Yes, it is that time of year. We need the miles (especially me). It didn’t feel that time of the year though. Those turning up, stopped, uttered words like ‘Phew’, ‘too hot’ or started putting sun tan lotion on. Okay, not that last bit, but it was unseasonably warm on Sunday and many were over-dressed.
After we left with ImmobiTags stick in jersey pockets, and after Norley Lane at the stop at Hatchmere, the ladies were busy comparing how many layers they had on – with demonstrations, and discussed other cycling related style and appropriate dress tips while we waited.
What were we waiting for? Well not what, but who. Clearly Woody had been training that hard, and was so unaware of the winter power that he had built up, that he managed to put such force into his left hand crank powering up Norley Lane like Chris Froome, that he snapped the crank off. A number assisted him, but he had to turn back for home. I’m sure that by the time he had got back he’d stripped chainwheels, snapped handlebars and deformed the frame. Animal. He’ll be a force to be reckoned with for the first of this year’s TTs…
It was quite a pleasant run out, but as Llanberis is nearing, it’s getting a little pacey, and I was soon hanging off the back (after a bit of a lay-off), gasping for breath, trying to light a fag* (not easy), and generally being unhealthy. Not sure that this Sunday was a good one for riding my heaviest bike, but it seemed like a good idea when I left the house…**
Alan updates his cake database app.
The cafe. Us. Food.
Holt Garden Centre was the destination cafe, and we all had plenty of everything (as we usually do), before heading back.
Yep. It does. 🙂
We headed down Pump Lane towards Tattenhall. and then round down past the foot of Beeston Castle, where I felt a push on my back, followed by the grinning laughter from our club chairman, thinking it hilarious that he thought I needed a push (and threatening to tell the world – there, stole your thunder Mr Chairman!). I didn’t. I was perfectly healthy (cough), and just saving myself (cough) for later efforts (cough, cough). I reprimanded him for his kind effort… (before coughing up the other lung… nice eh?)
Al did his runs captain duty though, as I was quite a bit slower than everyone on the day, and marshalled everyone, who kindly waited with patience at each junction for my tardy progress towards home. I was glad to slow you all down and try to keep you as unfit as I. 🙂
The usual up and down to Oulton Park, and then onto Whitegate where Steve Malkin started to sprint at about 5 miles out as per usual. He’ll never learn…
Some may say an uneventful club run (apart from Woody’s crank!), but I say that this was also a good demonstration of that which makes our club a good club. That of pacing to the slowest rider of the group. Encouraging (and pushing), waiting where need be, and giving everyone the chance to have a great day out on the bike.
Thanks all. This is what keeps us all coming back week after week… 🙂
*If kids are reading – I don’t really smoke when on the bike!
**A poor excuse. Heavy bikes are good for training!