Seventeen Woollies set off on the Blackstone Edge figure of eight - In attendance were Kiwi (Ride Leader) , Phil, Hemlock, Tyre Kicker, Tracey, Sidge (still son of Kiwi) , Hellsbells, Silverscoob, Rooster, Wellsy, Pieman, Artillery Dave, Hendy, Turner Kid, FizBomb , Red Rooster and me.
SHOCK HORROR - yes a Sunday ride without a committee member - is this allowed?
Ride commenced a little later than expected with Red Rooster turning up late / getting lost - in true Wollyback tradition we waited - well for bit and then blasted up the Roman Road climb.
There was some other bike event on in the area (called “over the Edge” - This must be where Edgey went) and there was plenty of roadies in the area.
So a 9.20 start up the Roman road and not one of us made it to the top (except super human Wellsy – what does he have for breakfast?). Turn right at Dick Slack (yes that’s what it says on the map) onto the Pennine way with luna style rocks and a few crazy woollies attempting to ride them. Silverscoob was the first to bail (how’s the knee Shaun?). Hendy determined to break body and or bike. Red Rooster caught up and we headed down to the M62 footbridge. Tracey got acquainted with the big puddle again. Both TK and Kiwi set their stalls out to take some action shots. As a trail of 17 woollies went over the footbridge Tyre Kickers masculine musk attracted a local deer that made a bee line towards him but soon fled once it saw his face.
We passed over the M62 and a technical fast descent near Bleakedgate Moor saw a brave Fizbomb stacking it. Pieman had rear brake trouble which meant a well earned rest before a steep angled climb back up and over the M62 and blast back through Clegg Moor to the cars and completion of the southern half of the figure of eight. 10 miles completed and time for lunch.
Fizbomb’s knee was hurting after the stack and he decided to bid farewell. Pieman was under the weather so both he and Turnerkid also fled. The other 14 then refreshed and now with waterpoofs as the rain descended set off for the road climb up to the White House pub and a sharp left to head for Langfield Common. At Walsden Moor there is a tricky path that crosses the moor and with the damp conditions it made life doubly hard. It seems Red Rooster went for it and came of worst - OTB and a nasty hand injury (contender for SOTY). Dislocated finger and badly bruised hand - FIRST AIDER PLEASE. Art Dave came to the rescue and it was clear that Red Rooster couldn’t go on - This was the furthest point on the whole loop from the cars. Art Dave offered some support and went back to the cars with Red Rooster - Dave you are a true gent.
We were down to 12 and needed to press on as there were still some tough climbs and tricky descents coming up. Rooster then OTB in a peat bog. Only pride was broken this time. A steep cobbled descent led us to a turn off at Warland and the longest climb which at the top gave you a great view of a stone man spread eagled beneath you. It was a great descent from here with tight techie sections and berms. Hendy and his Gallic machine got stuck in a gate - Oops no rear break lever know on the Lapierre. Blast back along the canal and a final climb / fast descent. 22 miles in total. GREAT FUN.
Hope the hand gets better Red Rooster and Art Dave once again the man who fixes things.

Pieeater