Well, I was supposed to be working at home today, however after lunch I
gave up and succumbed to the lure of the outdoors and took my Scott 20
out for a very pleasant roll around my local lanes. With barely a draft
of wind and clouds absent from view, I headed off to the start of the
nearest section of the Trans Pennine Trail and headed off to Godley
Station. As it's midweek there were very few people about, although it
IS half term and there were a few kids playing in the old turntable pit
(see http://bikerides.dsracing.me.uk/railway/godley.htm for better
descriptions than I can give). From the end of the line I doubled back
and headed up Green Lane, inappropriate name that is as it is bare earth
with occasional cow slurry wheel washes here and there. Halfway along
here I met a very nice young lady mowing her immense lawn on a sit-on
mower; how the other half live eh?? Despite her advances I made my
excuses and left, turning down a track I've not used before that comes
out at the old Walls sausage factory in Godley. Wow, this is a top
little lane, downhill, single track, fast but bumpy enough to be fun.
Oh, and devoid of other riders/walkers too. In't weekdays brilliant!
From here I climbed back up to the Godley line, then tried to work my
way through a housing estate and onto Backbower road at the foot of
Werneth Low. I was hoping to tie the TPT route into the school where my
lad has started Saturday football training (special class for reception
kids, ahh...) which I managed to do, he's keen to ride to training
rather than go in the car so top marks to him. From Alder school I got
back onto the top of Green Lane, more downhill practice to get back onto
the TPT (where I met a solo lady rider who was similarly ducking work
due to the weather) and then I ducked off halfway along the trail to get
into the middle of Hyde. A v.quick bottle of 1664 sat in the sun and I
headed home, not the longest ride I've ever had but hey I am supposed to
be working.
So, birds sang, sun shone, the few peeps I met were delightful and I
even got a beer in.Shorts and T-shirt too. Lovverly jubbly!! Now, to get
those lesson plans dashed off before the family return home...
bfn,
Tony B