A small but determined group gathered at Fairhill at the appointed hour for a welcome cup of warming tea and the opportunity for a ‘Bike Check’ and a run over of the route, and before we knew it 11:30am arrived, and after gathering at the entrance for Simon to take a picture while we all tried not to shiver too noticeably, we were off!
The route for this year followed that of previous Fairhill rides, and the Bazley’s faithful tandem was the first casualty of the day as a front brake block decided that it no longer wished to participate when they arrived at the bottom of Front Street and jumped clear, but after a short chase it was quickly recaptured and the ride re-joined.
Having just set off, the rise from the station and past Lowbyer didn’t seem so bad, but by the time that the junction from the A686 was reached the lovely long downhill section through Coppice Wood to Randalholme was most welcome, especially as the sun was starting to make an appearance at last, but by the time that we had got to the top at Low Row that was but a distant memory. Fortunately, most of us managed a breathless smile for Simon’s camera as we got to the first rest stop where we were greeted with a fine selection of snacks, courtesy of Dug Hicken, fruit, biscuits and drinks and after having stuffed our faces it was time to be away again, and the smile for Simon as we descended into Ayle along the quiet road was much easier.
Although drenched by a passing shower around Clarghyll, with Steve Hattersley’s help we all passed safely across the Blagill crossroads and onto the Mt Hooley road which gave us ample chance to ponder the age-old question amongst cyclists as to whichever way the road took you, why was there always a headwind? Soon however we were through Blagill and heading down and over Foreshield bridge at speed before the long climb up to the main road, but another even stronger headwind failed to quash our enthusiasm as the last downhill into Alston came into view and despite having to keep pedalling because of the wind we had all made it safely back to Fairhill where more of Dug’s wonderful buffet and some very welcome tea and coffee to thaw frozen fingers along with tales of daring do and wonder were exchanged with much laughter and a fair amount of disbelief, and certificates and medals handed out to everyone who had completed the 11.5 mile circuit.
Many thanks to all who worked so hard to make this fun day happen, and to those who came along to support Fairhill and the mission to build a Bike Track for Alston at the Recreation Ground in the near future, as we bring that £50k target for funding ever closer!'
