The group at the Fisherman’s Path rail crossing
Success is often measured in numbers and 2015 ended with record breaking membership and record breaking distances recorded for club members.
Now the cycle starts all over again for 2016 and what better way to kick off the year than a ride which represents the breadth of the club.
No doubt many were nursing sore heads on the morning of 1st January but 21 cyclist met at the clubhouse for the annual Ride to the Iron Men in Crosby.
The ride has been a regular fixture since 2009 and has gained in popularity ever since no doubt due to its mix of road and off road riding which reflects the clubs inclusive ethos. The age gap between riders stood at 70 years and a good mix of experience and machines were brought out for some fun in the sun, the big yellow ball making brief but welcomed appearances.
The route strikes out along the coast road and swings right through the trees towards Freshfield and then continues on and off road until Altcar. Once on the cycle route past Altcar, through Hightown we head for the Mersey and Hall Road.
Some of the ride does involve deep sand, fine for the mountain bikes with wide tyres although a couple of plucky roadies did attempt the trails whilst others stayed with the tarmac perhaps not wanting their new Xmas presents to get too dirty.
Once into Crosby and with Antony Gormley’s “Another Place” in sight there was a realisation that the regular coffee stop was not available and the group set off in search of warm drinks in the centre of Crosby village.
The journey home forced a fracture in the group as the route to the Cheshire lines was only traversable by mountain bike whilst the non-mud plugging cyclist opted for the well-used cycle path alongside the bypass.
Maybe not the longest ride we will undertake this year but a great start to the season all the same.
Neil Robinson
