Blackstone Edge 16th March 2008
The day was bright enough as we set off up the first climb of the day. The tarmac was tough enough, but we soon turned onto a Roman road
It got steeper and steeper and windier and windier as we reached the top - all walking parts of the climb. At the Aiggin Stone
,
we turned right and climbed to Blackstone Edge, where again everyone was walking. Its like a muddy moonscape
.
But great views
It was then downhill for a while and muddy. This is where, much to the amusement of everyone, I came to a sticky end in some deep mud.
We then crossed the M62 for the first time on the high footbridge at the top of windy hil
l
Across the top and down into Littleborough, this time under the M62.
A loop back under the M62 and then a bugg*r of a climb to cross the M62 for a last time. A fairly level ride and a downhill back to the cars for a welcome break and some nosh.
It was still very windy and cold, so we didn't hang around for long. It was back up the same hill as earlier, but this time we passed the Roman road and went right up to the top of the road and turned left along the reservoir road. There was a diabolical cross wind here for some distance. we had to ride at a 60 degree lean into the wind, just to keep upright. It was thankfully flat. we then crossed the boggy top on paving stones and then had a few great downhill sections, broken by a few more climbs and a stint along the Rochdale canal. Finally, another road climb with a final downhill to the cars.
It stayed fine all day despite threatening to rain on a few occasions. 25 miles plus, but with the wind it was hard work and felt much longer.
Somebody told Tracy it was shallow - Eric
Another good ride to add to the portfolio
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