Arriving at the harrow, only Simon G was waiting at the bench, but all at once 5 others appeared almost out thin air. Hight H, Lee S, Dave M, Nigel T and newbie Nigel Fitchett, joining us for his maiden Sunday morning club ride.
Nigel quizzed me on the predicted pace of the ride, asking "It won't be like the chaingang on Wednesday, will it?" We set off with him having been reassured that it would "a brisk, but easier pace than that."
We headed East with the wind on our backs (and drizzle, that had not been forecast) for a fast flat start, brought prematurely to a halt on Friars hill, as Dave M suffered our one & only puncture of the day.We got going again, making good time along Pett Level & through the nature reserve, picking up our 8th rider, Mark Ingram, at Rye(back to it after several weeks out with a chest infection)
We rode in a tidy paired formation through Rye & out to Lydd, with just a little encouragement needed to " not be shy, and/or enjoy the comfort of the wheel & rear mudguards for too long," and we then cruised across to Lydd in excess of 23mph. Turning left at Lydd church, we started to catch a bit more sidewind & occasionally a headwind as the lane twisted & turned, as we headed inland. Reducing the pace quite a bit, so that we managed to keep grouped together, we wound our way across the exposed marsh to Ivychuch & Brenzett, before turning fully into a headwind on the Snargate road to Appledore. We gathered our thoughts in the usual "thought gathering/nature break layby" in Appledore, as we waited for newbie Nigel to catch back up, as he had just fallen of the pace slightly with the hard grind into the wind. Declaring that he was "blowing out of his @#%*", we sympathetically gave him time to have a quick drink, before starting the the steady grind up to Tenterden, with Nigel T dropping back( the furthest he got from the cleanliness of my rear mudguard all morning) to shelter & encourage Nigel F on the slopes towards our cafe stop.
We arrived at Tenterden for our much anticipated & deserved cafe stop, only to be greeted at the door to be told that the empty indoor tables had been reserved, and that only the outdoor tables were available. Maybe it was the smell of 8 sweaty mamils that was putting them off, or simply that they have a better class of "greasy spoon" in this neck of the woods??? Hats & gloves stayed on as we observed rule #5 & hunckered down outside to refuel ourselves.
Having cooled off a fair bit during our alfresco dining, the descent into Smallhythe was to be a rather chilly restart, but knowing that we had a few climbs on our way back meant that we would soon warm up again. Heading through Peasmarsh, we took the horseshoe lane turning, and finally regrouped in Broadoak at the top of the beautifully surfaced, but long & tough climb of furnace lane. Dave M appeared towards the rear, having earned my full admiration (not to be confused with sympathy, haha) for even turning up for the start of the ride, after being out partying until 2am, let alone finishing the ride, but was now clearly paying the price for his night of revelry.
We all disbanded & headed back our own ways at this point, and I rode back into Westfield with Nigel F, discovering that he had covered the distance on his own before, but that he was about 3mph above his normal ave speed. Well done, 60 miles at arond 16.5mph!
Until next week, J.V
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Saturday, 27 December 2014
Wednesday, 24 December 2014
The Hell of Herbrand
Hate; hate, hate, hate; double-hate; loathe entirely! My early morning walk to the station was promising - quite warm with a wind to dry the roads. But by the time I’d got home, the south coast drizzle had made the roads wet again. It bugged me, but for the time of year it remains very mild with no chance of ice. After a whole week off the bike (Christmas and family chores interfering far too much) and I was mad keen for a good mid-week blast, the perfect way to start my Christmas break.
So, we all know how it unfolds when the wind is from the south-west: a tough outward leg with a super-charged return. I felt like Mark Cavendish with the wind but rode like an old man with shopping bags on the handlebars when riding into it. And so it proved, with 10 riders starting out into a stiff wind as a single group, with chins on the stem and looking for riders to shelter behind. The excellent Stuart Hodd suggested I lead out so he could do exactly that; I warned him I would be slow and it wasn't long before he smoothly span past me.
By the time we reached South Cliff I was at the tail-end of a group of six riders, the ‘super-fasts' having quickly sorted themselves into a rapid, stronger peloton. I knew I would be dropped by the top of the hill and I soon watched their rear lights move away into the blustery breeze. I glanced behind to see a couple of bright lights a few hundred metres behind. I hoped they would catch me but I wasn’t prepared to slow to let them do that, so I pressed on alone, gasping along Cooden Drive and knowing that however tough it was at that moment, the worst was yet to come… If Father Christmas could bring me just one thing, I would ask for a sprinkling of the awesome power with which some club members are able to ride. I guess I'll just have to work harder for it.
In the damp friendless dark, beyond the point at which streetlights are lit and houses line the road, past the rotting wooden beach huts and teeth-like concrete bollards, a ribbon of uneven tarmac lies waiting to extract cold revenge on the riders who dare sully its gritty surface – schadenfreude for the reckless and uninvited abandon with which we skitter along the black, tarry lane. On one side, shingle creeps towards the road edge, pushing you towards sunken drain covers. On the other, a ragged chain link fence hopes to snag your bar-ends or rip your knees. Its ally is the wind, tearing across the sea, hurling lumps of wood, fishing net and plastic bags across your path. I gritted my teeth and ground my way forward, turning at Cooden and then at the station, grimly determined, riding like Bismark with a mix of ‘blood and iron’. The ‘Hell of Herbrand’ awaited me…
Well, I survived of course. I’ve endured worse rides along that road. I think that somewhere along there or near the Star Inn I came up behind a rider in a flapping yellow cagoule, labouring forward alone, his super-flat-back and clicking bottom-bracket giving away his identity as Tom Norris. We rode as a pair to the Pevensey roundabout, fighting hard to arrive first in the final stretch but drawing level and with honours even. The riders behind didn’t catch us but were soon revealed as Simon G and Peter Buss, who had also enjoyed a good pairs ride across the marshes. Somewhere behind them was John Stainsby but he did not show, despite us waiting some time for his arrival.
After the pain of the ride there, we were all eager for the wind-assisted cruise back to Bexhill, setting out again as one group and again splitting early into two similar-ability groups. In the front group of five were Stuart H, Barney and Alex, amongst others. In the second group was Simon G, Peter Buss, Tom and myself – Doner und Blitzen, Dasher and Dancer - but without the fat bloke in a sleigh. We picked up John ‘Comet’ Vidler near Spooky Hill and rode an excellent through and off for the return leg, greatly helped by the wind. We saw John S still making his way to Pevensey, and I think also Dan and one other who had joined the chain gang party rather late. Peter in particular rode strongly, perhaps experiencing for the first time the buzz that comes with fast group riding. This time I competed in the final sprint with Simon G but again honours were shared and there were smiles all around.
Christmas good wishes were duly shared amongst the hardy band of chain gang brothers who had braved the torrid conditions. Peter, Tom and I rode west again, so this time I had some company for the fight across Herbrand. We saw John S on his return leg and talked about our Christmas and New Year riding plans, performing the juggling act that we all must in the holidays between spending longed-for time with family, time eating and resting, and fulfilling the need to ride as much as possible before work returns to rob us of time and fitness, spoiling the mood of the season like a jar of sauerkraut spilling over your Christmas pudding.
