Part Deux - En Francais

'The Real Father of The TDF'

Clairac - Christmas Day, 04:02 pm

"Do you think you could try to retrieve our voice mail messages, sweetie, I don't know how it works on this new phone and it's all in French?", said Vicki

I considered the situation for a moment and then had a 'brain wave'.  I'll try typing 1571 - which is how we retrieve them from Sky in the U.K

I punched in the numbers.

"Bonjour, avez-vous une probleme?", said an authoritative male voice.

"No, I don't have a problem I'm just trying to get my messages".I said

"Do you not speak French?"

"No, do you not speak English?"

"Non - one moment"

It all went quite, then after a few seconds another voice came on the line.

" 'allo monsieur, what eez your problerm?"

"I don't have a problem, I'm just trying to retrieve my messages, is this not the phone company?"

"No, it's the fire brigade"

"Pardon"

Oh, shit!

I made another call.

"Dermod?"

"That's me"

" I tried to get my messages by dialling 1571 and I got the Fire Brigade!", I said, all agitatedly.

"Ah, jeeze, you don't want to be doing that now. The Fire Brigade is 15 so it must have 'kicked in' before it acknowledged the 71.  It's a volunteer service so you would have disturbed someone having their Christmas dinner; he'll be well fecked off!"

Tonniens - Boxing Day, 01:22 pm

Whilst strolling around Tonneins - which is 5 miles from Clairac- I was amazed to find a monument commemorating the exploits of Theodore Joyeux.  I must admit I had never heard of him, but his is an amazing story.  If you look at the inscription on the plaque you can see that, in the words of Henri Desgrange, he was the inspiration for the Tour de France.  In 1895 he did the first tour of France covering 5500 km at an average of 289km a day over 19 stages.  This was done on a bike without a freewheel or brakes to promote a new bicycle called an 'Acetene' - where the chain was replaced with a gear set (if you Google it you can see a picture); for this feat he was paid 2200 francs - a not inconsiderable sum in those days.  The statue was not actually erected until 2008, but it is great that the town of his birth has finally recognised his achievement.

Commemorating the exploits of Theodore Joyeux

Preyssas - Saturday 9th Jan, 11:07 am

"Bonjour, avez vous du cafe?"

"Oh, oiu monsier"

This was great news; I had been concerned that I would be unable to get a coffee in this little 'one dog town'.  I was on a modest 55 mile tour around the Lot Valley and was desperate for coffee.

"You are on zee Tour de France?", she inquired, good naturedly, after seeing a TDF logo on my jacket.

"Un petit Tour de France", I replied.

"One moment, monsieur I 'av a gift for you"

She disappeared for a couple of minutes and then returned with a big smile"

"My 'usband is a sponsor of ze tour and zis is for you"

She handed me a red picnic blanket (that'll come in handy when I eat the handful of Haribo 'Gummy Bears' that are in my pocket; I can find a sunny spot and spread the blanket on the ground - I thought to myself.)

"You are most kind"

Life is beautiful in  Villeneuve-sur-lot

Between us we fixed the blanket to the top tube with the velcro handles and used a rolled up plastic bag as additional support.  I downed the excellent one euro coffee and went on my way.  I love France and in particular I love the series of surreal moments that cycling, and life in general here, seems to provide.   I headed for Pujols (pronounced 'poo shoal - the French way and not poo holes as it would be in Spanish.)  On arrival at the town I saw a sign saying 'Centre Ville', which pointed up a really steep hill, so I decided to bypass it and headed for Villneuve-sur-Lot in the hope of finding the 'Voie Vert'. There was a great downhill section that took me into the town and immediately I spotted the 'Voie Vert' sign.

On the Voie Vert

 The cycle path is a similar design to the one I used the year before last from Dieppe, where just as you get up a decent 'head of steam' you have to negotiate width restrictors and end up loosing all the momentum you have built up.  It was amazingly picturesque as it followed the Lot, and small streams, which it crisscrossed via some interesting bridges.  I felt a bit cheated as on the map it shows a cycle path going all the way along the Lot, right back to Clairac, but in reality after about 5 miles you end up on the road again.  I arrived home happy with my little adventure, very impressed with my new B'twin and, best of all, the blanket was still attached.

