Tow path 18 Nov 2010

[manuel6b2]

Tow path on again tonight. Weather forecast gives no rain, light wind and mild.

Confirmations so far:
Massimo, Adrian, Kyle I, Alan

Cry offs:
Davy R (too wet), Peter S (packing), Neill (chores), Dennis (no bike!), Raymund (free Egyptian gift),

[manuel6b2]

The tow path last night was the madness adverture I have ever had on a bike.

We had heard in advance of meeting up that there was some flooding near Shaw's bridge. That didn't worry us too much as we could work around it when we got there. What we didn't realise was the extent of the flooding much closer to Lisburn. It was a great evening for cycling, mild and still. Perfect for the 7 who gathered, Massimo, Surfer Stevie, Atomic Alan, Pedals Pete, Adrian, Kyle I and me. Stevie had been down the Lagan in the morning in his kayak and said the river was quite high.....

We set off just after 7, Alan and I taking the lead. There were some minor puddles on the way down and indeed the river was high. Alan was setting a brisk pace, he hadn't been out on a bike since the last trail quest. With only the headlight from the bikes to light the way ahead we didn't get much warning when the first major flooding came into sight. The river had swelled up beyond its banks and there was a current of water knee deep running into the nearby field. What a sight. We were holding onto the hedge trying not to fall into the water and trying to cycle through it. No chance. We all had to get off our bikes and start wading through the current with bikes over our shoulders. This breach was really wide and it felt like we had to walk 200 metres to reach a dry part of the path. We regrouped laughing at the madness of the power of nature. All back on the bikes but it wasn't long before we hit another section. This time (most of us) rode our bikes through it, axle deep, feeling the force of the current trying to twist the handle bars. A real workout for the legs. This section did not last as long. Regrouped and pushed on again. More of the same time and time again. We got to the bridge near Lady Dixon and Alan lead us up and over the main road to avoid the water under the bridge. The other side of the path was dry, for a short bit (up to our usual stop area) but just beyond there was only water to be seen. Stevie went off first, Alan followed with me behind and then the rest. Another long section trying to judge where the path was beneath the water by the distance from the hedge on our left. Sticking together to ensure that we stayed on the path rather than veer off into the river itself. We hit another short dry area, regrouped and then pushed into the next lot of water. Alan was driving us on with the "well we're wet now, so we might as well keep going" attitude. At the back of the group Massimo couped but luckily only his legs got wet. Close call. We came upon a group of 3 riders. They were planning on heading to Lisburn. We told them what was ahead and they (smarter than us) decided not to bother going any further and turned around to head back to Belfast.

Up past the footbridge was all fine and clear and we picked up speed, however we were all soaking from the knee down (apart from Massimo whose legs were fully soaking). We got to Shaw's bridge. I wanted to turn up cardiac hill and head home but Alan wanted to push onto the trees. We all went on. Into the trees we met another group out cycling and exchanged stories. We had a nice run through the trees but all the while my feet were getting colder and colder. The pain was starting in and taking the edge off the enjoyment of the cycling. We pushed on, up to the car park. I stayed at the back to make sure no-one got lost. Back round to the car park and we started (thankfully) to head for home. From here back to Shaw's was quick but not quick enough for me. The cold water in my shoes was awful. We exited the path at Shaw's and took the road home. Adrian was lagging and I stayed with him. To catch the others I thought it would be quicker to go up Dunmurry Lane and home via the Lisburn Road rather than go via the Ballyskeagh Road. (I later found out that that this is longer!). Pete just called me as I was about to call them to let them know our plan. Adrian was still fading and it took us ages to get back to Lisburn. By this stage I was in real pain. I couldn't get into my car quick enough to get home. Teeth gritted I arrived into the house, stripped off the wet clothes and got into the bath. Took ages to get sensation back into my bright red feet.

Once warmed, dressed, fed it was great to sit back on the sofa and think of what we had seen and cycled through. If only we had a camera or a web cam. The sight of cyclists powering through the brown rushing river with no sign of dry land ahead will remain with me for a long time.

Can't wait to next week. I'm on ebay looking at wet suits !!!