Merry Christmas to all Hastings and St Leonards club members and their families – I hope you all manage to get out on the bike as much as you would like or are able to!
Chain gang meets again next Tuesday. Come along and fight the podge!
Neil S
So, we all know how it unfolds when the wind is from the south-west: a tough outward leg with a super-charged return. I felt like Mark Cavendish with the wind but rode like an old man with shopping bags on the handlebars when riding into it. And so it proved, with 10 riders starting out into a stiff wind as a single group, with chins on the stem and looking for riders to shelter behind. The excellent Stuart Hodd suggested I lead out so he could do exactly that; I warned him I would be slow and it wasn't long before he smoothly span past me.
By the time we reached South Cliff I was at the tail-end of a group of six riders, the ‘super-fasts' having quickly sorted themselves into a rapid, stronger peloton. I knew I would be dropped by the top of the hill and I soon watched their rear lights move away into the blustery breeze. I glanced behind to see a couple of bright lights a few hundred metres behind. I hoped they would catch me but I wasn’t prepared to slow to let them do that, so I pressed on alone, gasping along Cooden Drive and knowing that however tough it was at that moment, the worst was yet to come… If Father Christmas could bring me just one thing, I would ask for a sprinkling of the awesome power with which some club members are able to ride. I guess I'll just have to work harder for it.
In the damp friendless dark, beyond the point at which streetlights are lit and houses line the road, past the rotting wooden beach huts and teeth-like concrete bollards, a ribbon of uneven tarmac lies waiting to extract cold revenge on the riders who dare sully its gritty surface – schadenfreude for the reckless and uninvited abandon with which we skitter along the black, tarry lane. On one side, shingle creeps towards the road edge, pushing you towards sunken drain covers. On the other, a ragged chain link fence hopes to snag your bar-ends or rip your knees. Its ally is the wind, tearing across the sea, hurling lumps of wood, fishing net and plastic bags across your path. I gritted my teeth and ground my way forward, turning at Cooden and then at the station, grimly determined, riding like Bismark with a mix of ‘blood and iron’. The ‘Hell of Herbrand’ awaited me…
Well, I survived of course. I’ve endured worse rides along that road. I think that somewhere along there or near the Star Inn I came up behind a rider in a flapping yellow cagoule, labouring forward alone, his super-flat-back and clicking bottom-bracket giving away his identity as Tom Norris. We rode as a pair to the Pevensey roundabout, fighting hard to arrive first in the final stretch but drawing level and with honours even. The riders behind didn’t catch us but were soon revealed as Simon G and Peter Buss, who had also enjoyed a good pairs ride across the marshes. Somewhere behind them was John Stainsby but he did not show, despite us waiting some time for his arrival.
After the pain of the ride there, we were all eager for the wind-assisted cruise back to Bexhill, setting out again as one group and again splitting early into two similar-ability groups. In the front group of five were Stuart H, Barney and Alex, amongst others. In the second group was Simon G, Peter Buss, Tom and myself – Doner und Blitzen, Dasher and Dancer - but without the fat bloke in a sleigh. We picked up John ‘Comet’ Vidler near Spooky Hill and rode an excellent through and off for the return leg, greatly helped by the wind. We saw John S still making his way to Pevensey, and I think also Dan and one other who had joined the chain gang party rather late. Peter in particular rode strongly, perhaps experiencing for the first time the buzz that comes with fast group riding. This time I competed in the final sprint with Simon G but again honours were shared and there were smiles all around.
Christmas good wishes were duly shared amongst the hardy band of chain gang brothers who had braved the torrid conditions. Peter, Tom and I rode west again, so this time I had some company for the fight across Herbrand. We saw John S on his return leg and talked about our Christmas and New Year riding plans, performing the juggling act that we all must in the holidays between spending longed-for time with family, time eating and resting, and fulfilling the need to ride as much as possible before work returns to rob us of time and fitness, spoiling the mood of the season like a jar of sauerkraut spilling over your Christmas pudding.
Merry Christmas to all Hastings and St Leonards club members and their families – I hope you all manage to get out on the bike as much as you would like or are able to!
Chain gang meets again next Tuesday. Come along and fight the podge!
Neil S
Sunday, 21 December 2014
20/12 BBR And Beer!
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| Our Mpg Is Miles Per Snack Bar! |
Up ahead the whole group had become very spead out and apparently Malc C took a wrong turn, Ivan gave chase to bring him back but then they both got lost and ended up going down some muddy lanes before eventually finding their way back to us at the wonderful Pevensey cafe.
With a gentle wind at our backs we made rapid easy progress home, knocking off a few Strava achievemnets along the way.
Myself , Ivan, Malc C and Malc D made a beeline for the Standard to have one or two beers. Malc and I were in heaven as Chris (the landlord) played some classic 'Doors' tracks for us , and so before we knew it, three pints had been consumed. That was enough afternoon beer for me and Malc C but Ivan and malc D looked like they had settled in for the remainder of the day, and indeed just after midnight, I recieved a text message from Ivan telling me he was 'pissed as a phart', LOL
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| Malc And Ivan Settling In For Some serious Drinking LOL! |
19/12 Fri Night Ride- Newbie Nigel Nails Stonestile
Perfect night time weather brought out a double figure turnout of riders for the Friday night ride. I was glad to unexpectedly be there to see how new HSLCC rider Nigel Fitchett would get on. Nigel really enjoyed his first ever weds chain-gang and was keen to do more group riding ( having ridden for years on his own). Our one minute split down battery hill now works like clockwork and soon after the bottom of Battery Hill we were all safely together again. Easy group riding through the reserve proceeded a burst of effort up the long drag to Broad-oak . Barney is in recovery mode from an illness so honours went to Alex and Steve B for arriving first. At the back of the group myself and Peter got a mini through and off going with Nigel F just behind us. I don't think Nigel realised just how long this drag is because at one point he put on a burst of speed and opened up a gap on us, only to pay the price for this burst of energy by losing our wheels as we clawed him back and went past him. Unlike a few weeks ago we had no trouble with members of the public, in fact we seemed to receive a number of admiring glancing from people as we gracefully swept downhill through Brede and towards Wesfield. Nigel acquitted himself really well for his first successful ascent of Stonestile and was only around a minute behind myself and Steve D. Alex and Barney made a joint Armstrong-Pantani effort to cross the crest together in first place.
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| Nigel Nails Stonestile! |
Thursday, 18 December 2014
Ma wants a Smeg fridge – Time for a Beer
Is it really December? Last nights chain gang was again ridden in warm conditions and encouraged another good turnout for the time of year. 24 riders came along for a demanding mid-week ride, ready to battle a stiff south westerly wind on dark, wet roads.
A dozen or so ‘super-fasts’ set off first, their blinking and flashing rear lights disappearing towards the first bend. We gave them a bit longer to make sure we didn’t overtake them (ahem) and were then led out by Simon G on his fixie. Amongst this group was John V, nursing a sore knee, and Tom ‘Limbo’ Norris, looking very chipper. We also had a young Eastbourne Rovers lad riding with us whose name I did not catch, but who kept up well throughout the ride – well done!
