The ride started from Southport, promptly at 9.00 am. Howard Massam turned up 2 minutes later stating he had problems with a track pump, Terry dismissed that as an excuse for tardiness. The group pedalled on through Preston and Woodplumpton and Scorton, no stopping at any cafe en route to Glasson Dock, the destination was set and that was that…
Onwards skirting the Trough of Bowland and Caton, through the cycle way at Lancaster University, finally making the Cafe d’Lune at noon, whereupon Terry very generously bought the drinks (a first for a Yorkshire man with a reputation for thrift). The riders tucked into beans on toast – except for Brian Wharton who to Terry’s dismay ordered a full English breakfast with extra toast. The owner of the cafe presented Terry with a small birthday cake, as there was no way it would divide into 9 he kept it to himself.
The return journey via Cockeram saw Terry leading the ride at a very brisk pace, which had Eddie Fleming and Ken Beck struggling to keep a wheel. As I said at the outset Terry would quite happily have gone by himself. Fortunately from Preston homewards Ken Perkins kept an even speed which enabled the group to stay together.
We arrived back in Southport at 3pm, with no dramas to report,no punctures on what was a privilege to be involved in showcasing the club all wearing the blue/yellow jerseys.
Terry is already planning his 83rd birthday ride which will be into North Wales. He really is a stalwart and ambassador for a healthy lifestyle and a cycling legend.
Colin Baldwin
