Club run reports - 12th February

Category 4 ride led by Pete Kelleway

Four of of us turned up at the start, but only three set off. Why? Well Lesley declared she had forgotten her cycling shoes. No problem, as we agreed to meet her in Tewin so she had time to dash home, locate the shoes and meet up with us. Steve was mightily relieved; Lesley had been responsible for packing the shoes, so he was not to blame!
The only other potential crisis was that the coffee machine at our cafe stop was broken. Fortunately I was aware of this so a plan b and c was prepared. 
We arrived in Tewin just as Lesley was getting on her bike. Perfect timing.
A meandering route to Wheathampstead followed. Plan c was initiated and we stopped at the Brewhouse. Fed and watered, much to Ian’s delight (?), we were straight into a hill climb. Whether he was struck by altitude sickness I don’t know, but the route managed to disorientate him and what he thought was to the left was to the right.
Quiet country lanes made up the majority of the route back. Having dropped Steve and Lesley off back close(ish) to their car, Ian and I made the last charge to the finish. Shaken and stirred from the road surface of Bramfield Road, we finished and parted company.
No one lost, no mechanicals, no close passes, no headwind of note, it was an enjoyable ride out. Now only if the sun had come out……

Category 6 ride led by Tony Dos Santos

The weather looked as if it was going to be a mild day. A nine o’clock start and Mill End’s famous Bakewell was looming. 
I was at the start and riders started to come in thick and fast. The count got to eleven and off we went at 9 on the dot. Behind me there was Rapha Rogers; Graham had forgot it was an earlier start. Now we were twelve. We rode like the wind and nothing really eventful happened. 
We got to Mill End Plants at 10.30 and only a couple of bikes were outside - the Bakewell was ours. Yes, yes, yes! The usual banter was had at the table and at 11.15 we were off. 
I was happily chatting with Mark Sims, when he advised me, and I’m quoting, “the last one to Buntingford is last”; I was in awe of Mark’s knowledge! 
We rode through Buntingford and, obviously, someone was last. However, Mark didn’t keep and eye on who was last at being last! 
We got to the Aspenden turn off and were all signalling to turn right, when a car driver decided he wanted to overtake us (I wish someone had a camera to record it). He shot by, then realised someone was turning left out of the turn off. Both cars slammed on their brakes, avoiding a nasty collision. A lot of fruity words were shouted at the driver. I haven’t seen anything as stupid from a driver did in years. He could have killed all 12 of us. 
We regrouped around the corner and everyone was OK. 
Nothing more eventful happened, and we got back to Ware at 1. 
Now, we all know that Chris is, erm, somewhat good at not being able to “find” his way to a cafe (Christmas 2021 springs to mind). Well, he got in his car and, having started to drive home, realised he couldn’t “find” his phone. So Chris and Claire backtracked their route in the car and found his phone found lying in the road somewhat mangled by cars etc. However, apparently the phone was still working. I must remember to get a check list for anyone who drives to the start. Last point on list - don’t  leave your phone on the roof of the car! 
No mechanicals today, no punctures, just a lovely ride. 
Obviously, written on the throne. 
Love and kisses xxx.

Category 3 ride led by Graham Knight

Four of us set off from Ware into the chilly gloom. The route took us on a loop through the Hadhams and Stocking Pelham before heading to Buntingford via Wyddial, by which time we had all warmed up a bit. 

However you leave Royston heading south there will always be a steep climb to tackle. My aim in choosing the route was to avoid that climb, being the one by the golf course (I used to quite enjoy that one but it seems to have got steeper.) Consequently we headed through Therfield - where Alex left us to rendezvous with the Cat 6 in Rushden - and down the golf course hill. 

Morenos Café in Royston was busy but the service was reasonably swift and very good value. Having rather meandered on the way out we took a short way home via Barley then straight down the B1368. The temperature seemed to have dropped while we were in the café which seemed a bit unfair. There was even a fine drizzle which was certainly not what was advertised. Despite this we all made it home in reasonable order.