I have been in a different mindset about cycling since I've been coming here and am quite content to just cruise around taking in my new surroundings.  The roads here are great - in fact I don't think I've seen one pothole! - and the lack of cars is a great bonus, but I have also been really surprised by the lack of other cyclists I have seen while in France - I can only assume they cycle in parts that I haven't discovered yet.   I haven't made an effort to find a club to join yet, but I will do soon.  I know there are quite a few around. I have also spent some time cycling with my dear friend John who stayed with us for a week over the New Year and, as predicted, he is loving the Dawes!

Update on 'The Pigs'....

Whilst I was in England and Vicki was in France with our friend Isabelle, she had reported to me that the pigs were getting very bold and were hanging around just outside the back door, and they had decided to take direct action against them.  Armed with saucepans and spoons they went outside in the darkness and made as much of a racket as they could, this was accompanied by Isabelle (who is great singer and sung at our wedding) singing opera in a soprano voice.  This definitely did the trick and they did not see them again, and I saw no signs of them when I went back for Christmas. When we bought the house we were told it came with 2.5 acres, but we have since decided it must be 2.5 hectares - we worked this out in a very scientific way by standing at the top of the hill behind us and imaging how many football pitches could fit inside the garden - it is at least 6. So it is possible that they are still lurking around somewhere at the back in the undergrowth, or they may have been scared off by Le Chasse.  Since they have retreated we are now seeing deer in the garden - watching them graze with their ears twitching, particularly in the early morning mist, is a moving and memorable sight. However, as lovely as it is, we have to take action to stop them coming too close to the house as they are notorious tick carriers.  Poppy suffered from tick fever between Christmas and New Year and only our quick response in getting her to the vets stopped it from being fatal.  One quick jab and she was well again within a day or so.  Ticks are a massive problem in the UK as well (there are warning signs in place in Normans Bay), but the french ticks carry a parasite that can be lethal (we have found out that there is a vaccination against this parasite which is 90% successful and available in France. (We wre a bit p*ssed off that our UK vet wasn't up-to-date with this information.)) .  We are slowly working our way up the garden creating more short lawn which will deter them as they prefer long grass and piles of leaves where they lie in wait for a host - little b@stards! To assist in this task we have invested in some heavy duty kit: petrol strimmer/brush cutter, petrol hedge cutter and a John Deere ride on lawn tractor.  I was happy as a 'pig in muck' on my tractor until I went down a bit of a dip and it started making funny noises. To make matters worse, Vicki, who was quite a distance away heard it and stood hand on hips looking accusingly at me - I just gave a classic 'Gaelic shrug' as if to say 'not my fault I never touched it'; it's now in the garage awaiting repair.

Je salut France!

We had a fantastic Christmas and New Year in France and the weather was great up until new years eve when it started raining and didn't really stop.  We are intending to stay in the UK until March and then spend a lot more time in France.




Peter Buss

BBR 16 January 2016 - One Rider's View from the Rivet

 Warm cosy bed or freezing cold icy ride?

Sod it if the sun comes out it'll be lovely, however cold it is, so got up and put on my warmest kit, not so warm in places as it turned out.  

Riding along Hastings seafront my Garmin said -2.2 deg C and my toes were chilly despite my overshoes. Bloody hell this is cold, do cyclists ever actually get frostbite? I opted not to go up Galley Hill and stayed on the salted main road.

Di Paolo's had a good number of riders I was pleased to see and spirits were high which I find infectiously uplifting. Chris P briefed us on giving warnings to others if ice was spotted and off we went about 10am as normal, lovely sun shining by now!

Despite ice worries there was still a good number of riders at Di Paolos

The pace was gentle, bit of time needed to get warm again, plus maybe slight trepidation on the road conditions. Little Common roundabout was passed without problem, time to get on with the ride. The riders ahead of me took it slower than normal down Whydown Road hill as it's quite fast but with a couple of slightly tight bends. Towards the bottom there were definite ice patches and it was a case of concentrating hard to try to pick the driest route, quite nerve wracking. We re-grouped at the end of Straight Lane and waited for the second half of the field. I thought they had stopped for Derek whose chain came off at the top of Peartree Lane hill, but in a few minutes they arrived and Malc C had got caught on the ice and come off. Fortunately he wasn't hurt too much and bike was ok, so was happy to continue the ride.

Patrick P suggested avoiding Tilley Lane as even last week it was iffy. All agreed it was better to stay on the main road through Magham Down and onto Hailsham. Up Boreham Hill my legs felt good and I caught up a group of three riders including Peter B. We stayed as a four taking turns on the front and travelled at a fair old pace up hill and down dale, super.

