Clearing a few things up

I may have mentioned before that Charlie has a habit of referring to Moel Fammou (but always spelt with two m’s) whereas Moel Famou with just the one ‘m’ occurs on current maps  Please allow both spellings.

Today – talk about early starts !  Late home is one thing Charlie, but really really early starts, surely they are only for the racing fraternity, and Charlie never did join their ranks.  Some of everything today, and a great ride.  155 miles.  These guys were fit.

Romans and Old Ships Today

This afternoon run to Alderley makes it sound a though the whole district is very interesting.  An area I have never visited.  From the Copper Mines, originally exploited by the Romans we are told, to the mysterious wishing well with an enchanting inscription, it all sounds of intrigue.

After tea he returns by way of Goostrey, home to what I understand was the original Radio Telescope (and largest of its day), still doing much science, all designed and built by Sir Bernard Lovell and utilising redundant Naval gun mountings from retired warships.

Homeless Tramps but not Penniless Ones !

There are some historical facts in this days ride, in particular the comments relating to those ‘gentlemen of the road’, so rarely, if ever, seen these days.What a different world we live in, compared even to my youth.  We had a tramp in the Blackburn – Darwen areas known to all the kids as ‘Itchy Coo’, definitely an eccentric.  Charlie’s story ‘The Gates’ has more information.

Typical Cycling Companions along the Way

A long grinding ride almost directly into the wind for most of the day does affect one’s outlook, and apart from his father who was riding a small 2 stroke motorbike, who annoyed Charlie considerably, Charlie does claim to have thoroughly enjoyed the ride.  The two cyclists he fell in with, one at a time, were his main relief, and gave him an insight into how others live.  And the two handloom weavers in Halifax, well they were very special indeed!