You may suspect that today’s ride was in Chile, but no, nor was anyone drinking the wine; but we did visit a castle. Some our group were quite mature just like a good red, other younger riders could perhaps be described as Beaujolais nouveau; personally I can’t stand the stuff, not my cup of tea at all; nor is tea for that matter.

Although Rivington Great House Barn was not as busy as usual, there was a queue for coffee at 10-00am. After our regular social cuppa we started the ride by cycling past the Go Ape circuit, a few us of went ape when we saw the price, sky high for a low level tour of the trees.

We didn’t see Lucifer when we arrived at the castle, perhaps Lever Park was just too busy, or was it just too wet for him and certainly he would prefer it to be rather hotter, or was it all the God fearing friendly folk that put him off; or conceivably I could have chosen a more apt title perchance?

Leaving the castle we began the climb past the school to Roynton Lane and at Gilsbrook House turned right to pass Breres’ Meadow, and then at Hall Wood we descended to Hall Barn. Now, at this point I would like to congratulate whoever organised the rain; what a magnificent job they made of it, we were soaked through in seconds! We made the decision to forego the climb up towards Moses Cocker’s and instead immediately descended to Rivington Village Green Tea Room. On the village green the annual fete was in full swing, what a pity it was such a wet day for them at that point in time.

Our final cuppa, on cup final day, was very welcome as we dried out indoors, and as we reluctantly took our leave we found the day was improving. Down past the junior school we plummeted and turned left to once again pass the Go Ape circuit and return to the start.

An enjoyable jaunt, wet at times, but nevertheless a grand day out Gromit.

The photos of the meet can be seen here on our Flickr account.

Another ride in great company, see you all soon, Brian.