Club run reports - 3rd November

Category 6 ride led by Tony Dos Santos

Today was the day I could test my new power meter, but there’s too much else in the report to write about it this week. OK, I’ll tell you. Nah, next week (laugh emojis)

It’s been a couple of weeks since I’ve been out, trying to shake of a chest infection. However I was going stir crazy at home and decided to lead the ride, so that I had to come out. I decided on Thremhall Park, completely forgetting the last experience; I hasten to add, I was not on that ride. So, putting that aside, I decided on one last punt to the Stanstead emporium of delights.

As usual, I met Leigh at Hoddesden and compared temperatures on our Garmins - they within a degree of each other, as Leigh had upgraded his firmware. We arrived in Ware at 8:45 and Phil “The Pilot” Fraser had arrived an hour earlier, deciding to wait in Allenbury's foyer. Obviously Phil, was so so excited about coming on the cat 6 after his bout of Norovirus. Nice to have you on the ride, Phil.
The usual rabble came piling in and then I was berated by one and all about going to Thremhall. I mean, they absolutely ripped into me. A fight nearly ensued, but I kept my cool and stopped the mob from attacking me. Honestly, I feared for my life (smiley face, smiley face).

Eleven were out the start and it’s really nice being back in the saddle. Adrian was giving me a right load of stick about losing people. More on Adrian later (laughing on my back).

We set off a tad late at five past nine as Carolyn was busy chatting away (I’m such a liar emoticon). We got to High Oak Road and Phil turns round to me and says I know this road, despite the fact Phil actually lives in Ware (laughing face laughing face).

Alex was in “club duties” mode and advised just before Thremhall he had to drop off a brevit card. Amazing eh, most people, would just post it (amazing emoticon).

Feeling a tad worn out, only a few miles in, I decided to be Lantern Rouge today by choice (you believe that, you’ll believe a thing - side splitting emoji).

Good banter was enjoyed along the way. Carolyn, Leigh and I checked our Garmin temperatures. Mine and Leigh’s were 0.2° out, Carolyn’s  2° lower. Then Carolyn dropped “the bombshell” - she had never updated her Garmin. I mean, how could you not update it. Note to Carolyn, update your Garmin and maps NOW (laugh emoji).

We got to Thremhall in good time and the place only had a couple of people inside. Food ordered and within minutes, it was on the table. Obviously, it was because I was there and everyone, once again, was in awe of my food ordering capabilities (laugh on side emoji and crying).

All fed and watered, we rode off. Alex rejoined us at the end of the road. A good pace on the way back and lots of riders had their heads down and were “going for it”.

We got to Widford, at the top of the hill. Once again, I was the lantern rouge (by choice laugh emoji). Although I was shattered, everyone waited for about 30 seconds, and set off again. All went hell for leather, apart from David and me. Adrian and Graham were going off at a cracking pace ahead of us. As I turned the corner into Hunsdon, Graham was on the ground and looking somewhat shaken up. Unfortunately, Graham had slammed into the back of Adrian. Graham, was so shaken, his front tyre also deflating. I phoned Pete, and  everyone in the group raced back to help. Pete the tweak jumped into action and changed Graham's tube. After making sure Graham was OK, within about 15 minutes we were back riding. I said my goodbyes just before Stanstead Abbotts and rode home.

It transpired that Adrian had ensured Graham had got home. Thanks so much, Adrian.

I’ve got to say, I’m so so proud of everyone on this ride, coming back at least a mile and half to help a stricken rider. Every time I come on a club ride, I’m amazed about what such kind and loving people we have on the cat 6. Thanks to everyone today.

I think it’s appropriate that I name everyone on the ride; you should all be so so proud of yourselves for the helpful and caring souls you all are.

Names of the riders are:

Phil Fraser
Leigh Pegg
Carolyn Kelleway
Pete Kelleway
Tony Dos Santos
Adrian Clayton
Kevin Ellis
Kevin McPheat
David Smith
Graham Rogers
Alex Powell
Daniel Horn

Obviously, written on the throne. Love and kisses.

Category 3 ride led by Graham Knight

There was a good turnout (6) on the category 3, boosted by a welcome appearance by Suj, whose presence brought a significant reduction in our average age and a corresponding increase in our pace. It was notable that, while the rest of us were wrapped up for winter, Suj seemed happy in short sleeves and shorts.

Our route out to Dunmow took in the steep climb out of Hadham Ford through Cradle End, skirted Stortford then followed on through Elsenham and Broxted. On entering Dunmow we spied cat 5 preparing to join Frank in his coffee lounge. We waved as we passed on our way to the Paradise Café. If Ian ever ends up in Paradise he will surely find they provide a choice of 12 full-English breakfasts - just like this café.

We set out for home along the nice, wide B184 towards High Roding. This road was over-provided with motorists who were evidently not familiar with Highway Code Rule 66 and objected to us riding two abreast. They indicated their displeasure by passing aggressively, at speed and with a blare on their horns when alongside - plainly intended to intimidate rather than warn, thus breaking Rule 112. Hey ho we thought, at least no one was hurt. This was not the case on the climb up to Widford where the road is narrow and with poor sight lines. A car driver attempted to overtake us and discovered too late that there was no time to avoid approaching traffic The car cut in, endangering us, causing the approaching car to brake suddenly and a following motorcyclist to fall off. Fortunately his injuries were apparently not serious. The offending vehicle disappeared but John H had a video of the whole incident which he has made available to the injured parties. Maybe on this occasion there will be consequences for the aggressive driver.