NewYearsDay2012

Which Way to get Home? - New Years Day Ride 2012

On a cool & wet New Years morning, 17 riders including three sets of fathers and sons (Arthur/John Findley, Ralph/Charlie Critchley and Colin/Mark Baldwin) set off at 9.30 am from the Southport CC Club House in Rotten Row on the now traditional Chairman’s Ride to the Iron Men at Crosby.

Two more riders joined at Ainsdale and the group made a short detour to wish a Happy New Year to Dave Dwyer recovering from a serious accident on his bike in early September.

Then it was back on the cycle path and the new track to enter the Nature Reserve at Ainsdale. Perhaps Terry Seanor and Margaret Biggs had an inkling of what was in store later in the morning and wisely opted for an early return to Southport whilst the remainder literally ploughed on through Formby & Hightown on very muddy sections after the seemingly relentlessly wet weather we have been experiencing lately.

At Formby Point, riders were amused by a dog owner who whilst throwing a huge stick for her dog to chase managed to pitch it straight at the on coming line of cyclists. With luck & to the great relief of the lady concerned, the missile landed harmlessly.

The “peleton” arrived at Hall Road , Crosby just after 11am to be greeted by Sheena Taylor, wife of club chairman Allan, who turned out to provide welcome refreshments of Christmas Cake, biscuits and cold drinks. After a short break to mend a puncture and attend to other various mechanical problems the group set off on the return leg in the midst of a torrential downpour.

At Little Crosby Church a hastily convened committee meeting debated options for the next leg of the journey. Most riders surprisingly opted to carry on with the original plan of crossing to Maghull and heading homeward via the Cheshire Lines Path. However, Colin Baldwin (Vice Chairman) led a small band of faint hearted or perhaps sensible people who chose to take the direct route back to Southport to dry out and warm up. The options of a visit to the church or even jumping the train back home received no support from members.

Despite the monsoon weather all returned home safe if a little damp and it was an excellent way to start the year with a few miles in the bank before the serious training to achieve the New Year targets and resolutions can begin. See Photo Galleries for more pictures.

Thanks to Pete Gawthorne, Arthur Findley and Ralph Critchley for words and pics. Posted 4/01/2012

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