Club run reports - 26th February

Category 6 ride led by Tony Dos Santos

A couple of days ago, Lisa threw the gauntlet down - she wanted a rematch with me down Brickendon Lane. Last time, I beat her and now she wanted revenge. More to follow in the report. 

Race Day (lol): The weather forecast was for the temperature was going to be 3° early in the morning. I didn’t expect mega loads of people, but once again I was surprised. Nine riders were raring to go by 9. Obviously, Claire and Chris turned up with 2 minutes to spare. We waited for them and left 4 minutes late. 

The route that our “Routemaster” had made looked amazing and it was good to see that we can get to Shenley another way. It’s nice to have Elio back, after a long injury. Lisa decided to demote herself to the lower echelons (big word, eh) and as usual, I got a load of abuse from her. Love you, Lis. 

Off we went and I must admit, I did stipulate (another big word) to Carolyn that I would like to take everyone up Robins Nest Hill; Carolyn obliged and up we went. This took us around some lanes that everyone had not ridden before, or, as Captain Kirk said, we boldly went where no man had gone before! Ok, I won’t keep clinging (Klingon) on about this! 

We got to Shenley at quarter to eleven and the service was fast as normal. In half an hour we were ready to leave, all fed and watered. We took an alternative route to Brookmans Park past the Vet College and up through some side roads. Chris, as normal, got lost! We found him! 

Kate then advised us that something was wrong with her pedal. A quick look showed it was not repairable. However, being the true legend she is, Kate soldiered on. 

As mentioned earlier, today was going to settle an old grudge that Lisa needed to get off her chest with me. The famous (or is it infamous) Dos Santos v Ridoutt clash of Brickendon Lane. Last time, I won and Lisa was out for pure revenge. The start point was decided, The Farmers Boy. Claire then threw her hat into the ring and said she wanted to race too. Three of us to race the two miles. 
Elio went ahead to be at the finish line so he could judge who won. 

The race had begun, Claire was first to shoot off and she was way out in front. Myself and Lisa knew there was a long way to go. A cat and mouse ride ensued, playing games. I was sitting in Lisa’s draft and kept there. Down and down we went, we rode past Claire, now a spent force. One down! 

Elio came into sight - he was supposed to be the judge! We sped past him. And about half a mile to go, I pulled the trigger (Roflmao, me pulling the trigger) and I overtook Lisa. She was gobsmacked! Looking over my shoulder, I could see her, but realised I was pulling away. Then with  about 400 yards to go, I could see her looming. I stood up and gave it my all. I got to the bottom and once again I had won the Battle Royal. Lisa, once again had come second!!! Love you, Lis! Elio finally turned up and declared me the winner! Thanks for being a judge today, Elio! 

Me and Lisa were nearly chucking up at the side of the road, legs like jelly. But it was worth it. Such a great race.  The others turned up and couldn’t believe that Lisa had not won. I think everyone was even more gobsmacked that Claire was third. 
There was a stunned silence, when everyone realised that Tony Dos Santos (yes, lol, ol’ me) had won. Sometimes you have to blow your own trumpet and I was barping (is that a word?) away on the trump! Only half a mile to ride back to Hertford, Lisa and I recovering well, Claire looked fresh as a daisy. 

All in all a great ride. 
A big thank you to Carolyn for making these absolutely lovely routes. 
Obviously written from the throne. Love and kisses xxx 
 

Category 4 ride led by Denis Bassom

With a chilly start (Alexa was saying 2 degrees) I cycled to the start. And found that not only was my freehub still slipping a bit after servicing it to stop Enzo complaining about the racket, but I only had two gears at the rear.

With Pete's assistance, the issue with the rear derailleur was eventually tracked to the DI2 deciding I had crashed and blocking off the rest of the gears...pity the bleeding Shimano app didn't bother telling me that! A quick Google and a Windows style reset, and all sorted...really must read the user manual one day. The slipping freehub tends to sort itself out, just made a note to not change gear out of the saddle.

So about 3 minutes late, Ian, Pete and I set off to Thremhall Park.

I had planned to take the "usual" 30 mile there, 15 miles back route but Pete suggested a detour to avoid the worst of the long road to the traffic lights and then the run through town, being narrowly missed by cars as they race you between the central bollards. Despite feeling you were going in completely the wrong direction it worked really well and was much more pleasurable. We arrived safe and sound at Thremhall Park (despite me trying to get killed by suffering toe overlap going towards Stanstead Abbots and nearly falling in front of an oncoming car...really do need to get a new frame!).

After being told off in the past by the cafe lady to book in future, I did. Turns out they can't see any emails or Facebook messages so that was totally pointless. Apparently you have to phone...how last century! Fortunately the cafe was pretty empty, and looking very smart after having been redecorated. It seems the business centre has changed hands, or at least been rebranded. The only downside is there is now only access to a single toilet. Ian had a Full English (of course), I had mushrooms on toast with Marmite and a cake (of course) and Pete had egg on toast (no idea what he usually has). All of which were very nice, and very reasonably priced.

Fed and watered we set off back for Ware. Felt much chillier due to clouding so a good pace was continuing to be set (along with quite a few PR's on my Strava).

In the continued spirit of adventure we also took a detour on the way back to avoid all the badly parked cars in a town I can't remember the name of. Again, worked really well.

Finally arriving at the old A10, we parted company to return home, in my case to collapse on the settee because the combination of pace and the latest cold my daughter gave me left my legs shattered.

Lessons learned-

ALWAYS test ride your bike after working on it, sometimes unexpected things happens.

If you don't like a bit of ride, try a detour, it might just be better.

It doesn't matter what you do, the lady in the Thremhall Park will find something you have done wrong!