Ride Report: NOT To Forhill, Sunday 30/09/07
The sun was thinking about coming out from behind the clouds as our six intrepid heroes and heroines met at Kings Norton Station for the ride to Forhill.
Off we went through the scenic path across Kings Norton Park then towards the canal. It was there that Nick announced that although the ride had been advertised as only 10 miles to Forhill, as we had only adult riders with us, we could go a bit further if we wished. After quantifying how many miles a bit further meant, we agreed.
The first challenge was to see who could ride over the humpback bridge over the canal to the Stratford Canal towpath.
With no run-up David made a sterling effort and reached the top, followed by Nigel whose creaking bike with unsuitable high gears gave up part way up as he was overtaken by Juliet, who would have made it to the top if it was not for the sudden appearance of a lady with two large sheepdogs blocking the top of the bridge. Somehow Juliet managed to put her bike into instant reverse and started rolling back down the hill. Luckily she was grabbed by Rob and Nigel before disappearing into the undergrowth.
Further obstacles were overcome and we were treated to a death defying leap of a squirrel into a tree as we continued on our canalside route although David, who comes from that strange land down under, thought it was a Chipmunk.
To accommodate all the extra miles, well both of them, the lunch venue was changed enroute to the Coach and Horses at Weatheroak.
A lovely time was had by all, sat in the sunshine, in the Beer Garden. Carol and Juliet astounded the others by only drinking water. At least they said it was only water. Carol did cycle straight up Weatheroak hill afterwards though, as did Nick, so we have our suspicions.
David and Juliet had disappeared from sight in the lanes while the others waited for them at Forhill. Then when they did appear they were riding each other's bikes!? David looked quite stately upon Juliet's Pink Mountainbike, while Juliet was appreciative of the smoother ride of the road tyres on David's bike compared to her knobbly tyres.
Nick then cheated by taking a short cut home while everyone else returned through the lanes to Kings Norton Station.
Nigel