That stiff south west wind made for steady rather than stellar progress, but for a large group with a varied mix of abilities and experience we maintained a good pace and form for the whole of the outward leg. The group swept along like fast-flowing magma, rippling through Bexhill and across the marshes, glowing brightly and gently steaming!
There were some glitches – I was chastised for shooting off the front and occasionally others found the sudden force of the wind slowed them more than they expected, but overall it was a good ‘through and off’ ride in less than easy conditions. It was, as Simon G noted, a long way to the front riding in a group of this size!
The pause at the roundabout gave everyone an opportunity to discuss the conduct of the ride. Opinions varied on the pace and on how well the group had ridden – too fast, too slow, good form, not good form etc. Lively discussion is sure to be found wherever there is a group of cyclists! Regarding pace, we could have split the fast group into two, but last night we were keener to keep the group together for the whole leg and that was a good discipline to exert (with thanks to Simon G and John V as unofficial ride captains last night).
Chatting about this later we agreed again that communication is the key – if you want to go faster, tell people what you are going to do and take people with you, if you can. All sounds simple when written on a page, but perhaps not so simple when you are whistling over the marshes at 22mph in the wet and dark! Building trust and mutual understanding helps the process. The only way this can be done is by riding together regularly and by talking about how well, or otherwise, the ride goes.
Or maybe you just want to turn up and ride, and who can blame you. The chain gang can be as simple or as complicated as you want. But I would still argue that you would get more from the experience if you can learn to ride well in a group, and that you will find tough conditions less of a problem when you benefit from the mutual protection of the group.
Having slogged our way outward against the breeze, we now had the wind behind us for the return leg. This made maintaining a consistent pace a bit easier, and we again rode well as a large group for the entire return leg. Impressive stuff! There was a fair bit of banter and chat too as people enjoyed the pace and form of the group. Of course, there was the obligatory hard effort toward the end of the ride, in which Simon G apologised for boxing me in but did it anyway! He said something about ‘not having me beat him again’… All good fun.
Perhaps nine or ten of us then went to the Forum (the bar formerly known as Walkers) for a festive drink. What a sight – sweaty lycra, grime-speckled faces and wet arses. Who could resist? Anyhow, beers and lots of packets of nuts were quickly consumed. I had a good chat with Chris and added some more names to familiar faces, which I have since forgotten, apart from (for some reason) for Nick Sargent. Perhaps it was his pink denim knee-length shorts that stuck in the mind.
I had just the one pint, more than enough for me as I am a total lightweight. A Guinness is enough to lift my spirits without me getting too silly and it fuelled my riding for another 30 minutes as I got in the mid-week miles. I rode south to the front, then west into the wind again, along the prom, Cooden Drive, Herbrand and the marshes, climbing to Rock Cottage. The backdrop to my solo effort was a moving cyclorama of buildings and shapes looming out of the dark. And then I enjoyed that lovely moment when you turn around, the roar of the wind is silenced and your legs feel like they are powered by a plasma drive.
Remember that for the next two weeks the chain gang will be on Tuesdays, in order to accommodate the festivities.
Regards, Neil
A dozen or so ‘super-fasts’ set off first, their blinking and flashing rear lights disappearing towards the first bend. We gave them a bit longer to make sure we didn’t overtake them (ahem) and were then led out by Simon G on his fixie. Amongst this group was John V, nursing a sore knee, and Tom ‘Limbo’ Norris, looking very chipper. We also had a young Eastbourne Rovers lad riding with us whose name I did not catch, but who kept up well throughout the ride – well done!
That stiff south west wind made for steady rather than stellar progress, but for a large group with a varied mix of abilities and experience we maintained a good pace and form for the whole of the outward leg. The group swept along like fast-flowing magma, rippling through Bexhill and across the marshes, glowing brightly and gently steaming!
There were some glitches – I was chastised for shooting off the front and occasionally others found the sudden force of the wind slowed them more than they expected, but overall it was a good ‘through and off’ ride in less than easy conditions. It was, as Simon G noted, a long way to the front riding in a group of this size!
The pause at the roundabout gave everyone an opportunity to discuss the conduct of the ride. Opinions varied on the pace and on how well the group had ridden – too fast, too slow, good form, not good form etc. Lively discussion is sure to be found wherever there is a group of cyclists! Regarding pace, we could have split the fast group into two, but last night we were keener to keep the group together for the whole leg and that was a good discipline to exert (with thanks to Simon G and John V as unofficial ride captains last night).
Chatting about this later we agreed again that communication is the key – if you want to go faster, tell people what you are going to do and take people with you, if you can. All sounds simple when written on a page, but perhaps not so simple when you are whistling over the marshes at 22mph in the wet and dark! Building trust and mutual understanding helps the process. The only way this can be done is by riding together regularly and by talking about how well, or otherwise, the ride goes.
Or maybe you just want to turn up and ride, and who can blame you. The chain gang can be as simple or as complicated as you want. But I would still argue that you would get more from the experience if you can learn to ride well in a group, and that you will find tough conditions less of a problem when you benefit from the mutual protection of the group.
Having slogged our way outward against the breeze, we now had the wind behind us for the return leg. This made maintaining a consistent pace a bit easier, and we again rode well as a large group for the entire return leg. Impressive stuff! There was a fair bit of banter and chat too as people enjoyed the pace and form of the group. Of course, there was the obligatory hard effort toward the end of the ride, in which Simon G apologised for boxing me in but did it anyway! He said something about ‘not having me beat him again’… All good fun.
Perhaps nine or ten of us then went to the Forum (the bar formerly known as Walkers) for a festive drink. What a sight – sweaty lycra, grime-speckled faces and wet arses. Who could resist? Anyhow, beers and lots of packets of nuts were quickly consumed. I had a good chat with Chris and added some more names to familiar faces, which I have since forgotten, apart from (for some reason) for Nick Sargent. Perhaps it was his pink denim knee-length shorts that stuck in the mind.
I had just the one pint, more than enough for me as I am a total lightweight. A Guinness is enough to lift my spirits without me getting too silly and it fuelled my riding for another 30 minutes as I got in the mid-week miles. I rode south to the front, then west into the wind again, along the prom, Cooden Drive, Herbrand and the marshes, climbing to Rock Cottage. The backdrop to my solo effort was a moving cyclorama of buildings and shapes looming out of the dark. And then I enjoyed that lovely moment when you turn around, the roar of the wind is silenced and your legs feel like they are powered by a plasma drive.
Remember that for the next two weeks the chain gang will be on Tuesdays, in order to accommodate the festivities.
Regards, Neil
Sunday, 14 December 2014
14/12 HSLCC Club Ride- High And Over
Saturday night was supposed to have been the coldest night of the year, however the weather forecasts said that a warm front would be coming over early in the morning so I went to sleep unconcerned about any ice risk. In the morning I was shocked to find the forecast was wrong, where was the warm front and why is the ice on my car windscreen about a centimetre thick? Checking the forecast again told me that by 9:00 it would be nine degrees so hopefully the ice would soon be gone? Riding carefully up to the Harrow, the roads didn't seem too bad and without much wind it felt rather pleasant. A lot of riders who said they were coming had clearly decided the ice risk was too high but Simon G, Peter Baker, Steve B and Nick had decided to risk it. While the rest of us were grateful for our roubaix backed tights, Nick was just wearing shorts, exclaiming that he refused to recognise this as Winter until post Xmas!
