Club run reports - 13th March

Category 4 ride led by Lisa Ridoutt

Nine Wheelers set off from Hertford, heading to Mill End Plants. 
Having checked out the conditions on a couple of local lanes the day before, I'd answered my own questions by getting a puncture so I slightly adjusted the route.
It was a good run out, no sign of the rain which had been forecast (we will come back to this) and we had a quick chat with Cat 6 as we passed them in Puckeridge.
It was the usual efficient service at Mill End, and Ally was introduced to the famous Bakewell Tart. We sat there smugly as the heavens opened and with perfect timing stopped just as we finished our refreshments.

Unfortunately five minutes into the return leg the rain finally caught up with us and we got absolutely soaked.
With the ride having gone smoothly up until this point, I was becoming concerned that I'd have a very sparse report. I solved this by launching my phone from its quad lock and into the road, just at the point that we briefly cycled along the busy A602. With my phone recovered I was then thrilled to see that Elio had a puncture (more fodder for the report).
Yet again Andy earned himself the title of 'Wheeler of the Week’ for his help in repairing the puncture. We were all now feeling damp and cold as we watched the mechanics amongst us help Elio, so I considerately knocked a couple of miles off the run back into Hertford. 

It was lovely to be joined by Will and Ally who’d not been on a club run for many months and a pleasure to lead the rest of the Cat 4 rabble.

Category 3 ride led by Graham Knight

Windy and wet and only 3 of the dwindling supply of Cat 3 enthusiasts. 

We headed for Blackmore in the expectation that, since it was south of Ware, we would have a nice tail-wind on the way home. What we got was a nice, sunny ride out, albeit with an occasional opposing wind, followed by a cold, wet return with a tail wind insufficient to compensate for the cold and wet. It was the sort of ride best appreciated after a shower and an hour sitting next to a radiator.

At the halfway point we rejected the Norton Heath café (full of motorists) and the posh one in Blackmore (stuffed to overflowing with cyclists) and resorted to Megarrys which was quiet, civilised and a source of high-quality cake as usual.

What doesn't kill you makes you strong. 

Category 6 ride led by Carolyn Kelleway

Nine riders set off promptly from Allenbury's after the lead rider had been showing off her new bike!! A lovely ride was had through pretty villages to Stansted Mountfitchet with pleasant conditions. No dramas. Just one flood to get through - led very confidently by Rebecca. We arrived at the cafe (Bear and Eden) to find it very busy but we got served more promptly than we thought (except Tony who ordered a delicious scrambled eggs- food envy was had by those who chose cold food! ).With everyone fed and watered we set off home. But very soon the rain started - very gently until Chris said “it won’t rain much”! Then as expected it started to pour down. Although we got soaked it was a lovely ride and very enjoyable morning. Thank you everyone for turning out.