Trans-Pennine Trail 2005

All images ©2005 Laurie & Kairen Wilson 


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TRANS-PENNINE TRAIL – 2005 - Federico's Tale

The main protagonists assembled in Southport for the start on Monday 20^th June at the sea-front monument and after the mandatory photo-call were away, assisted by a light west/sou’west breeze.

By name the Usual, sorry Unusual Suspects were:

1.                  Ray ‘Fausto’ Hudson (Campionissimo of Eckington)

2.                  Laurie (‘Lance A’) Wilson, six times winner of the Tour de Barlborough

3.                  Trevor ‘Abdujaparov’ (the Tashkent Terror) – he of the pointed elbows and NO toe-clips

4.                  Derek ‘Federico’ Higgs the Eagle of Eltham and main contender for the “Lantern Rouge” award

5.                  A late addition, one Rob ‘Pantani’ Hudson of Heinz Baked Beans fame, for the last two days of the ride.

The first four m8iles were extremely flat and were covered at a fair (for us) rate of knots.  Solid, hard-packed tracks and minor roads led us to “elevenses” by an overgrown stream with only one slight “hiccup” – we hit an 18” wide track through woodland which had me thinking that if it was all to be like that then I would be going home early!  Not to worry, it was only a short cut from roadside to country trail.   During the morning eight to ten other cyclists consulting their map at a junction and found that they too were on the TP Trail.  We were to pass and re-pass this group for the next three days.

Lunch was taken at Hale with Easijets swooping low overhead before landing at John Lennon/Speke Airport.  We then headed along the North bank of the Mersey via the “Col de Runcorn”, a walk of countless zig-zag walkways which all included anti motor-cycle barriers, quite unnecessary in this instance.  Some great views of the mighty Mersey making its way to the sea.  Knotty Ash, passed en route, did not provide any sightings of Diddymen, probably hiding in their Jam Butty mines!  The overnight at Grappenhall provided excellent food and drink, although the B&B charge was a little over-priced, the only instance we came across.

Next morning the route took us along a canal tow-path until we met the Trail proper and plodded along tracks, bridle paths and the odd housing estate through Lymm, Altrincham, Sale,Didsbury, Stockport’s wonderful Country Park, Denton, Hyde and Broad Bottom, including a late lunch courtesy of the Co-op, to Charlesworth, 5 miles short of Glossop where my rear gear gave up the ghost.  After running repairs we made it to Glossop where a rear gear chain and cable were purchased and fitted that evening by Laurie and I as the bike shop had a 10 day wait for repairs.  It was here that we heard that Thursday’s mileage was to be 85 miles and not 65!

The following morning saw us heading up the Longdendale Trail after a few “false starts”.  It was nearly all climbing as expected when we were heading for the highest point on the Trail.  Villages passed through included Brookfield, Hadfield, Tintwhistle and Longdendale before we arrived at the southern end of the Woodhead Tunnels for a rest and sustenance as well as a sketch for posterity.  Here Ray was looking at his old firm’s handiwork as they had installed all the CEGB cable etc. through the tunnels in the 1980s.  Then onward and upward to the Woodhead Pass at 1425 feet, the high spot on our journey.  We continued along tracks and sheep trods watched by wary old ewes until we came to a tarmac road which descended  (and how) but took its toll of one of our sister/brother group’s members.  He punctured a front wheel at speed and a broken arm was followed by a three hour operation that evening.  After Dunford Bridge it was full speed ahead along a very fast flat track to lunch at Penistone in the sun.  Then, via Oxspring, Silkstone Common, Dodworth Bottom, over the M1 Motorway (with ‘Samaritans’ notices either side) to Worsboro’ and Barnsley/Button Mill for our overnight stay at the Button Mill Inn.  It was a very hot, sticky evening and we were all fairly early to bed that night in consideration of the long day to follow.

8.30 a.m. saw us ready to go with our new Rob joining us for these last two days.  It was already very hot and humid as we travelled a leafy track through woodland before our legs got a work-out on some hills and thence through Brampton, Mexborough, Sprotborough, Bentley and Braithwaite, Sykehouse, Topham, Carlton, Temple, Hirst, Brayton all passed under our wheels till we got to Selby where there were cheers as workmates recognised Rob as we pedalled past.  After a pub lunch including copious amounts of alcohol-free drink, we were off again, across some relatively flat countryside via Cliffe, Herringboro’, Barnby on the Marsh, Saltmarsh to Yokefleet, where we had our first glimpse, albeit distant, of the Humber Bridge, our eventual destination.

Then off again, past Blacktoft, Broomfleeet, Ellerker then, praise be! Trevor had a puncture which was a good excuse for a sit down!  Off we went again (by now aching a little) and after 25 minutes riding the same tyre was flat again.  Blessed relief for aching limbs and time to pass round the Jelly Babies, squashed but just about edible!  Repairs completed and after a couple of troublesome climbs, we were on the north bank of the Humber and a fairly flat run-in  past Ellonghton and Welton to Hessle, right under the Humber Bridge and our last over-night on the Trail after 85 excruciating miles.  Five weary cyclists then bathed or showered before indulging in a Guinness or two to accompany a pub meal as there were only 20 plus miles to complete in the morning.

Away by 9 a.m. through the tail-end of the Kingston-upon-Hull rush hour, on to the old rail line via Ellerby Grange, Southorpe Grange, all pretty flat, finishing with a tail-wind as we had started the Trail.  The rain came down for the last half-hour of the ride before Trevor led us onto Hornsea Prom to the applause of our four supporters as we crossed the finishing line.  After Trevor’s grandson ----------- had presented us with our medals we cleaned up and then proceeded to Sullivan’s Famous Fish & Chip shop for lunch – well earned – if I say so myself.  Then it was time for ‘goodbyes’ and, more alarmingly, promises of doing something similar in 2006!! Watch this space!

This is only my version of events and all participants are welcome to add their own comments of whatever hue, please.

Derek (Federico) Higgs

November 2005