Concerned about the ice , I recommended that we headed towards Pevensey via the coast rather than from Wartling as planned. I assumed that riding on the coast would be warmer than going inland. Simon recommended using the Trade road through battle instead but the familiarity of the coast road won us over. This turned out to be a big mistake.
Heading down Queenway it felt like we were in a winter wonderland as all the trees and grass were completely covered in frost. Taking it easy and just coasting down towards Bexhill road meant that we were all like blocks of ice by the time we got there.
Cycling along the flat coast road our muscles generated some useful heat but when we reached Herbrand Walk the temperature got noticeably colder and suddenly there was ice across much of the road.To be safe we had to ride in the middle of the road where it was drier. Fortunately there was very little traffic around and so managed to avoid pulling over into potentially icy surfaces.
Once we reached Pevensey we were back on more substantial roads with less ice risk and were able to step the pace up, although there was one road we had to divert from when a considerate van driver informed us the road was too icy to ride.
Once we reached Upper Dicker we were suddenly hit by what felt like a warm blast of air from a hair dryer.The temperature shot up by around ten degrees, the promised warm front from the west had thankfully arrived.Before long the ice and frost was but a horrible memory and we could ride in confidence.
Nick and Peter had never done 'high and Over before' so were in for a treat as we ascended the steady gradient before a quick photo opportunity at the top.
The road back along the seven sisters is one of my favourite bits of road, especially this time as we had a bit of a tail wind to push us along. Myself , Pete and Steve stopped off at Birling gap for refreshment while Nick and Simon headed for home. After five minutes trying to work out how to enter the cafe, we headed straight back out again as there was some sort of event going on and it was picked with lots of old folks. We all agreed a stop off at the Pevensey cafe would be a much better option.
The ascent of Beachy Head was another enjoyable first for Pete, as was the fantastic alpine style descent on the other side. Until reaching the the Sovereign Harbour we were joined by a solo rider from Eastbourne. He said he would check the blog so maybe we will see him again?
The excellent food at cafe confirmed we had made the right choice and with bodies refuelled, the final twelve miles were an easy blast home.
Concerned about the ice , I recommended that we headed towards Pevensey via the coast rather than from Wartling as planned. I assumed that riding on the coast would be warmer than going inland. Simon recommended using the Trade road through battle instead but the familiarity of the coast road won us over. This turned out to be a big mistake.
Heading down Queenway it felt like we were in a winter wonderland as all the trees and grass were completely covered in frost. Taking it easy and just coasting down towards Bexhill road meant that we were all like blocks of ice by the time we got there.
Cycling along the flat coast road our muscles generated some useful heat but when we reached Herbrand Walk the temperature got noticeably colder and suddenly there was ice across much of the road.To be safe we had to ride in the middle of the road where it was drier. Fortunately there was very little traffic around and so managed to avoid pulling over into potentially icy surfaces.
Once we reached Pevensey we were back on more substantial roads with less ice risk and were able to step the pace up, although there was one road we had to divert from when a considerate van driver informed us the road was too icy to ride.
Once we reached Upper Dicker we were suddenly hit by what felt like a warm blast of air from a hair dryer.The temperature shot up by around ten degrees, the promised warm front from the west had thankfully arrived.Before long the ice and frost was but a horrible memory and we could ride in confidence.
Nick and Peter had never done 'high and Over before' so were in for a treat as we ascended the steady gradient before a quick photo opportunity at the top.
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| Thankfully The Route Was Now Ice Free! |
The ascent of Beachy Head was another enjoyable first for Pete, as was the fantastic alpine style descent on the other side. Until reaching the the Sovereign Harbour we were joined by a solo rider from Eastbourne. He said he would check the blog so maybe we will see him again?
The excellent food at cafe confirmed we had made the right choice and with bodies refuelled, the final twelve miles were an easy blast home.
Thursday, 11 December 2014
HSLCC Chain-Gang Musical Bikes
Bush, bash, bosh - another tasty chain gang with a good turnout and in good conditions, for November. The thermometer might have said 4 degrees C, but we all agreed it felt warmer, despite the westerly breeze, and also agreed that dry conditions are prized above all.
24 riders made two groups of roughly equal size viable. We formed up and hunkered down into that westerly wind, although it was not too strong. John Vidler and I resolved to ride with the super fast boys (and girls, sorry Ruth!) and this group made good progress through Bexhill. Our rhythm was broken at the South Cliff / Cooden Drive junction by a car, just like last week, but the group was not quite as stretched this time as it sped up and pressed on towards the turn at Cooden Beach.
Dry roads make for tighter, faster turns and the group swooped down and around the Cooden bend, taking the Herbrand turn wide but safe and upping the pace as it skirted the shingly fringe of the private beach. My turn came for a turn at the front, towards the huts before the downward slope. I was struggling but I eventually made the lead a little before the level-crossing, a bit on the limit for me.
Perhaps because my pace was ragged, the group lost shape and riders overtook around the crossing. Then a car came towards us. A rider cut across me to make safety, not realising that I had nowhere to go, as the road at that point narrows and the gutter is littered with potholes. Braking meant I lost touch with the group.
Ok, these things happen, but car lights are easily seen and he could've dropped in behind me. I was not happy. I thought of a few choice words to share but decided I'd bite my lip - I was likely to say more than would be wise. Maybe next time though.
So, I rode on alone, finding the wind was rather more westerly than I had thought, whistling straight into my face as I rode the lanes past the Star Inn and the station at Normans Bay, honking up Spooky Hill and past Rock Cottage. What a dark and desolate spot that is, sticking up into the worst of the weather as it blows in from the English Channel.
Cars came and went as I wove around the marsh bends, bringing with them a pool of light and a blast of air. What do they think when they see me? 'Poor bastard is miles behind' if they're coming from Pevensey roundabout, having already passed the super fasts; or 'Blimey, he's miles ahead, that must be Wiggo!' if they've come from Cooden and passed the fast group. Perhaps they envy us or think we're crazy.
I was caught a couple of turns from the last straight by a group with Michael and, I believe, Ivor in it. I hooked on to the tail and stayed in touch (well, mostly) to the last bend where the swifter riders were already chatting. The marvellous Stuart Hodd was keen to start the return leg, but just as we were to set out more riders appeared, Steve C and Chris among them. A car added further interruption and Stuart forged ahead, keen I later learned to have a more spacious ride than on his outward leg. I teamed up with another rider to try to catch him, but this was folly - Stuart was turning his pedals clean and fast and even with the wind behind me there was no way I was going to catch him.
