NewYearsDay2011

Iron Men in Another Place? New Years Day Ride 2011

Between 9.15 and 9.30.am on 1st January 2011 a group of riders met at the club house. The day was fine and they were looking forward to the ride to Another Place. Martin had already put in an hour on his way from Penwortham - presumably training for racing this year - so was expecting a long day. Tom Stewart and Jared Murphy were the youngest riders taking part - Jared had cycled from Ormskirk so he was expecting a long day as well!.

As the group set off we were joined by a couple of late arrivals and more riders joined the group as we travelled along the coast road to Ainsdale. Steve Ginty (who always enjoys a chase) caught up with the group just after the Pontins roundabout and brought the number of riders upto 18.

A steady pace through the Freshfield woods and across the railway lines brough the group into Freshfield. One or two enthusiats were off the front but as their navigatinal skills were not always the best they were soon back amongst the group.

Along Larkhill Lane and through the sand dunes at the back of the squirrel reserve to follow the path along the railway to Hightown. The knowledge and experience of the group now came to the fore as a number of pu*ctu*es were dealt with in the traditional fashion - stand and watch while the repair is carried out! Then the path to the coast guard station at Crosby where we surprised to be greeted by Malcom and Peter bearing cakes. Peter made full use of his sling while distributing the cakes but reported that his arm is improving.

Filled with cakes, although some were disapointed that the coffee wagon was not open, we now set off through Little Crosby and out to the Cheshire lines path. The pu*ctu*e fairy appeared again, with a similar response from the group. From Lunt to the bridge over the river Alt and across the fields. At this point the weather deteriorated and rain and a cold wind came into play, but the group pressed on. Jarred sensibly took the direct route back to Ormskirk while Tom had a helping hand from Colin. The group arrived at the end of the coast road just before 1.00.pm. Back home for the Southport guys with 50K completed. More pictures on the Photo Gallery page (click here).

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