Club run reports - 1st October

Category 6 ride led by Tony Dos Santos

It was a Much Hadham meet, so I only expected six or seven riders. I met Leigh in Hoddesdon at half seven as it was ride off at nine. Leigh asked why so early, then he remembered there was an amazing place that served the best cup of coffee in the world. So, we set off and found the “place” and had coffee with an amazing apricot cake. A few minutes to spare, we got to the meet point at 8.30, only half an hour to wait! 

We were waiting and the riders came piling in. A special mention to Kevin McP (see image), who hasn’t been on a club run since 2018. Welcome back Kev, nice to have you back. More and more riders came and at the start we had 13 riders plus one who will be chasing the peloton down. Today I decided not to take everyone up “Farking Hill”, instead we took Danebridge Road, a nice gentle ride up the hill. 

We got to Green Tye and onto Parsonage Lane. Leigh rode off the front as we had a lovely tailwind, but what Leigh didn’t know, was that we were turning right down to Allen’s Green, I tried to catch Leigh but to no avail. I phoned him and still no answer. About 10 minutes later, as we were waiting, Leigh turned up, tail between his legs. So funny, we all laughed like drains. 

We dropped down through Sawbridgeworth then slowly up the hill but as we turned round and there were riders missing. Daniel was missing too, so I knew it had to be a problem with him. Obviously it was, as apparently a boulder had stuck in his tyre. Released they were back with the peloton in about 5 minutes. 

We were now close to the Polo club and there was a rider coming down the hill. David did not see that rider until the last moment and had to swerve left. Unfortunately he swerved into Carolyn, who claimed “he nearly killed me”. It wasn’t that bad really. According to Davina he should have slowed down.Everyone was on form with the jokes being cracked.

We got to the cafe at 11 and breakfast was ordered. Daniel, ordered a full English and everyone was in awe at the massive, no, humongous portion. 

Everyone must have taken something as Carolyn gave me “the bird” at the table; obviously, me being pure as the driven snow was shocked, no horrified!

As we waited and ready to go, it became clear Daniel had ordered another cup of coffee. I mean, what does he think this was, a cafe stop or something. Carolyn too didn’t look horrified as she had also ordered another cuppa as well. Just before we rode off, Davina, as usual, needed the “ladies”! 

We left at 12, all fed and watered and only 13 miles to go the finish. Barry finally caught up with us, having missed the food, but nice to have you on the ride. 

We went through Hatfield Forest. I pulled over and Davina shouted, no screamed, “You got a problem”, shocked and upset (absolute lie). I was dumbfounded. I mean Carolyn earlier on and now Davina. Had the world gone mad. Did everyone swallow the mad pill, or what?!

Nothing happened after that, apart from me being a gibbering wreck (another lie :-)). We arrived safely at Much Hadham a lot later than normal as coffee was flowing lol. I don’t think I’ve forgotten anything. No punctures, amazing how everyone is maintaining their bikes so well. 

Obviously, written on the throne. 

Love and kisses, over and out.