A fine turn out today at the legion, despite the weather, both runs opted to go to the Mills with the Short run going direct and the long, via Bangor on Dee.
A massive 20 left with the long run which included the lesser spotted Matt Hornby and Derek, who admitted it was his first Sunday club run for 2 years. The head wind noticeable going through Hartford, we rode the usual Saturday training route, down whitegate, to Tiverton and Beeston, by the time we reached Bickerton Poacher, there was a few struggling with the pace, albeit, it wasn’t particularly quick, we had lost Jimmy Williams who decided to do his own thing and Andrew Risk and Chris Graham left us to go via Holt, we headed through Malpas, then the rain came, so capes were donned. At this point Ewart did the unthinkable, and did a 20 miles turn on the front, don’t get too excited though, it isn’t a sign of thing to come, he turned off and went via Farndon on his own and met us at the mills, so no-one got the benefit of him riding into the wind.
We had a new rider out today, Matt from Kingsmead, his dad used to ride with Kempy back in the day, he is talking about joining us, he is a good strong rider, only 17, will do well in the races for us if he does join.
Given the wet roads, we approached the “Carol Robson memorial corner” carefully and headed to Bangor on Dee where we turned to head back to Chester, through holt and Carol said ” I know I sound like a petulant child, but far to the café”, “17 miles I replied” she didn’t look impressed with the answer. Another stop to de-cape, Dave Fearon changed his sopping gloves to his summer gloves, the external optimist, and we continued to Huntington, at Chester, Dave left us.
By the time we reached the Café, I had 62miles on the clock and I was ready for something to eat. At the Café, we had myself, Jacob and Phil, Matt, Tony, Paul and Connor, Kempy, Ewart, new rider Matt, Derek, Carol and Chris Stelfox (sorry if I missed anyone). Fed and watered we went outside to start the short ride back, at this point my phone rang, it was Carol, “where are you I said”, “I am stuck in the toilet” she replied, so of I went to rescue the damsel in distress, Ann came with me as I wasn’t completely comfortable about kicking the door in without permission, It transpired that she didn’t have the strength to pull the door, I suggest some more upper body training required Carol.
A steady ride back in the sunshine, I finished with 80 miles on the clock and an extremely dirty bike and face.
Thanks to all for the company, great day out