Either the new long run start time has not got through to everyone or people were put off by what the might weather might have been doing as it was supposed to be fiercely wet and windy today. As it was we were a very compact group at the rugby club this morning. Never mind that as enthusiasm was in abundance and the day, although chilly, was not as windy as yesterday so that was a bonus.
A quick discussion and it was agreed that Holt would be our destination; not over ambitious I know but it just felt like one of those days. We set off at a respectable although not flying pace as there were some heavy legs after yesterday’s training ride.
Out through the forest and past Tarvin everyone took their turn, the changes from front to back being smooth and seamless. Strangely, it felt the same sitting on the back as it did taking all the wind on the front. There are just days like that though I suppose.
In no time at all we arrived at Holt, Cleopatra’s being the appointed cafe stop. We got there too late though as a large group of cyclists had obviously just arrived and they were queueing out of the door. We rapidly decided to not stand in the chill but to push on to 2 Mills. The breeze was a little harder in this area but I was OK as i’d managed to get myself on to the back of the group, staying there till past Kinnerton.
Without mishap we got to Chester but it was at this point that the ride kind of fell apart a little. The subject of Easter Sunday and getting home for family commitments was brought up and by majority vote we baled out of the ride and headed off on a direct route home.
As usual the group got quiet in preparation for the Delamere Ventoux but legs were tired at this point and there were no attacks. Rolling through the forest in single file I was in the lead and started the sprint for Hatchmere, just taking the prize by a whisker.
After Delamere our small group started to go it’s separate ways and all too quickly I was back in Pickmere so I thought an extra little loop would help which meant arriving home with just under 70 miles covered. A tough but great ride. Thanks everyone that came along, hard riders all. See you soon.