Wow. What a day. Hot, hot, hot. It was great to meet at the club and get on our way to feel the breeze on a hot day. We all gathered for 1 ride today, and set off for a ride to the Ice Cream Farm.
As we rode down the entrance drive from the club, it was clearly too much for Craig, as by the time we got to the gate, he was so exhausted, he needed a lie down. So he did have a little lie down on the grass next to the entrance, aided by touching someone’s wheel to help him get to the ground for his well needed respite from the day’s efforts thus far.
Fully rested, Craig got up and we got on our way. The idea of the Tour de Tattenhall 2016 was not to race per se, but to have three teams of mixed ability riders, and get each team to get all of their riders, together, to the Ice Cream Farm. A prize would be on offer for the best team.
Well, Al led out the group, and everybody stayed behind Al and me. Only when we got to Heath Lane, did it all split up. Maybe it was the heat, but team orders seemed to fly out of the window, as teams split, and other groups formed!! After Chapel Lane, there was a battering sprint all the way to the cafe for some!! A nice ride through he lanes for us all though on a perfect day.
We arrived at the Ice Cream Farm, and were looked after by the fantastic staff there (as we always are). They generously gave us beans on toast and tea, and we then donated what we would have spent on our refuelling to the Guide Dogs.
For the competition, well Directeur Al had to declare the stage neutralised. No team arrived together!! However, Emily got the individual prize, new boy Ian got a newbie prize, and Craig gained honorary lantern rouge, and wobbly wheel for the day prize(!)
We managed to raise £180.20 from the club for the guide dogs, so a big thanks to the club members for their generosity. This really makes a difference to the valuable work that this organisation does. For anyone reading this blog who is interested in the work, or wants to donate – check out this link – http://www.guidedogs.org.uk/ which gives you loads of information about the charity, and links where you can make a donation if you wish to.
Ta, we really are grateful! A dog in training.
We gathered for the obligatory photograph of course, then we were off again into the afternoon sunshine. Emily was moaning about here bike making a strange noise – which it was, so we made a pit stop to make an adjustment to her chain, and then we were on our way again, to ride home, with sporadic speed increases and regroups.
Doctor will see you now. Surgical gloves donned, and a delicate operation to re-route a chain. Jobs a good ‘un.
Everyone seemed to enjoy the day (well, with this weather, it’s hard not too)…
Big thanks to the dedicated volunteers from Guide Dogs, we really enjoy teaming up with you for this worthy cause, and a massive thanks to Mel and the staff of the Ice Cream Farm – http://www.theicecreamfarm.co.uk/ who always make us so welcome.