Wednesday Chain Gang - Twinkle, Tinkle, Tailor, Fly

First ever chain-gang for Shirley!

"Okay, I think we've done wind now - time for some new weather", I said out loud to no-one in particular. I quickly regretted this plea, as you should be careful what you wish for. I guess you can blame me if it is raining next week but, seriously, what is it with the constant howling gales?

Despite the wind, I think 21 riders took advantage of an otherwise dry and relatively warm December evening to get their thighs burning and their wheels turning (oh yeah), spinning with gritted teeth into a strong south-westerly wind in two groups. Less frequently seen riders included George W and the rarer-still 'Red Suze' (I think, from memory). Making her first chain gang appearance was Shirley Y, wearing her familiar blue top and shiny metallic helmet. Riders from Eastbourne were thinner on the ground than usual - where is the Bianci Bomber these days?

Out went the Ultras, more or less at 19:27. Steve C and I dithered a bit before leading out 'the rest', both soon wishing someone larger and stronger would take the wind off us. I did a turn until near the De La Warr, before Malc D powered past and pulled out a gap as we neared the roundabout. He slowed, thankfully, as we turned along Bexhill front and then the rotation-proper began with Stewart Buckland (not a Lord this week, mixing with the plebs) pulling a train of riders down the outside of the group.

Gareth brings the spirit of Xmas to the chain-gang!

South Cliff provided that extra bit of resistance and I found myself off the back with Peter Baker, both of us trying to get back on before the turn onto Cooden Drive. We joined forces and caught up with Simon G as he too was gapped and then slowed by the merciless wind. And so it remained for the rest of the outward leg. As a trio, we shared the lead across the marshes and up Spooky, staying together well and making what would otherwise be an ordeal into a hard but satisfying ride.

The return wind-powered leg was considerably less tidy, with groups forming, bridging to others, then splitting as riders took the front and leapt forward. I felt I went strongly up the western side of Spooky, but it's all relative - the Ultras were long-gone, but I was with a group of varied riders that pelted down the east slope to the sweeping left bend at the level crossing. The Star Inn, Herbrand level crossing and Walk all came and went with indecent haste, the challenge being to spin the legs fast enough to stay ahead of the wind. I hacked along Cooden Drive with (I think) Steve Butcher and Suze, with Steve making a final strong effort that I just about managed to overhaul.

Puffing and blowing at the traffic lights were a good number of riders who had made very good speed to Bexhill. Gareth 'Hairy Fairy' Purves was leaning over his Christmas Special winter trainer, complete with multi-coloured lights, flashing blue, red and green onto his bushy-beard. "Doesn't it slow you down?" asked a perplexed Stewart B. "No, my beard and the lights are aero" said Gareth, with deadpan calm. Just thought I'd report that. Biggest smile at the finish was from Shirley, who had clearly enjoyed the fast night ride.

A touch reluctantly, Steve and I headed back into the now strengthening wind, escorting Stewart to his waiting domestic staff. It was a struggle, especially along Herbrand. Steve fell back and a car came into the gap. Inexplicably, it decided to overtake me as a car came the other way, stopping just in time and without pulling left and flattening me. How can you not notice another car 30m in front, heading towards you with its lights on? I think drivers get fixated with overtaking a cyclist and stop looking ahead.

Steve latched back on and we discussed how riding form can vary, for no obvious reason. I'm not sure we should judge ourselves too harshly when we've already bashed into a strong headwind for miles, and then pelted back along the same roads. It's easy to forget the other side of riding - getting exercise in fresh air and with good company, being closer to nature and your local environment, feeling the change of the seasons - and to focus overly on going faster each and every ride. Just. Not. Possible.

As a timely reminder of what else cycling offers, a large Barn Owl wheeled around us as we started our return leg, it's white underside lit by the stray beams from our lights. It swooped left over the hedge and disappeared into the dark marsh as we rode with the wind behind us again, legs suddenly bionic and tiredness receding as home loomed closer. We went hard along Herbrand Walk, getting some payback for having twice ridden into the wind at its worst on this stretch. It was our turn to be lit, but from the side, as we rode along Cooden Drive, now a corridor lined with flashing and twinkling lights, a sure sign that Christmas really is coming soon.

See you next week for more chain gang adventures, followed by a beer or two at The Forum in Bexhill. Perhaps a few more of us could wire up our bikes with coloured lights - cheap battery-powered ones are easy to find. We can use Steve Gadget's mobile generator for power (but I'd make your own connection).

A reminder also that there will be a BBR Brighton Special ride on Sunday 20th December (yes, Sunday). Meet at 7:50 at Normans Bay, whatever the weather. This is a long ride via Ditchling Beacon to the northern edge of Brighton, where we find a late breakfast, before returning via Seaford, Exceat and Beachy Head. Have your climbing legs ready!