Club run reports - 15th October

Category 3 ride led by Peter Kelleway

My phone went just as I was about to head out the door. My heart sank - it was from Ian. Was he phoning to say it was too cold for him? Not a chance. He had just noticed he had a puncture while at home. We agreed we would meet him at the Feathers on the way out.
At 9.30 prompt four of us left Allenbury's. Blimey, was the wind cold. As we approached Hanbury Manor I pulled over to let a cyclist pass. It was Suj; he had arrived late so had to catch us up. I should have guessed as the last time we went to Phillimores he also came along! We waited at the Feathers for Ian who proceeded to cycle straight past us to have a run for the hill. He must have been getting in practice for the forthcoming hill climb competition.

Meandering through country lanes we got split up by a runner at Great Hormead. She obviously thought we were climbing too slowly and promptly decided to overtake the leading group. She must have been an Olympic athlete or just come out of her house; whatever she looked very graceful and unlike us lot wasn’t sweating (swearing?) or breathing heavily at the top. As we approached Snow End, John’s Thunderbird 1 (his recumbent) spooked a horse. Suj came to the rescue and stayed next to the rider and horse, as the rider had requested. 

No other incidents and we gracefully arrived at the cafe at 11.30ish. Thank goodness for all day breakfasts. “Shall we sit outside in the sun?” As quick as a flash Ian suggested going inside as, although the sun trap was quite pleasant, the food would get cold quickly. Not that Ian gave that much chance inside when he got his full breakfast, although as Graham commented, he hadn’t taken the option of black pudding! Denis showed a YouTube video of him starting up his kit car engine. Highest views he has ever had. Not surprising as it had no exhaust and was in effect a flame thrower.

Meal over, we headed home. At least we had some help (never enough) from the wind. At Puckeridge I finally won my duel with John about following a route his recumbent was unsuitable for. While we navigated the cycle path under the A10 he was on it speeding back towards Ware. Taking advantage of ride leader privileges, I dropped off just outside my house leaving the hill to the others.
Great ride, some lovely roads with a few undulations, and a good time had. 

Category 6 ride led by Tony Dos Santos

Last week's temperature was in the mid 20s, whereas the forecast for today was 5° to 10°, a sever drop. I rode up to Ware in the Siberian wind, arms toasty, legs not so. I had prepared for a battle against the elements. I turned up in Ware at 8:30, just as Cat 4 were about to leave and good banter was had. As I was waiting and contemplating on the answer to the universe and everything (42), I wondered how many riders would actually turn up. Could it be 42 riders? Maybe it was the answer! Carolyn couldn’t come this week as her and Emma were at a wedding expo (Awwwww). So maybe it would be 41! Richard Hann then confirmed he would meet us en route. At least I would have one to lead. Just before 9 David S turned up, and so it was just me and David, or is it David and I? 

David, as normal was cracking the jokes - luckily he did not told me one going up hill. We met Richard at Whitehill, now becoming the Three Musketeers! The weather was slowly warming up, but every time we went under the trees, the temperature dropped. 

We arrived at Mill End in record time. The food came quickly and was devoured in minutes. Nothing eventful happened on the ride, well nothing I can put into print. A nice ride and great company with my two compadres. 

Adios Amigos. 

Obviously, written on the throne. Over and out. Love and kisses.