Club run reports - 17th September

Category 3 ride led by Graham Knight

Four assembled at Ware splendidly arrayed in the latest version Wheelers' kit. The weather prospects suggested that getting back before two o’clock would be a good plan. Consequently we decided to shorten the ride, substituting Thaxted for Finchingfield - a pity really as I have looked up a lot of stuff about the Finchingfield bridge controversy, which I am sure my companions would have found riveting.

It was good to see Richard H at the start. Less good to find he had suffered a puncture whilst riding across Allenbury's car park. That was quickly fixed, though, with the aid of a new tube and several CO2 canisters. Sadly, Richard was to be doubly afflicted with a second puncture within the first mile. This one was caused by a thorn. Richard concluded that the Gods were against him and decided to head for home and set out on his own on a more propitious route. That left three of us heading off via Braughing to Clavering. This was a lumpy route, not helped by an increasing headwind. This was particularly prominent on the high ground between Debden and Thaxted. Fortunately Peter K stepped up and led us through the gale to Parrishes in Thaxted.

Suitably nourished - Graham's double scone, jam, cream and tea combo being especially good value - we headed off down the B184 towards Great Easton, another lumpy road. With the headwind now a tailwind Graham thought it safe to go to the front of the group. We then made good time back to Ware via Elsenham and Stortford arriving by two and just in advance of the rain.

Category 6 ride led by Claire Gopoulos

We were joined at the start of the ride by Pete, a potential new member, who was interested in joining the club to get fit for Ride London next year.  He found details on the website about the ride along with information about the club and thought we seemed a very professional and organised group.  We did endeavour not to dispel these beliefs for him during the ride. A group of eight of us started off from Allenbury's with the intention of picking Carolyn up opposite the petrol station, located at the top of the hill.  This being achieved,with perfect timing, made the numbers up to nine.  After a short distance, we were joined by Alex who had travelled first north, then south and finally caught us up at the crossroads thus making a merry band of ten. 

The leg up to Mill End proved uneventful except for the fact that Kevin had a puncture coming up the hill towards the crossroads. Luckily he had tubeless tyres and, following him removing the offending thorn that had caused the puncture, the tyre sealed without any issue, and we all continued without any delay.  

Our arrival at Mill End was in perfect time for a fresh Bakewell tart to be cut into 8 pieces, so plenty for those that wanted a piece.  Graham had some Garmin issues and as a result was unable to load the course onto his Garmin at the start.  Claire offered her expertise in this area but, surprisingly, was unable to sort out the issue so advised Graham to watch a YouTube video on the subject.  

The ride back from Mill End was a bit like the song ‘Ten Green Bottles’ and went like this:-

Dan & Kevin decided they had to rush back after the café stop….and then there were 8

Alex peeled off after Standon (possibly)….and then there were 7

Adrian, Graham and Amanda said they had to investigate some newly laid tarmac in a tunnel on the way back (the actual location of which was lost by the ride leader)……and then there were 4

Carolyn left the ride at her house….and then there were 3

David peeled off at The Bourne just before the Charville’s Roundabout (impressed?!)…and then there were 2

Thank goodness for Pete, otherwise Ride Leader would have been coming home alone!