For most of us it was a first proper ride since mid December so I was expecting a slow short (ish) ride and not so many in the group. But we were seven: Trish, Michelle, Karen, Linda, Robin, Kevin and me. Robin knew the way so we let him lead and since we also knew the way we could make sure he stayed on the straight and narrow!
Straight and narrow was the footpath leading to the “temporary” traffic lights as there was heavy traffic leading out that way. But once through the lights and off towards Harworth we were okay. It was misty but some of us had arrived in thick mist, me and others came with bright sunshine and as it was not too cold we managed to chat cheerfully.
The route took us through Serlby, Ranskill, back to Blyth and then on to Carlton. From there we continued north for a while, went through the industrial area and off towards Gildingwells. Despite expressing fears of fitness we all seemed to be doing well!
Gildingwells lead on to Dinnington, Throapham and Laughton where we took the back roads to the café. Taking two tables we ordered and devoured the offerings. The ladies would have stayed and dragged it out a bit longer by having a brief chat to other friends there.
Eventually we were off on the short leg home - almost! Within half a mile a screech and cry of “I haven’t paid”! “Just carry on and I’ll catch you up”. Not a chance we have a reputation to uphold and anyway Michelle might have been tempted to have a second breakfast if we didn’t wait.
The elderly couple we had just passed overtook us 6 and having completed there walk passed us going home! Kevin was getting cold so went back to chivvy her up and we eventually set off again.
Nothing more of excitement as we made our way through Firbeck over Thornbury hill and back to Tickhill. At least we all knew we could ride without falling off, having mechanicals and generally upsetting the world.
It had been a good return from the couch and hopefully more will be there on Sunday.
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