When we set off it was clear that one of our number was feeling under-the-weather. Malcolm had been taken too much advantage of Martin's hospitality in the Parish Centre the previous night and was feeling very Southern unComfortable. Still - he carried on like a brave little soldier but at some points during the day he wished he'd stayed in bed!
Our route took us up through Coxley Valley and then to Midgley. The path from Little London to Midgley was very muddy necessitating frequent dismounts & short distances of actually carrying the bike on your shoulder.
We then headed into Yorkshire Sculpture Park. Normally there is a series of exhibitions in the Underground Gallery which change each year. We went along to investigate but it was clear that this was a work-in-progress as contractors & diggers were present.
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The next part of the route was a long, steady climb on a bridle path to High Hoyland. This was quite tough but pleasant cycling in the parkland with cows & sheep for company.
The ride into Cannon Hall car park was uneventful where we met Anne-Marie, Catriona (sp?) & Rebecca Barnes & Frances Lowery. Packed lunch at a picnic table in the parkland -
Here the newest member of the St Ignatius Team Velo demonstrated her latest skills -
The part of the ride enjoyed by most of the riders was the long (+2 miles) downhill stretch from High Hoyland Church to the junction with Denby Dale Road. Illustrating the increased level of fitness of the riders there were parts of the ride (uphill) which on previous rides we dismounted & walked but which we were able to cycle up un this occasion. On reaching Storrs Hill, even at the end of a 20 mile run there were some very brave attempts, with varying success, to scale it on bikes.
Courtesy of Malcolm's onboard computer we have the following stats of the ride:
Distance: 19.3 miles
Riding time: 2:34 (some pushing!)
Average speed: 7.4 mph
Maximum speed: 37 mph
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