It turned out to be a damper start than I anticipated, with a light ‘mizzle’ in the air – for a short time I felt a little underdressed without a rain jacket, the inclement weather was obviously my fault for predicting a dry day! However the rain never really got hold, and although the roads were wet, we stayed dry(ish!).
We managed to break my mantra of “Ride together & support each other” within about 200m after leaving St. Ives, when unbeknownst to the rest of the A group, Jordon stopped to sort out a minor mechanical issue whilst we promptly road off into the distance. Jordon joined the B group for the remainder of the ride to the stop. A thousand apologies for this Jordon, it really was not deliberate!
At the Café stop we bumped into somebody whose face looked very familiar – I was sure I had seen him at the start – oh yes it was Tom, who decided to ride off the front up the Papworth bypass, and then stayed ahead – obviously a man on a mission!
On the return things went smoothly, apart from very briefly taking the wrong RH turn near Duloe – I think every time I have done this route I have made the same mistake!
One day I must go down that road & see what’s there! Jack gave us a demonstration of his climbing ability up Paxton Hill (as if one were needed) – he must have an engine in that new bike of his, I’ll be contacting the UCI for an investigation! J Otherwise no punctures or mechanical incidents to report, at least up to the point that Mark & I turned off at Toseland. I had an appointment with a spoke key, truing a wheel at home (hours of endless fun!). I hope the rest of the ride went smoothly for you.
I asked for volunteers to ride with the B group & I’m very happy to report that both Nigel & Daniel stepped up to the plate, together with Gary to provide guidance/mentoring (call it what you will). Thanks guys, really appreciate it. Daniel tells me that there were no punctures or mechanical incidents (or more importantly accidents!) to report from the B group. On the return leg Dan organised a little limited ‘through ‘n off’, single file, each rider spending C. 1min on the front than pulling off to slip back & take their place at the back of the group. It sounds like it worked really well in the end, riders becoming used to being in close-ish proximity with each other, doing their turn & then easing back. I hope those involved enjoyed it, I know myself how exhilarating it can be to ride at speed in a group, all pulling together as a single unit. Dan says “They should be applauded for how well they worked together in the end, as we are often quick to slate them when they ride poorly!”
Well gone guys! (Unfortunately all guys I think!).
There is quite a lot of satisfaction to be gained from passing on knowledge & experience to others, as well as being part of what being in a club is all about. If you would be happy to ride & guide the B group (just as a one-off, let’s share the load), please let me know.
As I mentioned at the start, next week (24th St Neots CC to raise money for the victims of the Philippines typhoon. Please keep an eye on your e-mail for details.
Many thanks & a pleasure to ride with you.
Richard Neil
