Club Run 13/01/07 - by Alan Lawson

Arising from my slumber I was relieved to see that the conditions of the previous Sunday had not reared their ugly head. I was then more surprised to be greeted by Police Andy, astride his trusty steed as I left for the palatial delights of Harley Hall. Tempted away from the darkside (moutain biking) for a Sunday, due to the torrential downpour of the previous few days, it was good to see him back in the saddle, soon to be joined by Russell, Darren, Chris Selley & Gilbert, with the Scottish contingent of Frank & Daniel, obviously having a late sitting at the porridge, as Frank sent his son ahead to tell us to wait. This unfortunatley had the knock on effect of us still being at the club house when Dick Selley turned up, well you can't have everything. Gareth who had threatened to turn up, sent a letter from his mum, saying he was poorly, so a well earned rest for my voice, as I didn't have to keep telling him to slow down.
With a sharp headwind, the decision was made to go to the barn near Tring. For some bizarre reason I found myself on the front on the way out with that hardman from the north, Gilbert. We were taking a battering & welcomed Darren & Andy taking their turn on the front, as we turned down towards the Brickhills. Everyone seemed in jovial spirits despite the threat of rain being ever present. Gilbert did an excellent job of directions, leaving Chris & myself to keep order in the bunch, making sure we all stayed together & didn't leave a man behind (honestly it's like being in the Navy Seals at the NBRC Sunday run).
Andy peeled off at Wing (by this we mean he turned for home & not that he disrobed at the side of the road, although he may have done so without our knowledge) to assist his wife at the Woburn Wedding Show, not sure if it was to clear away or to promote his prowess as a wedding toast master.
Shortly after, we found our way to the tea rooms. I've never been to this venue before & was very surprised with the establishment. With friendly staff, even in the face of Dick Selley & his picky requirements, with the tea & buns flowing thick & fast. We were joined at the table by a rider from Hemel RC, who had been spat out the back, with talk turning to all things cycling.
Outside, we deliberated about taking the straight route back or via 'Tom's Hill', a quick weather report from T-mobile indicated that storms were on their way. So we took a quick vote, which was a close thing (8 for, none against) & off we went, leaving 'Tom's' for another day.
The tail wind was a welcome relief as we sped through the empty Buckinghamshire lanes. Dick & Frank decided to do an escape act off the front & were soon out of sight. As with the best pro squads, we soon organised ourselves & reeled them back in.
Soon we reached the junction, where Gilbert & myself split from the pack to head towards Leighton Buzzard. After dropping the hardman of the north at his homestead, I time trialled my way home in a desperate bid to raise the average to 15mph (which I eventually did).
Total distance by the time I hit the showers was 45 miles, with 2,010 feet of climbing (if anyone is remotely interested in that sort of thing).
Next outing leaves Harley Hall, Sunday 20th at 9am, don't forget roller racing this Wednesday from 7.30pm. See you all then. As a request for the next newsletter i would appreciatte your views on the new time trial course, that we (what's this "we", you slacker!  Ed.) raced on New Years day, answers by 25/01/08 to alanandnell<at>hillsidebarn.orangehome.co.uk