A rather damp but enjoyable Bolton clarion New Years Day social ride
A nice turn out today for the social New Years Day ride down to Hollins Green. Ten brave souls ignored the doom laden weather forecast and set out from Four Lane Ends in gloomy but dry conditions, though the speed of the downhill swoop to Atherton was was blunted by the predicted head wind. Whilst in the urban areas the wind was not too much of a problem, but when the wide open Holcroft Lane was reached we were well exposed to it.
We reached our destination, the Black Swan, at Hollins Green without too much trouble, but before entering we posed for a photo with the cycle friendly wall sign welcoming cyclists to use the toilet facilities without charge. The gesture is so unique that one of our members, Ray Clinch, suggested an annual visit to the pub to dine as a mark of respect to the management for their hospitality.
Peter Moore organised the ride so well that the heavy rain forecast arrived as we sat down to dine in the comfortable surroundings, and indeed he even organised the rising wind to be on our backs for the return journey home.
On reaching Leigh the rain really did set in, though it has to be said that the day was very warm and to be warm and wet is a lot better than being wet and cold.
A great cycling start to the New Year, let's hope we get more good cycling weather throughout the year.
