25th June 2026
We were currently experiencing a heatwave with temperature records being broken on a daily basis. I messaged Graham early on Wednesday to enquire if he thought we should go out for an adventure on Thursday, concerned over his health he has a heart condition you know!. His reply was almost immediate:
“Be fine my best mate. Maybe a potter around Elton res?”
That was it then we were off to Elton reservoir which meant we could have a look at how the work on the breach at Nob End was progressing.
As I set off to rendezvous with Graham the temperature was still around 30 degrees ( Centigrade), absolutely sweltering. It had been like this now since Peggy Lou and myself had returned from our road trip through Canada and over to Chicago, nearly a week ago so not only was I dealing with jet lag I was battling the searing temperatures like everyone else .
As I made my way along the old canal path I was passed by group of cyclists on e-mountain bikes . I actually caught up with them at Hall lane and as we crossed over the road a scaly across the road was leaning on a fence who was obviously drunk or high on drugs or something and he kept shouting at the guys “ them electric ones them pal, can I av a go , bet they cost a fair bit ???? “ . Luckily for me I was going in a different direction. I headed up along the top canal towpath near Nob End leaving the madness behind . As I rode along at an extremely leisurely pace, obviously not wanting to peak too soon,I came across 2 young girls who were so engrossed in their phones they had no idea that I was approaching them I had to sound my bell several times before they realised I was there, Extreme bikers often come up against things like this. Due to the recent weather the paths we use have become overgrown now and at some point were quite challenging
Graham was patiently awaiting my arrival at the Meccano bridge. Graham said that he’d brought his new water bottle with him that I gotten him a few weeks ago. I then remembered that I’d got him a new pair of Extreme Bike riders sunglasses the same as I have. Graham placed his sunglasses on his head but he dropped the packaging on the floor. As he bent down to pick it up the noises he made were hilarious a groan, a moan & a creak , he made a full plethora of noises. I then asked him if he could smell smoke , he remarked“affirmative, there must be a big fire somewhere “
There didn’t seem to be much advance on the work on the breach, I had been informed that they were looking at reopening the path in 3-4 weeks. We just gave it to cursory glance and headed off on our way to Elton Reservoir. We rode down to Ladyshore Road where we were to turn right. As we waited in the middle of the road a car emerged and looked right but didn’t look left and nearly took us both out, luckily for us with our Extreme Biking skills and Graham shouting out a warning a nasty accident was narrowly avoided.
Soon we were on the canal going at a very steady pace due to the extremely hot weather .The recent weather , with the heat and rain had caused the canal to disappear in places under large amounts of shrubbery , it also meant that the triffids were out in force. These are the Giant Hogweed which are very dangerous if you come in contact them with your skin they cause severe burns which cannot be reversed and any sunlight will trigger the burns, so please stay away from these plants.
We again crossed over Water Road at Radcliffe. The Royal Oaks pub beer garden was absolutely packed and we were tempted to stop off for a nice refreshing beverage but being Extreme bikers we continued on ,battling through the temptation to stop for a nice refreshing pint. Part way along the path we were met by a large group of MTB riders heading towards us, Graham spotted them first, ” Look out Ebay its a convoy“, we moved to one side as the bikers sped passed us at a fair pace.
Not long after we were at the bridge over the canal that would lead us up to the reservoir. As mentioned in an earlier adventure Scorchio Scorchio Scorchio , the bridge had recently undergone some refurbishment work. Graham took the opportunity to stop and examine the work that had been carried out .They had replaced all the floorboards and the handrails and also added what looked like anti-slip plates in the middle of the bridge this though perplexed Graham “why have they only put them in the middle, that’s no good they should be at the edges “he said, he then went on “they’ve not even tidied up after themselves there’s sawdust and swarf everywhere that’s a fire hazard you know !” . I explained to him that the bridge was actually made out of wood so theoretically it’s already a fire hazard. He shrugged his shoulders and reluctantly agreed, but still wasn’t happy with the Anti slip pads as they didn’t extend all the way to the end of the Bridge. I explained that there must be some reason for it but neither of us could figure out what that was.
I had mentioned to Graham on our travels that due to the breeze that was blowing we would hopefully see some sailing boats on the reservoir. As we approached the top of the hill to the reservoir, I turned to Graham and said “there’s no sailboats pal that’s disappointing”. Graham agreed, we were quite looking forward to watching the sailboats but nevertheless we took the opportunity here to have a nice rest , cool down as well as having our catch up chat.
Graham took a swig from his water bottle. “Erghh it’s warm” he proclaimed. It was then I produced two cold cans of Fosters lager out of my backpack. “Wow you’re a star my bestie “Graham said excitingly. We took a quick selfie and then sat back to enjoy our refreshing beverage while we chatted about our holidays. Due to the fact we hadn’t seen one another for quite a while we had quite a lot to catch up about and by the time we were ready to set off we turned around and low and behold there were boats sailing merrily in the evening sunshine, and we’d missed them having sat with our backs to the water.
It now time to set off on our way home, as we got up off the wall our bodies making us make various noises as we slowly rose to our feet . As we rode along slowly and gathered speed giving our bodies the chance to regain some suppleness Graham asked one of his random questions “ you know when you went to Canada and USA were international or multinational travellers, and what’s the difference between the two ? “. We discussed this fact at some length , but unfortunately to no satisfactory solution. This was in fact one of a number of Graham’s questions along similar lines , like What is the difference between Flammable and Inflammable as well as what is the difference between a Guarantee and Warranty. Graham had explained that a Guarantee is free but a Warranty is something you purchase.
We continued to ride along on our way home at a very sedate pace for Extreme Bikers. The heat was draining, we’d had our refreshments but we continued to keep ourselves hydrated with our water, even though like Graham had said , the water was warm and not very pleasant, but we know keeping hydrated in theses conditions can be a matter of life or death.
Soon we were on the Bradley fold cycle path , it was here we both nearly came off our bikes. Now normally with myself in front we don’t have a problem, but today we were riding almost side by side so Graham could hear me, this soon became an issue as we approached some bollards, we both decided to go for the same gap, big mistake. It was only by fluke we didn’t hit one another. It actually gave us both a jolt but we were soon laughing about it, its just one of those things when you’re Extreme biking. We emerged from the path at the Queens pub at Bradley Fold. We paused here for a while and as we did Graham told me that he’d gotten an idea. I was intrigued to say the least. He went on to explain.
“You know when we go Corfu in September for Vals 60th birthday ,how do you fancy hiring a couple of E-Bikes and doing an International Graham & Ebay’s Adventure , we could go to the Bond Bar, What do you think pal ?” Well I was certainly up for that and told him “I think it was a brilliant idea and thanks to the Komoot App I could plan us a route.” I think it took him aback a little that I was so keen , I suggested we pick a day towards the end of our holiday, he agreed saying “ We couldn’t go out on Vals birthday” he said, “well unless we both want to die” I agreed that would not be a wise move. We parted company with our promise of a message when we arrived home safe and sound. I rode home along Radcliffe Rd and stopped off to see the progress of the new housing development, it is certainly coming along.