Lord Buss gives ice the two fingers

We all regrouped at the roundabout on the approach to Hailsham. Off we went up the hill mixed with slow moving traffic. The Hailsham drivers were kind enough to bib their horns about five times as we went up, how friendly they are, not. After going through a set of lights in Hailsham I found myself in a group of four with Patrick, Neil and Theo, hey ho this is going to be fun.

Patrick went pretty fast with Neil myself and Theo swapping around in his wake. I was encouraged by the thought that the cafe couldn't be too far away, so gritted my teeth and hung on for 20 minutes. In the end we couldn't stay with Patrick, he appeared to be on a mission to get there first. He eventually eased up a bit and we arrived at a sunny Pevensey Bay cafe together. The main group arrived a little while after having taken a longer route through Hailsham.

All enjoyed some grub. I think that's a great cafe, all the staff are very friendly and helpful and every week my poached eggs on toast and tea are just fine.

Slightly modified route this week

We set off back to Hastings the back way past the caravan site and had a gentle warm down ride back to Bexhill. In difficult conditions an enjoyable ride was had by all I think, even Malc C who will probably be a bit sore Sunday morning.

Duncan H

BBR 9/1/16 Second BBR, New Kit, No Disasters

The new Tilly lane variation was a great success

I was happy that Chris P had changed the route to the Winter BBR compared to last weeks difficult riding down Horsewalk and New Bridge Road. I arrived fresh at Di Paolo's this week having driven over as I needed to get my service record stamped at a Bulverhythe garage and didn't fancy carrying my book for 35 miles in my back pocket. I was also in a brand new close fit top and with knee warmers as Patrick P's advice after my clothing disaster last week with my commuter rain wear flapping all round the place. I had thought I might get away with that as the ride name mentioned Bacon Butties, but it was quicker than I expected.

Patrick and Tom enjoying the pre BBR warm-up

Guess what Finlay got for Xmas!

After Chris P's helpful briefing we set off about 10am at a fairly gentle pace with a bit of a south westerly crosswind. I soon warmed up and felt good in my kit. I was a bit more cautious than normal on a few curvy descents where the road seemed to have quite a lot of water and detritus on it. Really didn't want to fall off two weeks in a row especially as last week was actually my first BBR, which I guess is probably an unenviable record.

Which reminds me. I chatted to Steve during the ride about my off as he was right behind me last week. He said "Actually Duncan you did me a favour, I was going to take that exact line round the bend". I thought that was funny and actually I felt happy to have done Steve a good turn, although really I would rather buy him a pint than show where not to go.

'The Colonel ' calls for a regrouping at Bodle Street Green!

The first serious bit of work on the ride was going up the hill to Bodle Street. I found myself behind Patrick P and for a couple of minutes I thought I would see how quick he goes up the hills. Well I found that out and think he was poodling a bit but I didn't want to exhaust myself in the first half hour of the ride, so soon dropped off and went at my own pace.

At one point later on a long flat stretch I tried to give Finlay a tow but he was struggling and later told me he was pretty tired. I spent a lot of the ride with Steve and Derek as we are reasonably well matched. Patrick P had another puncture this week and I thought I would see him in the cafe, but the cafe stop changed and I didn't see him until the pub.

We arrived at the Lime Cross Nursery and I was looking forward to a cuppa. We parked up round the back but found the cafe very busy. The girl said it was table service only which would take an age so the group consensus was head on down to Chilley. That's good I thought, its all down hill.

The author appreciated the log fire at Chilley farm.

Derek, myself and Steve found ourselves together again going past the main Herstmonceux Castle. Derek seemed to be stuggling a bit so I went up front to lead. This seemed to work for a little while but I was quite a bit quicker up the little hill to the Lamb dropping Derek and Steve. I wanted to get to Chilley as quickly as I could, so curled up small in what I think is my most aero position with forearms on the bar tops. This seemed to work pretty well against a strong headwind. I was running at 155bpm which is a lot of effort for me. I decided to slow that to about 145 and struggled across. I could see a group of 4 ahead and that gave me an incentive as I seemed to be catching up slowly.

I rounded the corner into Rickney Lane and was very relieved to feel the slight tailwind and about 200 yards ahead the group of 4. I committed to catching them, so went pretty hard. I caught them a 100 yards before Chilley, they were relaxing by then and mainly for a laugh went past at speed hoping to be first in the queue. I parked my bike but was beaten into the shop by Malc D  who had hopped off quick. He referred to that as the Le Mans style dismount.