Some riders pulled past me and I settled into a smooth rhythm, not pushing too hard and fully expecting to be caught by the usual crew somewhere along Herbrand. But to my surprise, they caught me on Spooky Hill, clearly on a mission! I dug in and hung on as Tom 'how low can you go' Norris, Simon 'True Grit' Grogan, Kevin 'Bionic Knees' Hill and one other (I think) performed a tidy group ride all the way to Cooden.
There we caught a rider abandoned by the super-fasts. I shouted to him to join our group, which he did, but he then went off at his own pace. 'What's he doing?' asked a group member. 'Leave him to it' I answered, deciding we were better off carrying on as a group. And so it proved, with the lone-wolf rider soon caught again by us as we made better collective progress. We rode smoothly and efficiently, pulling hard but keeping the group together. Very satisfying.
A final effort towards the end of the leg saw Tom and I pull away for a short but controlled contest. However, honours were even as half the road was blocked by a Clancy-Docwra crew resetting a drain cover. Tom believes he was going to catch me, I believe I was holding a little back. We will never know, but I know I was clearly away and uncatchable. And I'm writing this report, so I get to say what I want!
Simon G reminded me that I'd said last week I'd ride with him and the others from the off. In truth, I fancied I would have a fast night, but of course the wind helps all riders. Ok, next week guys, I'll ride with you the whole return leg, unless optimism again gets the better of me.
I rode back with Tom as far as Rock Cottage, having stood guard of his bike whilst he made an emergency battery stop. Get some rechargeable ones Tom! We found the wind suddenly stronger and colder than on the first outward leg, both taking long turns at the front, limiting our chance of a chat. We did manage to discuss how hard we find it to ride significantly faster than we did six, twelve or more months ago. The necessary training takes more free time than we've got, what with work, wife and kids. Whilst we wait for the opportunity to begin our full Olympic and Tour training regime, we will continue to ride the chain gang, doing what we can to go faster or, at least, go no slower...
The moon again lit my way along Herbrand. This week, the fishermen were offshore, casting from the rocky flats uncovered by a long low tide, their rods lit last night by head torches. I rode on, no cars for the whole length of the road, the only sounds the swish of my tyres, the tick-tick of the crank and a muffled rattle from the tiny saddle bag over rough roads, the wind no longer roaring in my ears as it pushed me along.
This is the musical onomatopoeia of cycling, the soundtrack accompanying our rides - sometimes an irritant, other times reassuring - a combination of rhythms and breathy tunes that travel with us whatever the ride.
Neil Smith
24 riders made two groups of roughly equal size viable. We formed up and hunkered down into that westerly wind, although it was not too strong. John Vidler and I resolved to ride with the super fast boys (and girls, sorry Ruth!) and this group made good progress through Bexhill. Our rhythm was broken at the South Cliff / Cooden Drive junction by a car, just like last week, but the group was not quite as stretched this time as it sped up and pressed on towards the turn at Cooden Beach.
Dry roads make for tighter, faster turns and the group swooped down and around the Cooden bend, taking the Herbrand turn wide but safe and upping the pace as it skirted the shingly fringe of the private beach. My turn came for a turn at the front, towards the huts before the downward slope. I was struggling but I eventually made the lead a little before the level-crossing, a bit on the limit for me.
Perhaps because my pace was ragged, the group lost shape and riders overtook around the crossing. Then a car came towards us. A rider cut across me to make safety, not realising that I had nowhere to go, as the road at that point narrows and the gutter is littered with potholes. Braking meant I lost touch with the group.
Ok, these things happen, but car lights are easily seen and he could've dropped in behind me. I was not happy. I thought of a few choice words to share but decided I'd bite my lip - I was likely to say more than would be wise. Maybe next time though.
So, I rode on alone, finding the wind was rather more westerly than I had thought, whistling straight into my face as I rode the lanes past the Star Inn and the station at Normans Bay, honking up Spooky Hill and past Rock Cottage. What a dark and desolate spot that is, sticking up into the worst of the weather as it blows in from the English Channel.
Cars came and went as I wove around the marsh bends, bringing with them a pool of light and a blast of air. What do they think when they see me? 'Poor bastard is miles behind' if they're coming from Pevensey roundabout, having already passed the super fasts; or 'Blimey, he's miles ahead, that must be Wiggo!' if they've come from Cooden and passed the fast group. Perhaps they envy us or think we're crazy.
I was caught a couple of turns from the last straight by a group with Michael and, I believe, Ivor in it. I hooked on to the tail and stayed in touch (well, mostly) to the last bend where the swifter riders were already chatting. The marvellous Stuart Hodd was keen to start the return leg, but just as we were to set out more riders appeared, Steve C and Chris among them. A car added further interruption and Stuart forged ahead, keen I later learned to have a more spacious ride than on his outward leg. I teamed up with another rider to try to catch him, but this was folly - Stuart was turning his pedals clean and fast and even with the wind behind me there was no way I was going to catch him.
Some riders pulled past me and I settled into a smooth rhythm, not pushing too hard and fully expecting to be caught by the usual crew somewhere along Herbrand. But to my surprise, they caught me on Spooky Hill, clearly on a mission! I dug in and hung on as Tom 'how low can you go' Norris, Simon 'True Grit' Grogan, Kevin 'Bionic Knees' Hill and one other (I think) performed a tidy group ride all the way to Cooden.
There we caught a rider abandoned by the super-fasts. I shouted to him to join our group, which he did, but he then went off at his own pace. 'What's he doing?' asked a group member. 'Leave him to it' I answered, deciding we were better off carrying on as a group. And so it proved, with the lone-wolf rider soon caught again by us as we made better collective progress. We rode smoothly and efficiently, pulling hard but keeping the group together. Very satisfying.
A final effort towards the end of the leg saw Tom and I pull away for a short but controlled contest. However, honours were even as half the road was blocked by a Clancy-Docwra crew resetting a drain cover. Tom believes he was going to catch me, I believe I was holding a little back. We will never know, but I know I was clearly away and uncatchable. And I'm writing this report, so I get to say what I want!
Simon G reminded me that I'd said last week I'd ride with him and the others from the off. In truth, I fancied I would have a fast night, but of course the wind helps all riders. Ok, next week guys, I'll ride with you the whole return leg, unless optimism again gets the better of me.
I rode back with Tom as far as Rock Cottage, having stood guard of his bike whilst he made an emergency battery stop. Get some rechargeable ones Tom! We found the wind suddenly stronger and colder than on the first outward leg, both taking long turns at the front, limiting our chance of a chat. We did manage to discuss how hard we find it to ride significantly faster than we did six, twelve or more months ago. The necessary training takes more free time than we've got, what with work, wife and kids. Whilst we wait for the opportunity to begin our full Olympic and Tour training regime, we will continue to ride the chain gang, doing what we can to go faster or, at least, go no slower...
The moon again lit my way along Herbrand. This week, the fishermen were offshore, casting from the rocky flats uncovered by a long low tide, their rods lit last night by head torches. I rode on, no cars for the whole length of the road, the only sounds the swish of my tyres, the tick-tick of the crank and a muffled rattle from the tiny saddle bag over rough roads, the wind no longer roaring in my ears as it pushed me along.
This is the musical onomatopoeia of cycling, the soundtrack accompanying our rides - sometimes an irritant, other times reassuring - a combination of rhythms and breathy tunes that travel with us whatever the ride.
