Not the Crags centre today because they close on Wednesdays! But there was a plan and 6 unwary riders joined me. There were even options.
It was getting pretty close to 9 o’clock and we were still waiting for any late arrivals (Blue Ride speak for Michelle). The others were Mick, Robin, Dave (who will fill an application form in and pay fees) Trish and Karen. So ten minutes later we were off - nearly! A phone call needed answering but it didn’t take long and then we were finally off.
The route was cobbled together the day before and took us passed the mill dam, up Malpass Hill, Thornbury Hill and into Firbeck. We regrouped at the top of Kidd Lane and went on to Letwell. It still wasn’t warm and fingers were pretty cold but the wind was light so all was well.
From there we went on to Gildingwells, Woodsetts and Shireoaks. Shireoaks deserves a message as the roads through are atrocious; worse than Clumber parks Limetree Avenue even worse than Robins Styrrup Lane. We survived and pedalled passed the airfield at Netherthorpe (café closed on Wednesday!) and on to Whitwell and then Creswell (crags centre café closed) and found Robins recommended café stop - the S80 coffee house.
Spacious place, loads of tables, friendly service, great drinks but not much choice of cake. Apart from Dave, who had a bacon butty, we all had toasted tea cakes because we couldn’t be bothered to go seek out the buns!
Cycle parking was good - it’s behind that fence in the photo.
Deciding to explore we went along the footpath through the gorge, it’s years since I picnicked along there. We passed walkers, joggers, cyclists and horse riders and it’s only short! Worth doing though.
We ended up on the road out of the visitor centre and joined the Mansfield Road back to Worksop. Through the middle of town and back on the Doncaster Road. Michelle decided to take a leisurely pace and nip into Manor Farm for lunch while the rest of us carried on. Carried on to Oldcotes where Mick opted to turn left for home.
We five then carried on home to the cricket club and went on from there our separate ways. A good ride I though with a bit less climbing than plan A and “different”. Thanks everyone!
