Well what a strange morning, my alarm went off, nothing unusual about that, however when checking my phone, the time was 8.11am, on the 27th of April 1904. Was today going to be like an episode of Quantum Leap? Up I leapt to search out my ordinary bicycle (penny farthing), my woolen plus 4's, gentelmans sports jacket, handlebar moustache wax & my faithful briar. However I was soon to realise that it indeed wasn't 1904, it then dawned on me that I had 10 minutes to get ready & out the house. So with Chris already parked on the driveway assembling his bike, I gathered together all of my winter fair, woollen hat overshoes etc, then proceeded to leave them on the kitchen table in my haste.
It was a chilly morning, especially without my overshoes, which were currently enjoying the warmth of the underlfoor heating, unlike my feet, but the sun was out, the wind had dropped a trifle from last week & it looked like it was going to be a fine morning of jollity for the brave few of the NBRC.
A crowd had already assembled by the time we reached Harley Hall, Big Dave, Gilbert, Gordon, Russell, Darren, Eddie (welcome back from your winter hibernation), Chris Selley, Gareth, Richard & the new guy Stuart, who obviously hadn't received enough punishment from last week & was back for more. It was a disappointment not to see the familiar sight of Frank & Daniel, but I'm sure they will be back next week for more of the same.
The Dragon ride crew were baying for the blood of Wendover, so the decision was quickly made & off we sped. An early puncture saw Big Dave & trusty assitant Gilbert at the roadside. They asked us to continue saying they would meet us at the tea stop.
To give the weaker riders a fighting chance at Stewkley hill, it was suggested that any break away, upon reaching the hill top, turn & ride back down to the tail enders to give them some encouragment up the hill. Needless to say upon hearing this, the pace at the front dropped & we all ascended the hill in a group.
Gordon left soon after, obviously on a promise, well done mate, good to see you on the club run. Gareth after driving the pace at the front, dropped towards the back to assist the weak & weary, it must be a Team Keyne thing. On route Eddie pointed out a pub that his band will be playing next weekend, so Eddie if you're reading this, send us the details & lets get some of your team mates there, will you be wearing your NBRC kit on stage? just a thought.
10 miles out from Wendover, we were joined by a guy from St Albans, who, having battled through 30 miles of headwind, was welcome of a tow in the middle of our bunch. Shortly after Richard punctured, splitting into two groups, Eddie, Chris (Parkes), Stuart, Russel & myself went on ahead, with Chris driving a Pantani like pace up the penultimate hill towards Wendover.
Having a few commitments which begged an early bath & with the toll of that final hill hitting Chris hard, the pair of us turned before the tea stop & made our way back. On our way back we saw Big Dave about 20 minutes out of Wendover, who pressed on to join the gang.
Russell informed me that the remnants all made it intact to the tea stop, for the usual fair. Then a brave & hardy bunch of fools was assembled (Russell, Darren, Richard,Gareth, Chris Selley & Stuart) to give Tom's hill another assault, with the rest of the bunch making it back the usual route.
After a few wrong turns (dam GPS) & a 10 minute tea stop at Tring, I made it back with 55 miles on the clock with 2,500ft of climbing, I'm sure that there was a few more of you who had a lot more. A good day in the saddle with many tired legs reading this on a Monday morning
Once again, we'll be back for more next Sunday 9am & don't forget the roller racing on Wednesday nights. Until then...............