Neil Smith
Sunday, 7 December 2014
6 December- Bacon Butty and Pre-Bacon Butty
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| Frosty But With Spectacular Sunshine! |
At Normans Bay we met Pete Buss to make a grand total of three riders, some of the other regulars either avoiding the cold or saving themselves for Peter Tadros’ annual hack ride later in the day. Heading toward the Pevensey roundabout we discussed which of our usual routes to take, settling on Beachy Head in the hope that a crisp clear morning would reward us with some spectacular views.
A combination of the low temperature and Malcom still recovering from the after effects of a recent cold meant we held a steady pace into Eastbourne and along the seafront before starting the ascent up to Beachy Head. Upon arrival the views weren’t as good as hoped for with a light haze obscuring the horizon. Never the less, the clear air and low sun caught the eye of Pete who grabbed the opportunity to take some rather arty photos with his phone.
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| Paul Feels The Chill! |
Needing to get back to family, I left Malcom and Pete at De Paulos on Bexhill seafront as they went order a hot coffee, and to see if anyone else was going to turn up for the Bacon Butty run. No one else did turn up, so Malcom and Pete made their way to Chilley Farm, wisely avoiding Horsewalk, for a well-earned bacon and egg roll.
Paul Butler
6 December- hack Bike Ride To Brighton
This was our annual 'Hack Bike' ride to Brighton. Numbers were down on last year but Pete T still managed to attract a good number of eleven riders which included Pete Baker and John S on their inaugural rides.
Things got off to a bad start before the ride had even started when Derek suffered a blow out to the side wall to one of his tyres. One quick visit to Halfords for an over priced gator skin quickly sorted this out.
After a fifteen minute delay we were off. Predictably PT did his usual thing and set off at his own considerable pace with a few of his faster acolytes trying to hang on to his back wheel. This meant that before long we were all strung out along the length of battle road. I find it takes me quite a while these days for my legs to get working and so was not surprised to find myself right at the back, this felt more like a solo ride rather than a group ride and I felt very vulnerable with the heavy traffic rushing past me.
It wasn't until near the turning for husrtmenceux that I finally managed to catch up with some of the group (John S and Derek) but soon after I spotted Pete Bryrne at the side of the road. John and myself went to his assistance. The chain had come of his fixie but Pete had no spanner so there was nothing we could do about it. I tried ringing the other three fixie riders but no-one was answering their phone so we were stuck . Fortunately with a bit of brute force Pete managed to get the chain back on and we were off. We now rode steadily along the A21 towards lewes and were careful to hold our line as we were subjected to some poor overtaking by some vehicles (surely there must be a better route than this!). We kept expecting PT and the others to be waiting for us but for mile after mile we rode on feeling abandoned by them.
Finally we met up with the others at the first pub stop of 2013. Disappointingly the pub has now closed down, so without much delay we were off again but thank goodness we were now all together again in a much safer group of eleven and were able to get off the busy A road and onto the much quieter B2192. From here on the ride became enjoyable and before long we came to our second scheduled pub stop but this one was also closed down!
Finally we arrived at the Green man at laughton, a pub that had not closed down. Not long after we arrived Nigel declared he couldn't find his garmin. He knew it was somewhere in the pub but he couldn't locate it . After us all looking high and low we had given up, thinking someone must have knicked it but it turned out it was buried deep inside Nigel's lycra and he had been sitting on it all along, LOL We only had one pint but the alcohol seemed to greatly effect us and we rejoined the route full of optimism and speed enjoying the mainly downhill riding into lewes.
Our usual pub by the river opposite the Harvey's brewery was too busy but the one around the corner was almost empty despite selling excellent beer. Emerging from the pub the cold really hit us, now the sun had gone in the temperature was down to around four degrees. Pete and Nigel were wearing face masks against the cold and looked more like house burglars rather then cyclists. Dan and PT knew a route through Lewes that would get us out onto the Plumpton road without having to go on the main roads. They agreed to go slowly so that no-one would get dropped. Unfortunately their idea of slowly was rather different to most peoples and we tore around the narrow streets of lewes at what seemed a dangerous pace knowing that without a gps file if you got dropped you would never find the route to Plumpton .
Somehow we had all stayed together and now began the steady drag up to Plumpton. PT put the hammer down and it was a case of deja vu as we all became spread out. This time I didn't mind and was happy to ride with Derek in the cold and dark enjoying the beautiful full moon that helped light up the roads and the spooky trees along side .
Our favourite Plumpton pub stop (half Moon) was as wonderful as ever. Some of us wanted another pint there but we were out voted two to one (probably a good call) so it was back on the road for the main event, the climb up the 'Beacon'. Everyone was in silent contemplation as we hit the initial slopes of this famous climb. This ascent really is epic as it winds it way up and round, the sight of the glittering yellow lights of Brighton in the distance were spectacular and it was almost a shame to reach the top.
Now it was time for the wonderful descent down into Brighton. Almost immediately PT had to pull over, a pedal on his fixie had managed to detach itself. None of us had an allen key large enough to put it on properly but PT managed to wind it part the way back. Pete Byrne's rear light was dead so we took a frog (pitifully weak) light from PTs bike and put it onto Pete B's seat post but I considered the light so poor I said I would stay behind him to give some rear end over. Pete B was by now completely done in and just couldn't push the pedals on his fixie any more. His bike has no free wheel hub so Dan kindly agreed to swop his free wheel fixie with pete . This meant Dan had to endure a terribly uncomfortable ride down the beacon declaring pete's fixie the worst bike he had ever ridden.
Eventually we entered the streets of Brighton but Pete B and Dan were so done and cold (it was now -2 degrees C) that they were desperate for sugar and were riding rather erratically. A couple of choc bars from a nearby shop soon put them right and finally we were able to regroup with the others at the pub nearest the station .
We were fortunate to all get into a nice but expensive tai restaurant before finishing the day with the train ride home.
Hats off to Nigel, John and Malc who decided that despite the sub zero temperatures they were going to ride all the way back home!
Another eventful hack bike ride completed!
Things got off to a bad start before the ride had even started when Derek suffered a blow out to the side wall to one of his tyres. One quick visit to Halfords for an over priced gator skin quickly sorted this out.
After a fifteen minute delay we were off. Predictably PT did his usual thing and set off at his own considerable pace with a few of his faster acolytes trying to hang on to his back wheel. This meant that before long we were all strung out along the length of battle road. I find it takes me quite a while these days for my legs to get working and so was not surprised to find myself right at the back, this felt more like a solo ride rather than a group ride and I felt very vulnerable with the heavy traffic rushing past me.
It wasn't until near the turning for husrtmenceux that I finally managed to catch up with some of the group (John S and Derek) but soon after I spotted Pete Bryrne at the side of the road. John and myself went to his assistance. The chain had come of his fixie but Pete had no spanner so there was nothing we could do about it. I tried ringing the other three fixie riders but no-one was answering their phone so we were stuck . Fortunately with a bit of brute force Pete managed to get the chain back on and we were off. We now rode steadily along the A21 towards lewes and were careful to hold our line as we were subjected to some poor overtaking by some vehicles (surely there must be a better route than this!). We kept expecting PT and the others to be waiting for us but for mile after mile we rode on feeling abandoned by them.
