Well last nigth was fun (or at least I thought so).
In the end it was just phantasmagoriana and myself on the ride, but that didn't deter me nor did it cause me to change the route (although I did draw the line at the one and only, original COR route).
I get asked, shortly after we turn off for Danby Whiske, if the route goes down Shark Lane.
"Oh no" says I, "this is a different way, and besides it would be unfair of me to go that way"
Out via Danby whiske, through Streetlam, Whitwell and Forest to Scorton and The Farmers Arms!
A few pints were had (sadly not of Copper Dragon, as it was off, but of Timmy Taylors). We chatted for a while, including tot he guys on the next table to us (did I mention it was Quiz Night?) who mentioned they run a cycling thingy in the village on the last Saturday of each month, going 25-30 miles, and that they had a tandem, on which they go further.
I then realised that I was talking to my aunty's former neighbours! So we chatted awhile about family, including fond memories of my late uncle.
Eventually we decided we had better make a move, so we finished our drinks and hit the road. Down the "main" road from Scorton back to NTR, just outside Kipling my light went dim so we stopped to check it and a quick push on the connector sorted it (why are Shimano dynohub connectors so crap?). Onward to Great Langton, where upon we decided to turn right instead of following the main road. Up a little rise and we were riding through dark, silent woods. At the turning, instead of heading back towards the main road again I took us down the road to Thrintoft (former Thursday night riders might now realise just where this is leading
). A stupid overtake along that narrow road by
whiteblue van man didn't manage to spoil my enjoyment as we whizzed along (that girl is FAST). When we got to Thirntoft we turned left, past the New Inn then up the little rise and turned right.
"Are you sure this is a road?" I heard behind me
"It's on the NCN" was my reply
"Hang on, is THIS Shark Lane?"
"might be"
Onwards, ever onwards we went, until it became a bit too muddy so we walked the last bit, up through the trees. Phan. is now inducted into the Shark Lane club, I don't think she was overly impressed though, sorry
The rest of the route was the normal, past the golf club and on to the station, for Phan to get her train home.
A great night, fastest I had ever ridden that route, and my legs are reporting the same this morning.
Here's to the week after next, where I WILL find some Copper Dragon, and I WILL raise a glass to our man in $WHEREEVER_HE_HAPPENS_TO_BE_RIGHT_NOW