No wind, no rain and a promising outlook; all looking good. We were four - Michelle Greco, Lynda Bardsley, Mick Devine and me. With no plan in place the other three trusted me to weave a route and still end up in Retford!
Anything to avoid “the” traffic lights we set off the other way. Half way up Malpass Hill we turned left. It’s a rotten road but hopefully Robin won’t read this as we always complain when he chooses it! But ewe went and we complained. On the outskirts of Styrrup we turned towards Oldcotes stopping opposite the Manor Farm café before heading for Blyth.
It was nice easy cycling and not marred by loads of cars. In Blyth we went east towards Ranskill just squeezing through the lights near what used to be the Charnwood Hotel and went on to turn right in the village heading towards Retford. But not for long! the route took us left past Daneshill Nature reserve and along into Lound where, right again. we turned towards Sutton cum Lound and onto the Great North Road. Rather than using the main road we went through the industrial estate before finally meeting shed loads of cars on the big roundabout.
But we made it safely and were in the café and had ordered when Diana arrived to join us for snacks and the return leg. Having finished we went out side to get ready for setting off when Andy Singleton and Mic, Debbie’s Dad, arrived. After a quick chat and photo they went inside and we set off for home.
Not necessarily the fastest or shortest route but there were roads we hadn’t ridden. We went along the cycle track as far as it went then on the road before turning down Green Mile Lane. Very little wind but what there was seems helpful. we were soon in Barnby Moor and with a couple of left turns were heading back to Blyth. It was only After we passed the Charnwood that the first of two incidents occurred. The first was a black transit man who decided to try to push us into the side. He wasn’t successful! We stopped next to the Northern Garden Centre to catch our breath and discuss “things”.
“Things” included the state of the world and whether we needed a second stop at Manor farm. But on our way again we forgot whatever worried us and enjoyed the open road, turning right in Oldcotes to head back towards Malpass Hill. Michelle decided to stretch her legs so naturally we all followed getting well and truly spread out along the road. But we rejoined and went along the way. Mick was going to take Any Hill Lane to go home and the rest of us were going to go via the Mill Pond to the Cricket Club.I paused in the entrance to the football field to say goodbye to Mick the rest indicated right to take the turn. The elderly couple in the blue car ignored the outstretched arm and overtook at a point where they were about to turn. Good luck played a part or they were have been flattened! Unfortunately my rear view camera didn’t capture the incident!
Back at the Cricket Club we chatted a while before making out way home. A good ride in good conditions. Thanks everybody see you next Sunday I hope.
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