We rode out of Hartford in a huge group: I didn’t count but there were well over 30 riders. We looked pretty impressive, with the majority of riders in club kit, although some drivers were probably rather less impressed with us than we were with ourselves! Some of us get tetchy (understatement) with car drivers, but we must be quite intimidating – it would take nerve and confidence to overtake. Unfortunately some drivers don’t have either and just get cross. The roads were FULL of cyclists today, all trying out their Christmas presents now the weather is (very slightly!) warmer.
Anyway we rode through Tatton Park over to Siddington for the club freewheel championships. Steve Thomas kindly organises this, armed with zip ties to stop us pedalling. I was useless and nearly ground to a halt 200 metres from the start when a car at a junction caused me to brake and I only just kept moving. Garry Brown showed us how it was done and was looking like a winner till Steve managed to creep, with much Elvis like hip wiggling and pelvis rotating (can’t wait for the club dinner – is there a disco?!) about 2 metres past Garry’s winning point.
Most riders then rode up to AJs whilst a small group of us went to the hills, seeking some miles pre-Llanberis. Kev and I ended up at the cafe in Allgreave with Ewart, Alan Kemp, John Conboy, Mark Astles and Peter, (and a huge Liverpool Mercury contingent), Gareth having turned round earlier. The ride home was fast and I was quite relieved when Ewart punctured so we got to stop. We got home about 4 p.m. as it was becoming dark, with 69 miles on the clock and 900 metres of climbing.
Great report! Wish I could have been with you guys but j had to get to the shops before they shut.
Our ride home was almost very eventful, with a near crash from a locked up wheel on a descent and a near collision with yet another idiot driver.
Kris.
Probably one of the best pieces of riding I've seen….3 90 degree slides and saved!
Great day in the saddle, loved the company!
Had my heart in my mouth as I hit that downhill slide – changing my tyres immediately! Andy