An intriguing decision at the Legion this morning – hmmm – having got into Manchester Airport last night at 12.30 am after six days of cycling round Mallorca – shall I go for a murderous ride up several hills in the Peaks with our club mountain goats – or join the civilised and more relaxed ride with that nice Jules? Not a decision I had to work too hard at, although Kev was less decisive, opting initially to go with the mountain goats – but after 500 metres he changed his mind, did a U turn, and came back to join us.
Anyway, our ride was great. We had too large a group initially, so Ady and Jules decided to split into two groups at Mouldsworth. We enjoyed the beautiful but cold day, and did fine until the bit next to the river at Chester, just after the racecourse, where you ride on some decking – within a 50 metre stretch, one rider crashed, two of us discovered we had punctures, whilst Kev did a comedy turn slipping on some dog poo; then we rode out on the river-side cycle path for 800 metres, only to be turned back – it was closed because of a murder enquiry. Surely a first for a WVCC club run, two murderous clubruns on one day.
And so (eventually, after an extended 40 miles) to Two Mills – and then back again, with a good pace which allowed us all to stay together, despite a wide mix of riders: with leader Jules was Martin Whyard, (how good it is to see Martin riding so strongly after his accident and subsequent illness); Titch, who’s knee seems to be less troublesome now; Matt the husky man (ask him and he’ll tell you); new girl Nicky looking very strong; Rob on his fixed gear (another good person to know, he used to work in a bike shop); Ewart back on his bike after a long break; young Eliot who wins the determination award – and his Dad Greg; Elaine who is still recovering from removal-box-unpacking-trauma; Kev and me; and Rob and Richard M who left us at some point en route. If I’ve left anyone out, apologies!