Fourteen Stockport Community Cycling Club riders met at Torkington Park for the Fools Nook 2016 cycle ride. Before the end of the ride, there would be casualties and not everyone would make it back home!

This is a popular and challenging ride. You can read about our previous versions here: 2013 : 2015.

Setting off up Old Torkington Road, little did we know what the day held for us. All was calm and clear.

As we briefly turned on to the A6, we lost our first rider. Actually, Andy S had only ever intended to stay with us for a short while before heading for home so this one was a lost rider we were prepared for.

We made our way up to Higher Poynton.

A brief break …

… Followed by more climbing up towards Pott Shrigley. It would be that type of day.

At this point Ian R (along with Alan) decided to turn back. It had already been one hill too far. Not surprising really, since he has just returned to cycling following illness.

Soon we reached Bollington

And it started to rain. It pretty much continued to rain all day 🙁

But onwards and upwards we continued. Where we lost Lucy and her friend after they took the decision to head off in a different direction

Through Kerridge.

Where the ride front leader found himself behind the back leader!

The views were fabulous.

Even when it was tough going!

Occasionally the dark clouds provided for a stunning backdrop, as here just above Higher Hurdsfield.

We crossed over Buxton New Road (the Cat & Fiddle Road)

Not sure what a Quiet Lane is, but nobody said a word …

And still we kept climbing …

Lunch stop was a welcome site.

Sadly it proved a disappointment. It was extremely busy and the service was slow. Not a problem in itself. However when you eventually reached the front of the queue, you were rewarded with the fact that half the menu was now out of stock. There were also sparse gluten-free options. Very disappointing. Thankfully the food that WAS available was ok, though my cheese sandwich consisted of two slices of bread with some grated cheese in the middle.

It was still raining after lunch.

Where we headed out past Sutton Lane.

Towards Gawsworth.

And then on to Siddington and Redesmere.

At Redesmere we took a few minutes rest.

Before setting off to Henbury.

  

We were still climbing as we headed towards Over Alderley.

And then on to Mottram St Andrew.

Finally we reached Woodford.

This had been a ride of just under 40 miles, but it was 40 quality miles! While the rain had been intermittent, and in truth raining more often than it had been dry, this hadn’t spoilt the day. It had been a terrific day of cycling that all who had come along had enjoyed.

You can view our Fools Nook 2016 route below:
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