Finally we met up with the others at the first pub stop of 2013. Disappointingly the pub has now closed down, so without much delay we were off again but thank goodness we were now all together again in a much safer group of eleven and were able to get off the busy A road and onto the much quieter B2192. From here on the ride became enjoyable and before long we came to our second scheduled pub stop but this one was also closed down!
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| At Last A Pub That Is Open! |
Our usual pub by the river opposite the Harvey's brewery was too busy but the one around the corner was almost empty despite selling excellent beer. Emerging from the pub the cold really hit us, now the sun had gone in the temperature was down to around four degrees. Pete and Nigel were wearing face masks against the cold and looked more like house burglars rather then cyclists. Dan and PT knew a route through Lewes that would get us out onto the Plumpton road without having to go on the main roads. They agreed to go slowly so that no-one would get dropped. Unfortunately their idea of slowly was rather different to most peoples and we tore around the narrow streets of lewes at what seemed a dangerous pace knowing that without a gps file if you got dropped you would never find the route to Plumpton .
Somehow we had all stayed together and now began the steady drag up to Plumpton. PT put the hammer down and it was a case of deja vu as we all became spread out. This time I didn't mind and was happy to ride with Derek in the cold and dark enjoying the beautiful full moon that helped light up the roads and the spooky trees along side .
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| Malc Agrees, Pete's Bike Is Hideous! |
Now it was time for the wonderful descent down into Brighton. Almost immediately PT had to pull over, a pedal on his fixie had managed to detach itself. None of us had an allen key large enough to put it on properly but PT managed to wind it part the way back. Pete Byrne's rear light was dead so we took a frog (pitifully weak) light from PTs bike and put it onto Pete B's seat post but I considered the light so poor I said I would stay behind him to give some rear end over. Pete B was by now completely done in and just couldn't push the pedals on his fixie any more. His bike has no free wheel hub so Dan kindly agreed to swop his free wheel fixie with pete . This meant Dan had to endure a terribly uncomfortable ride down the beacon declaring pete's fixie the worst bike he had ever ridden.
Eventually we entered the streets of Brighton but Pete B and Dan were so done and cold (it was now -2 degrees C) that they were desperate for sugar and were riding rather erratically. A couple of choc bars from a nearby shop soon put them right and finally we were able to regroup with the others at the pub nearest the station .
We were fortunate to all get into a nice but expensive tai restaurant before finishing the day with the train ride home.
Hats off to Nigel, John and Malc who decided that despite the sub zero temperatures they were going to ride all the way back home!
Another eventful hack bike ride completed!
Thursday, 4 December 2014
Cold as a Cockney in Cockfosters
I think we can safely say the unseasonably warm and dry weather has ended. Just 3 degrees C was showing on the thermometer as I left home for Galley Hill, joining 18 other hardy souls for the Wednesday evening chain gang. This is proper chain gang riding, that is either cold and or wet conditions, in which all participants prove they are worthy of 'kudos' and that they can live up to rule 5.
Given the lower number of riders, we dispensed with separate speed-rated groups, trusting instead to natural speed selection to sort the super-fast from the merely fast, the wheat from the chaff, the cocks from the hens. It had, as usual, been a rush to get to the ride on time, even though I'd worked from home. Served me right for fussing and faffing over what combination of kit to wear. But now I could relax, stretch out on the bike as I called rested legs into action, warming up by working hard. It felt really good after 10 hours stuck on the laptop.
The truly superb Stuart Hodd and Barney 'Crank-Breaker' Willard headed a good lead out at a fast but bearable pace. I managed, for once, to stay with them as far as South Cliff when I was a little confused to be invited to ride 'through the middle' as Stuart and Barney parted left and right. I lost some momentum but pressed hard up the slope, chasing Ruth, Michael and others to the junction with Cooden Drive. We slowed significantly for a car, the group stretching out on turning left, as faster riders accelerated harder than the rest.
But I hung on still all along Cooden, with Stuart and Barney again leading, slowing the group to a sensible pace on wet, slippery corners. We swung cautiously left onto Herbrand and this time the hammer came down that bit harder. I couldn't accelerate any faster and I was sifted into a group of one as the genuinely powerful riders grouped and sped towards the level crossing. To my left I saw the green and blue glow of beach anglers tip lights, swinging back and then forward as they cast into cold water. Stuart Buckland came up alongside me, suffering from a week off the bike, and we agreed to rotate as a duo all the way to Pevensey roundabout. We got it cock-on, each taking a 30 second or so turn on the front before easing a little to let the other press forward.
We didn't wait around long - the sweat of the outward leg was quickly chilling us - so we set off again as one group. It was a less tidy Grand Depart and I soon found myself between the faster lead group and a number of smaller groups, all making progress at a pace that suited them. Three riders headed by Malcolm caught me near Spooky Hill. I tagged on the back, not able to go fast enough to take a turn on the front, and impressed by Malcolm's strength. I held on up the hill and then pushed down hill and managed to take the lead for a while.
I realised then that the wind was stronger and colder than I'd thought. I struggled to maintain a decent pace and I was dropped before the Star Inn, as was another from that group a bit further along. I rode solo from the Star to near the end of Herbrand, simultaneously catching the other dropped rider and being caught by John V and Simon G. Next week I will remember to ride with them the whole way back as they catch me on Herbrand nearly every week! That is unless I'm feeling cocky and fancy mixing it with the super-fasts.
The après chain gang was a civilised affair, riding with Peter Buss and Stuart Buckland. We discussed doing a 'Cheese Fondu' 130km ride before Christmas, as a Strava challenge, and also the pleasure of riding in cold weather if suitably layered and insulated. It beats getting soaked.
My journey from Normans Bay was back into that cold wind - head down, teeth gritted and eyes watering. Some houses are now bedecked with white-light reindeer, electric icicles and dazzling strings of multi-coloured bulbs. The near-full moon broke through the cloud and shone off the road alongside the beach at Cooden and again I rode a short stretch without lights, perfectly capable of seeing my way, drinking in the cold clean air and thinking, hoping, dreaming that 'next week will be warmer...'
(With thanks to MP Penny Mordaunt for poultry-related inspiration).
Neil Smith
Given the lower number of riders, we dispensed with separate speed-rated groups, trusting instead to natural speed selection to sort the super-fast from the merely fast, the wheat from the chaff, the cocks from the hens. It had, as usual, been a rush to get to the ride on time, even though I'd worked from home. Served me right for fussing and faffing over what combination of kit to wear. But now I could relax, stretch out on the bike as I called rested legs into action, warming up by working hard. It felt really good after 10 hours stuck on the laptop.
The truly superb Stuart Hodd and Barney 'Crank-Breaker' Willard headed a good lead out at a fast but bearable pace. I managed, for once, to stay with them as far as South Cliff when I was a little confused to be invited to ride 'through the middle' as Stuart and Barney parted left and right. I lost some momentum but pressed hard up the slope, chasing Ruth, Michael and others to the junction with Cooden Drive. We slowed significantly for a car, the group stretching out on turning left, as faster riders accelerated harder than the rest.
