I am pleased to report there has been a 100% increase in wvcc members taking part in 200k events in the last 2 months. The massive increase is due entirely to Jim keeping me company.
Yesterday those of us with mettle ( or should that be metal and a screw loose) met at the Hartford Co-op for the Eccleshall perm. This is not a curly hairdo but a ride that can be done at a time to suit the rider rather than on a specific date. The damp start meant at least it was above freezing. Then it was uphill through Norley and Kingsley to Helsby. I seem to find this bit hard every time maybe because I have barely got warm before the climbing starts. After Helsby it is relatively flat for a good while and we started to gain speed and finally warm up – well relatively because it wasn’t that warm all day. The Shropshire lanes were cruddy and at times had sections of slush that were a constant reminder to be careful. Chugged on through Market Drayton to the garden centre at Eccleshall. Winter menu opted for the roast pork baguette, chips, salad and coffee or in Jim’s case a pot of tea for 2 for 1 – beats a gel every time. Totally stuffed for less that £6.50. Rolled out of cafe and needed a step ladder to get back on the bike. Needless to say it took sometime to get going again, especially as it is lumpy over to Madeley. I seemed to sit on Jim’s wheel for a while, and yo-yoed off the back on climbs. By Haslington the temperature began to plummet and lights were on. A decision was taken to stick to A & B roads for the remainder of the trip for safety. The tactic of sitting on Jim’s wheel finally paid off as he cramped up on Castle as we approached the finish. Another great day in the saddle.
For me this is working towards six years of a 200k a month – I think Jim might be leaning towards the Round the Year club. Could there be 2 mileaters in the club?