Monthly archive for July 2014

Bob McLeod writes….

Peter has just returned from holiday so is somewhat pushed for time. As I took these few snaps he has delegated the report to me, Bob. 

Just missing Chris who got stuck behind the vehicle

The GC at Sherfield had a pleasant garden where we relaxed with compulsory cake and drinks. The main road was busy as we left but the traffic stopped for us to cross the road and take the path. Shortly we saw approaching members of Fleetcycling in their flashy new kit. Such was our combined closing speed that I was only able to yell a quick greeting to a few friends who I cycle with on Thursdays.

We skirted round Basingstoke to the North through some unfamiliar, to me, lanes that sometimes offered shade although we mostly had a pleasant breeze from the west to keep us cool.

Popham airport was another new venue to me and very nice it was in the sunshine. Lots of activity on the airfield that Peter with his background was expected to know all about. He did very well. The snacks from the air conditioned club room were fine and the staff very welcoming. The group have a very relaxed approach, there was no rush to get moving. Some time was spent in choosing where we should have afternoon tea. We settled on Gloria’s in Selbourne. The route was a mixture of lanes we knew from rides around Micheldever, ——-

Just checking.

——-followed by a part of the Danebury and then with help from Danes GPS we got there after 4 but the tearoom was still open and gave us a friendly welcome. Anne had found this little cafe a short while ago and we can certainly recommend it for small groups like ours, just seven of us.

Just before tea we had the obligatory puncture but no trouble in the sunshine especially when your leader repairs it for you.

Where is Peter?

 

l left the group at Selbourne as they had plans for the steep hill at Oakhanger.

It was a great ride and nice to catch up with Martin, who used to ride with us on Wednesdays, and his triathlete wife Heidi (good luck in your challenge). The route below is from Dane’s GPS and shows that he did 100+ miles at just over 14mph.

I was quite pleased with my 92 miles at a similar pace and arrived home fitter than I sometimes am after a Wednesday ride. I didn’t get the chance for a beer at lunchtime but can’t believe that had any effect on how I felt at the end.

Highly recommended group. Give them a try.

Thanks to all.

John Murdoch writes…

There is now less than a month to go before the Tour of the Hills, the Club’s major event of the year (and largest fundraiser by far), and one which is gaining an ever increasing reputation amongst clubs and riders.  

Whilst Don is “El Supremo”, it is very much a club event, which means that it not only needs club support to make it happen, but it is also when the whole club – riders from all the different groups, as well as current non-riders but still very much club members – can get together, represent the club, work as a team, and have fun.

The specific requirements are for:-

Marshals – it is essential that we marshal a number of controls, otherwise the event simply cannot take place.  All that is required is that you turn up at a specified point and sign the cards of all the riders as they arrive, also making a note of who has passed though.  The first control opens at about 10.00, the last just after 13.00, with early controls only needing to be open for an hour or so, but later ones (as the riders get more spread out, which makes the job of the marshal less hectic) needing to remain open for 3 to 4 hours.  If you can help, please contact John Murdoch on 01276-681131 or johnmatsouthview@btinternet.com; early applicants will get priority in choosing their control.

Catering – this word hardly does justice to the amazing spread laid on by Louise and her team, last year, and having established the benchmark, this clearly needs to be maintained.  That requires volunteers to help with the preparation and serving of the food, with stints generally being 3 hours or so.  If last year is anything to go by, participants will certainly have fun.  Please contact Louise on 01483-457739 or bridgethatgap@hotmail.com  to volunteer

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