In Rob's absence I offered to lead the ride but did make a comment about 'leading from the rear' !  Some of you may know that's my normal position, unless we're going downhill and then I have a chance to catch up!

Five of us turned up, initially, Dave, Dave, Lynda, Geoff and myself. A beautiful day hot and sunny and promising to get hotter. We set off promptly at 10.00 and went straight off route via the old inclined plane of the C&HPR (Cromford and High Peak Railway). This linked the canal at Whaley Bridge with the canal at High Peak Junction in Cromford. Up the plane to Horwich (no another one) and onto the road to cross the A5004 and up a short way to Horwich End where we turned left for Taxal. A lovely ride via the bridal way (although none were seen!) up the Goyt Valley to the Fernilee Reservoir Dam. Up up and along the side of the reservoir across Errwood Reservoir Dam. Along the side of the reservoir up up, OK it wasn't that steep past Derbyshire Bridge and a brief rest at the loos near the start of the old road. Somewhere along here Mike and Shirley caught up and passed us. They had thought it was a 10.30 start. I suspect we were not talking as much as when Rob is with us, how else did they miss us? A lot of cyclist were out though. I have to admit that I recognised Shirley as she rode past, so a rear view ! but I think I got away with it .....

So the famous five were now the magnificent seven, stretching it a little I know. But as someone said 'fancy that Rob never comes back with more than he started with' does he come back with as many ? Anyway on up along and down the Old Road into Buxton.

Along this road we passed Burbage Repeater Station, sorry but we had two ex-BT employees with us and one likes to give lessons. This building was I think built by the C&HPR which ran by it. At the bottom we took the main road into Buxton but cut off past the Theatre and the Arcade (which is having a major facelift) across the road and walked (well some did) through the pedestrian area (free lucazade) under the rail viaduct to our pub of choice. How grateful were we?  A pleasant lunch in the sun with many others where Geoff rang Rob and put the phone on loudspeaker, so now we all know what his complaint really is. Me writing this I suspect. A ride though Buxton via the main road followed lunch and then UP long hill to where the lane forks off to the right. This is just before Longhill Repeater Station, sorry I told you. This is where lunch, the heat and even walkers with little tykes on their backs caught up and overtook me. Anyhow UP and over past the rear of the White Hill Centre past the Wainstones (missed them, thank goodness) to Wythen Lache. Here I have to admit that I did not catch up in time and so the route around to the East of Ladder Hill was not taken. I suspect that the real leaders were looking forward to the downhill back into Horwich so much, that they had gone on ahead. And why not, I got up to 30 mph without pedalling. Near where we met up with the B5470 (Chapel En Le Frith Road) there was a rather splendid 'Cock' at the side of the road ! Now that's not something I was expecting to be reporting on, Geoff more properly referred to it as a Cockerel but I don't think that sounds as good !  Then via the lane and inclined plane back to the canal basin and air conditioning. 

About 17 miles I think, a good day, a good ride, and good company.

Thanks for the fellowship. Allan Henson

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