Club run reports - 27th November

Category 3 ride led by Graham Knight

Three for cat 3 for the third time in a row. Not always the same three, so there is potential for four riders one day!

The forecast had not been promising and the weather turned out to be much as promised, with drizzle that occasionally threatened to turn into proper rain. Happily the participants were saved from plunging into the Slough of Despond by the prospect of the paradise that awaited them in Great Dunmow. However, there was a lot of water and mud about, especially when we reached the small lanes around Broxted and through Little Easton. No incidents though, and we arrived at the Paradise Café in good order. Judging by the fare on offer in this particular heaven we can assume that God is not a vegetarian, is not a big fan of cake but demands a good bacon sandwich.

We were incident free on the way back too, unless you count the bizarre occurrence near the end when, needing a toilet stop, we dived into the undergrowth to find it already occupied by Barry who had overslept, missed the start and set off on a ride of his own.

Category 6 ride led by Kate D’Arcy

On Sunday at 9 eight category 6 riders headed off in the drizzle to Sparrows End Farm. The leader had delegated the job of making the route, then making a new route (thank you, Carolyn) because category 4 nicked our coffee spot by booking ahead of us. The leader then led excellently from the back - this lot don't really need leading. It was a very jolly ride, no mishaps and we made super fast time, arriving at the coffee stop 30 minutes early which meant our table wasn't free. No problem, the hardy group sat outside with blankets feeling cosy. The return leg contained a Pete short cut and we arrived back by 1 o’clock, despite the whingeing about too many hills. Seven of the eight riders continued on to finish in Ware and Hertford.