The English at their most eccentric?

On Monday morning, at the last minute, I changed my mind about driving to Abbot's Bromley by car, and rode there by bike instead. For this was the day of the Horn Dance, a traditional dance enacted there for a very long time. I have been intending to see this event for the last 19 years and, at last, I was able to. I was not disappointed: neither the dancing nor the accordion playing were exactly virtuoso performances, but it was a fun day in a pretty village in good weather, and I was aware of a of tradition which stretches back to the 13th century, apparently. Tons of spectators lined the streets and everyone, including the performers, was having a good time. On the way, I met John Swan on the Breadsall Greenway - where else? - and on the way back I met Mavis and her friend Joyce at Shobnall. (They all signed my card - I do get a Derby Rangers T-shirt?) I used National Cycle Route 54 from Derby to get as far as Dunstall, then quiet country lanes. Total distance from Derby about 60 miles. Let's make a ride of it next year.