But I hung on still all along Cooden, with Stuart and Barney again leading, slowing the group to a sensible pace on wet, slippery corners. We swung cautiously left onto Herbrand and this time the hammer came down that bit harder. I couldn't accelerate any faster and I was sifted into a group of one as the genuinely powerful riders grouped and sped towards the level crossing. To my left I saw the green and blue glow of beach anglers tip lights, swinging back and then forward as they cast into cold water. Stuart Buckland came up alongside me, suffering from a week off the bike, and we agreed to rotate as a duo all the way to Pevensey roundabout. We got it cock-on, each taking a 30 second or so turn on the front before easing a little to let the other press forward.
We didn't wait around long - the sweat of the outward leg was quickly chilling us - so we set off again as one group. It was a less tidy Grand Depart and I soon found myself between the faster lead group and a number of smaller groups, all making progress at a pace that suited them. Three riders headed by Malcolm caught me near Spooky Hill. I tagged on the back, not able to go fast enough to take a turn on the front, and impressed by Malcolm's strength. I held on up the hill and then pushed down hill and managed to take the lead for a while.
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| Steve And Pete Return To Their More Normal Positions At The Back! |
The après chain gang was a civilised affair, riding with Peter Buss and Stuart Buckland. We discussed doing a 'Cheese Fondu' 130km ride before Christmas, as a Strava challenge, and also the pleasure of riding in cold weather if suitably layered and insulated. It beats getting soaked.
My journey from Normans Bay was back into that cold wind - head down, teeth gritted and eyes watering. Some houses are now bedecked with white-light reindeer, electric icicles and dazzling strings of multi-coloured bulbs. The near-full moon broke through the cloud and shone off the road alongside the beach at Cooden and again I rode a short stretch without lights, perfectly capable of seeing my way, drinking in the cold clean air and thinking, hoping, dreaming that 'next week will be warmer...'
(With thanks to MP Penny Mordaunt for poultry-related inspiration).
Neil Smith
Tuesday, 2 December 2014
All's well that ends well on the Bacon Butty Run of Saturday 29 November
When I arrived at Di Paolo's a fraction before 09:30 there were two bikes already leant up near the wide open doors in front of the ice cream counter. It was a good end of November temperature but I am not sure there would have been much passing summer trade for cornettos. Four Pre BBR rides had been on a swift ride since two were on fast new steeds they wanted to put through their paces. The old hands tried to slow them down by choosing a muddy section, which would also make the proud owners of the new bikes want to wash and polish them the moment they got home!
Ivan also popped in for a light breakfast on his way back from a ride and soon the cafe was filling up with cyclists. Eight of us set out on the BBR picking up two other riders within minutes. The plan was to go to the Sovereign Harbour cafe, plugged by Peter B, using a similar route to last week. To miss out Horse Walk we turned right on to the back end of our TT course to Ninfield after Whydown, instead of left to Hooe, but this week went on to the outskirts of Herstmonceux then taking the usual left almost to the church and then across the marsh to Rickey. All went to plan apart from a puncture midway across the marsh, but it was gloriously sunny so we basked and chatted waiting for the fix.
It then went a bit wrong .........
I had said in an email and announced during the ride that we would take the usual left at Hankham, the left that has always (*) been used for decades on club runs when coming back from Hailsham or from Rickney. My group were a bit behind the others and took the left turn riding on to catch them up. The Denny CC, motto every man for himself, rider must have shot past the Hankham left and led the responsible Hastings CC riders astray. Several knew the turn and eventually spoke up so they did a u turn to start chasing down the group that were ahead and chasing them!
My group did the usual to Westham and the left at the Crem roundabout and at the start of a short rise left on to Netherfiled Avenue then right on to Telscombe and on to the main road. This is where we went wrong since I had emailed we would turn left then at the next round about after a few hundred yards turn right to Sovereign Harbour. I have not gone there often, or for a long time, and we soon realised it was the wrong roundabout. When we got back the main road the other group were full steam ahead (they missed out Netherfield Avenue and Telscombe ) on their way to Pevensey Bay. So much for meeting up at the Sovereign harbour Cafe and trying it out! So we set off in pursuit. We all needed up in Pevensey Bakery, contrary to the agreed plan, but all is well that ends well.
As we came back in to Bexhill Steve C announced that he fancied a lunch time pint in the Old Town. So Malcolm D and I decided we better join him in the Royal Standard where we met an intersecting character who told us his life story, regaled at length without letting the three of us get too many words in. He has a bike and has said he would look us up and come out on a BBR. He is unlikely to be a club racing champion, though you never can tell, but he would have no trouble taking Paul Baxter on in one of our unofficial award categories if he does not get out of breath on a steady paced ride .......
Chris Parker
Ivan also popped in for a light breakfast on his way back from a ride and soon the cafe was filling up with cyclists. Eight of us set out on the BBR picking up two other riders within minutes. The plan was to go to the Sovereign Harbour cafe, plugged by Peter B, using a similar route to last week. To miss out Horse Walk we turned right on to the back end of our TT course to Ninfield after Whydown, instead of left to Hooe, but this week went on to the outskirts of Herstmonceux then taking the usual left almost to the church and then across the marsh to Rickey. All went to plan apart from a puncture midway across the marsh, but it was gloriously sunny so we basked and chatted waiting for the fix.
It then went a bit wrong .........
I had said in an email and announced during the ride that we would take the usual left at Hankham, the left that has always (*) been used for decades on club runs when coming back from Hailsham or from Rickney. My group were a bit behind the others and took the left turn riding on to catch them up. The Denny CC, motto every man for himself, rider must have shot past the Hankham left and led the responsible Hastings CC riders astray. Several knew the turn and eventually spoke up so they did a u turn to start chasing down the group that were ahead and chasing them!
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| Some BBR Boys Enjoying The Winter Sun! |
My group did the usual to Westham and the left at the Crem roundabout and at the start of a short rise left on to Netherfiled Avenue then right on to Telscombe and on to the main road. This is where we went wrong since I had emailed we would turn left then at the next round about after a few hundred yards turn right to Sovereign Harbour. I have not gone there often, or for a long time, and we soon realised it was the wrong roundabout. When we got back the main road the other group were full steam ahead (they missed out Netherfield Avenue and Telscombe ) on their way to Pevensey Bay. So much for meeting up at the Sovereign harbour Cafe and trying it out! So we set off in pursuit. We all needed up in Pevensey Bakery, contrary to the agreed plan, but all is well that ends well.
As we came back in to Bexhill Steve C announced that he fancied a lunch time pint in the Old Town. So Malcolm D and I decided we better join him in the Royal Standard where we met an intersecting character who told us his life story, regaled at length without letting the three of us get too many words in. He has a bike and has said he would look us up and come out on a BBR. He is unlikely to be a club racing champion, though you never can tell, but he would have no trouble taking Paul Baxter on in one of our unofficial award categories if he does not get out of breath on a steady paced ride .......
Chris Parker
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