Club Run Reports

Category 6 ride led by Kate D’Arcy

Category 3 ride led by Graham Knight

A good turn-out on what promised to be a damp day. Several arrived fully equipped with mudguards, bullet-proof tyres, waterproof clothing and snorkels. In the event we rode on completely dry roads until we were nearly home and felt not one drop of rain. The café stop at Flint Cross was enjoyed in unbroken sunshine in the company of both the Cat 2 and Cat 4 groups.

Category 6 ride led by Tony Dos Santos

Category 3 ride led by Graham Knight

Only four at the start! Still, it's quality not quantity that you want in a ride, so it was good to welcome Barry back after a long absence. Despite declaring a lack of long-distance rides he outlasted us all. The others were Richard, who did sterling work pulling us along between challenging himself on all the hills and Denis, who finally enjoyed a ride devoid of mechanical misfortunes.

Category 6 ride led by Lisa Ridoutt

I thought it was about time I stepped up and lead my first Cat 6 club run.

Having studied a few of the previous leaders in action, I knew what was required of me.
I had to find the quietest of lanes (Mike), I had to continuously float effortlessly from the back to the front of the ride (Danny), whilst chatting and laughing as I climbed every steep hill (Tony DS).

Category 6 ride led by Tony Dos Santos

Eldon does it AGAIN! 

Category 3 ride led by Graham Knight

Category 6 ride led by Tony Dos Santos

Category 3 led by Graham Knight

What a difference a week makes! No more sunshine in our lives but plenty of wind, especially true for the first 10 miles as we headed north to Clavering in the teeth of the gale. Despite being Wheelers we did manage at times to make a passible impression of a pace line; needs must when the devil drives. Thankfully the route to Bardfield then took us east which improved our rather glacial pace somewhat though a steady and un-advertised drizzle dampened enthusiasm a little.

Category 6 ride led by Tony Dos Santos

Well we all woke excited for the first Tour de Hertswheelers, six thoroughbred riders ready and raring to go. No, wait, Kate decides to turn up at 9:02am! There’s always one eh, normally Mr Eldon, but this time he was early! I know, shock horror! No one was out on the lash last night, probably because Marcia couldn’t make it!

Post TT ride led by Graham Knight

A group of 8 set off from Cole Green variously stimulated or exhausted by their TT exertions. A fairly direct route was taken to Mill End Plants at Rushden but we were shedding riders along the way so that only three made it to the tea and cakes. Mill End were busy so we had plenty of time to enjoy the late summer sunshine before heading home via Sandon and Buntingford.

Category 6 ride led by Graham Rogers

In lovely sunshine five happy Wheelers set off for Whitwell at a nice steady  pace.

Category 3 led by Graham Knight

Category 6 ride led by Daniel Horn (Report by Tony Dos Santos)

Category 6 ride led by Tony Dos Santos

This ride was pretty uneventful, with no punctures nor mechanicals, a god send compared to the week before when we had so many issues. It was like the opposite of Christmas had all rolled into one. Good banter as usual. The cafe provided good service as ever, with Dan having a full English AGAIN! His punishment for taking so long was to plan a ride for the next week. Shenley, over and out!

Category 6 ride led by Daniel Horn (Report by Tony Dos Santos)

Category 6 ride led by Tony Dos Santos

Category 6 ride led by by Peter Eldon

Somehow I find myself nominated as today’s ride leader, something I have never been before. But seriously, how hard can it be?

I have long observed club greats like Danny H, Tony DS, Mike E and Capt Bob, and it seems that all you do is rock up, count the riders, and set off for somewhere that sells cake. And it’s ok to lose a couple en route apparently?

So I count - we are 5 - and chart a course to Mill End Plants via Datchworth and Walkern.

Category 6 ride led by Tony Dos Santos

Category 6 ride led by Tony Dos Santos

Category 6 ride led by Mike East

The prime number of seven starters reduced to six before departure due to a split tyre. A strong tailwind made for accelerated progress outwards via Datchworth, Aston and Luffenhall. Mill End Tea Rooms as excellent as ever, and no panic buying, not even on the Bakewell tart.

More challenging riding from the headwind on the return via Walkern, Bennington, Watton and Stonyhills. 

No riders lost this week, nor any punctures. Personal protection zones respected throughout. Great company over 31 miles.