Starting from Much Hadham a group of seven Wheelers lead by Tim Dobson rode a mainly off road route along the River Stort and through the Lea Valley following Sustrans National route 1 with a detour through the former Royal Small Arms Factory in Enfield, and returned mainly along the Lea and then retraced the route back to Much Hadham. A very warm and enjoyable day by all, 40 miles in total.
Although I was ride leader things didn’t go to plan! The route was planned but unfortunately the bike computer had other ideas and wouldn’t load up so with lots of help from Barry P we made it up as we went along!
Last Sunday it was all beach balls, sun cream, parasols and budgie smugglers. This Sunday it's back to soup, hot water bottles, and, the mainstay of Wheelers' rides for the past 4 months, layers. In spite of the national obsession to get prepared for the forthcoming royal wedding, a surprisingly large gaggle forsook these duties and assembled in Ware for 3 led rides.
Three things learned on this category 6 ride:
1. It seemed to be "Drive a 4 Wheel Drive' day
2. Everyone in Sawbridgeworth has a living mother who needs fetching/ visiting by car on Mothers' Day
3. Local motorists have read about the possibility of introducing an offence for not giving cyclists sufficient clearance and are terrifying us while they still can.
The cat six put out their first eleven today and, unlike Manchester City who could only manage six substitutes, we made do with none. The ride was managed in such a professional way that the need for fresh legs never arose and we got through the whole game without any mishaps. I was expecting a much quieter ride today knowing that a certain Mr Santos was having a go at the TT but, like a bad penny, who should turn up but Phil the Power (of his vocal chords) Taylor. So much for the peaceful Sunday ride.
A melange of category 6 and 5 riders, plus those who are doubtful, conglomerated at Allenbury's. All set off together for Something Lovely. As Puckeridge is only about 7 miles as the old A10 flies, the group followed a loopy course via Bakers End and Levens Green to arrive bang on time at the cafe. The downstairs toddlers' room was booked, accommodating the 15 riders exactly. Staff confirmed this was a record number of children in that room. Food and service was excellent.
13 - 3 – Sounds like a rugby score, doesn’t it! All will be revealed. So, 13 members turned up for my first ride as leader. It certainly was a game of two halves. First half
Our pre 'Christmas Lunch' appetiser ride drew 9 members out of their beds for a 9.00 am start from Ware, although not all of them were there to hone their appetites. A figure of 8 ride through Thundridge, Cold Christmas, Much Hadham, Westland Green, Wellpond Green, Standon, Puckeridge, Latchford, Barwick, Wareside back to Ware. 22 miles at 12.0 mph average. No points awarded for this meagre ride to avoid upsetting anybody.
Quelle horreur!
I was mortified today to find out that I'd made a mistake when heading up last week's club ride report (*). Not only was I castigated by Tony DosS, but he was in the right!
Then Martin had a go, suggesting that the ride might end up 0.4 of a mile short:- tantamount to treason!
