Club run reports - 30th July

Category 2 ride led by Laura O’Shea

Fantastic turn out for the category 2 ride today, with 9 riders setting off (and more importantly finishing!) on a trip to the Raynes Booking Hall.

It was a well paced group ride in windy conditions, averaging 18 mph over 70 miles with 700 metres of elevation. No punctures this week, just bird poop on a sandwich...

The group kept together well in the wind. 

Riders included Lib, Tom, Kev, Brian, Oliver, Nathan B, Peter H and Danny from Wales.

Category 6 ride led by Tony Dos Santos

I woke this morning, thinking today is the day. Yes, the “Special One” is coming back. I threw back my curtains and the joys of summer shone through. I’d had my bowl of slow oats with bananas. All was good. I donned my helmet, put cycling shoes on. My best cycling outfit had been to the dry cleaners ready for the “Special One”. Excited to say the least, I left home at half seven. I can feel, as you’re reading this, it’s going to be a long one! Lol. 

I was wondering how many were going to turn up for the ride? The weather forecast was all over the place. One app (see I’m wiv it) said it was going to rain from midday, another from two o'clock.

As I rode in, there was a beaming smile from little Kev, whom we haven’t seen for weeks. Nice to have you back, Rich. Others were also waiting when I got there  at a quarter to nine. Davina had forgotten her water bottles, so, obviously she had to turn back and get them. 

More and more riders were turning up, when I heard a crunch and a crash, I looked round and couldn’t see anything. However, Ryan had and ran over to the gate. He then beckoned me over - Den F had caught a small pothole,  crashed into his handlebars and gone down on the deck. His hand was cut and he looked shaken up. Even before we started, a disaster. Den said he was going home and we made sure he was OK before we left. 

Before that, Chris put on his new fluorescent helmet (and when I say fluorescent, aircraft can see him for miles, bit of luck really as where we were going there were lots of them). He said he had NITS (or something like that), as had David, who had the same helmet. So they both had NITS! Amazing eh, not only do they have these special helmets, but they also come with NITS. I’m sure that’s not the correct acronym, but, they’d better check their hair before they come out on the rides in future! 

Eleven riders had turned up (not including Den). We were going to meet two others en route (see, I can type French). One of the riders were going to be a surprise for everyone, but I was so so excited that Carolyn was going to join us again after her major open heart surgery. OK, it was a knee operation, but the excitement was making me faint with anticipation! I just had to tell everyone. Of course the big giveaway was that Pete K was with us. 

A quick hello to the two new riders who joined us, Mark Hooley and Sam Aylott. Both looked too good for category 6. We left five minutes late after the “Den incident”. 

The excitement was building up as we rode past Fanhams Hall. Peter Bloomfield and Richard Hann thought it was a category 2 ride and we never saw them again! Well, when I say we never saw them, they did wait for us at the Bottom (don’t know why I capitalised "bottom", but it seemed appropriate) of Kettle Green Lane, where there was another surprise waiting - yes it was the one and only Mr Daniel Horn on his fake Bianchi! Today he was not an Eeezy rider! 

Now we were twelve, with just one more rider to join us. The excitement was still building. However, we had to CLIMB (yes I’m shouting) Farking Hill (as David says I call it, but it’s really Stansted Hill). We went over the Ford and then up the hill. We climbed the monstrosity (big word, eh) and then turned left. I asked Chris, who was behind me, is there anyone else following. He responded “yes, there’s loads behind”. We waited and waited and as I turned the corner, there’s ten other riders sitting there waiting for us. Chris said he’s never last! Don’t we just love him eh :-). 

We flew down Parsonage Lane and there, at Spellbrook, was Carolyn raring to go. I went to greet her but she had already gone. The  “moment” had passed - a damp squib! I did note that Carolyn was wearing the same Alé outfit as me, although she wore pink to my orange. 

Carolyn was so far out in front we couldn’t keep up. Then, just after Spellbrook level crossing, going up the hill, everyone heard a loud bang and knew straight away someone’s chain had snapped. It was Sam’s. Not only is he a true professional cyclist, he’s a keeper on the rides. He pulled out a chain tool, quick links and within about thirty seconds had repaired the chain. Absolutely agog, we were in awe of his cycling mechanical skills and prowess. Amazing! 

Nothing eventful happened apart from me trying to catch up with Carolyn to welcome her back. It is lovely to have you back though,  and see your cheeky little smile. 

Just before we got to the cafe, Kev’s bike tried to turn into Hatfield Forest, but we stopped it. Another disaster avoided. 

We arrived at Thremhall Park in ultra fast time at a quarter to eleven, having benefited from a strong tailwind.. It was, amazingly, empty, . I’m so good to you lot! Orders placed, the ladies decided to do drinks first and then food. Good banter ensued, including a looooooooooooong conversation about 3D printing. There was another 3D geek apart from Daniel, yes, it was Sam - not only is he a cycle pro, but also a 3D pro. 

The food eventually came out - well, there were thirteen of us. I put my waiter's outfit on and dutifully served the offerings. They had forgotten David’s tea cake and jam. However, a quick word in their shell like and it came out in no time. 

On the ride back we endured a horrible head wind, but we did have two “Petes” (a bit like twin peaks, but nothing like it). One Pete took the front and one took the back. Pete K had to help Carolyn (did I tell you she came on the ride today) load the bike back in her car. Then Pete had to race back to the peloton. This was done in about half a mile because he is one of the fast riders and he wanted to gloat how good he was ;-). 

The ride back was tough, during which Ryan confirmed Katy reads the club ride reports. A big shout out to Katy - at least someone reads my waffle :-). 

The last few miles were hard, with Davina struggling - more to follow on this one. 

As we rode up Widford Hill, I knew I had to get my fitness up, but when I’m in front and then EVERYONE passes me, I know it really is time to up my game. At the top of the hill, I was shattered. 

Only a few more miles to go and no more hills, except the one on the B180. I tried to say my goodbyes to everyone in front, but they had gone! 

I managed to bid farewell at Kitten Lane and Davina and I rode to Rye House. Her bike was squeaking and that’s when we saw her front disc brake had been binding for the whole of the ride. Goodness, no wonder she was having a tough time. 

After saying goodbye to Davina, the heavens opened and I got drenched. Well not completely, as I had my poo bag jacket on (Leigh’s words, not mine and he wasn’t even on the ride). 

I got back to a log fire and all was well. A nice average speed of 12.9mph (taken from Claire’s Strava) and only one real mechanical. No punctures as Kev had sealant in his tubeless tyres. 

Obviously, written from the throne. Love and kisses xxx