But I must say some of the views over the hedges from the high points were very nice. Now I think we passed through Ramsgreave, Mellor, Mellor Brook, Samlesbury Bottoms down towards Hoghton, past Hoghton Towers and turned right over Windmill Hill to Gregson Green where we turned right to Hoghton lane and Bob’s House.
I think that we were all amazed that in such a built up area between Preston and Blackburn that such a range of country lanes can still be found.
At Bob’s we all parked in the drive of the house and went to the rear where the gazebo had been erected with chairs underneath and a table with drinks. After settling in and chatting for a while and entertaining Bob’s new dog (a lovely little fella) Barbara brought out two large platters, one of Hotpot and the other a Shepherds Pie. We all collected a plate full of the tasty dishes and tucked in. Later Barbara brought out deserts which were a Trifle and a Lemon Meringue Pie.
Superb food, I had two helpings of the Meringue Pie, many thanks Barbara. We then settled in for a while talking the usual mechanical, electrical and reminiscences of past rides and rallies until it was approaching 3:30pm and plans were being discussed as to which way we should all return our separate ways home. As it was still a lovely day many decided to take scenic routes home. I opted for the Ribchester, Longridge, Broughton route and arrived home just before 5pm. Amazingly I had clocked 84 miles!
Thanks to Bob and Barbara for a lovely afternoon run and good food, I am sure all the riders appreciated the efforts that they had put in to make it an enjoyable day.
Richard