We had a nice time in the outside farm bit, with a lovely log burning stove which helped warm me and others, mainly Ivan and Derek up.

We headed off for the final leg as a group. I always think Pevensey roundabout is potentially lethal and a place to concentrate hard to get across safely. I also much prefer to stay clipped in rather than having to go from a one leg start. Ivan and Malc D  had gone over first, I saw a space and nipped across, ending up behind them along Sluice Lane. There was a cross/tail wind but they were running about 17mph which I felt was a bit  slow with that wind helping. I wanted to try for some PB's, so after a few minutes coasting in the gap behind I overtook. One of them I think said "Where's he off to?" as I went passed which made me smile.

Good to see at least Ivan and Shirley are paying attention.

I knew I only had to get to Bexhill soI put in quite a bit of effort all the way and was happy with the pace ending up with about 3 PBs. I waited by Cooden Station out of the wind until Ivan and Malc D came along and once again dropped in behind feeling knackered.  Malc went off home I think and I was very happy to tail Ivan who seemed very strong and I noticed was running a single gear, chapeau to that. I finished at Di Paolo's and went to my car. Just as I was changing shoes the rain started and I was very happy not to have to do "the grind" back to Hastings.

 No more cold bare winter legs for Shirley.

Several of us met in the Standard where the fire was a magnificent sight to behold complete with a couple of sofas and table. Perfect. We all had a good chat and warm up. We were the only ones in the pub for two hours, so it felt like it was HSCC Clubhouse.

Chatting to Chris afterwards I can see there is a need for a bit of mentoring as to Club etiquette when on the road. I don't remember all that Chris said but I took away the keywords as being: Be Predictable, Concentrate, Communicate. Any tips from the old hands to us newbies will be gratefully received :)

So that was my Most Excellent Saturday and I look forward to more.

Duncan Hacon

8/1/2015 Fri Night Ride - Stonestile lane closed, what a 'shame'!

For the last couple of weeks, numbers on the Friday night ride have been very low with only Dan and  Nathan keeping the flame alive, so I was determined to turn-up as long as the forecast said it would be dry.

With a dry forecast on Thursday, myself and others committed ourselves to riding but by Friday evening the forecast had changed to rain at 9;00 but hopefully we would still get round with just a soaking at the end?

Dressed all in black but at least Nigel has a hi-viz head

Arriving at the Lodge I was grateful to see a good turnout of riders. This time Dan and Nathan would have Simon, Capt. Caveman, and Shadow for company. JV had emailed me earlier during the day to let me know that Stonestile was closed (flooding?) and so we would not be able to mount its hallowed slopes. Instead of cries of disappointment the news was greeted with cries of 'thank f**k for that'!

As usual, I took a one minute head-start down Battery Hill where particular care was needed down the damp road. Near the bottom there was a cyclist clad in fluorescent yellow with very bright lights this could only be Paul Baxter. It seems after Wednesday he was still  out of hibernation mode and expressed his love for the Friday night ride which conveniently passes close by  his front door.

Paul wondered where the others were as we cruised through Winchelsea but it wasn't long before we were surrounded by an assortment of bright lights.Our numbers increased by one as Mark was waiting for us inside the reserve. Nobody really seemed in the mood to push up the pace and the only interesting thing that happened before the Rye turn was when Paul's water bottle came flying off causing some frantic braking.

Paul was worried about keeping up on the Broad-Oak drag but I felt more tired than usual and we were an even pace as the others disappeared into the distance. About halfway up, the heavens opened with a heavy deluge of rain. Hoping it was a brief shower we pressed on but it soon became clear that the rain was  set in for the rest of the ride so we had to pull into the side and quickly pull on pack away jackets.

Regrouping with the others we were surprised to see Malc D there waiting for us. Malc had missed the battery Hill departure by just a couple of minutes. While we were travelling through the reserve he had stuck to the main road and so actually got ahead of everyone on the Broad- Oak drag.

Due to the Stonestile closure we  decided to stick to the main road up to Westfield with all riders riding at their own pace. Heading down Brede hill was particularly difficult for me as my spectacles were covered in water droplets so I couldn't see where I was going  and soon got dropped.

I felt safer once the road eventually levelled off and wondered if any of those impressive Xmas decorations were still on show in Westfield but all that was left was a rather forlorn solitary soggy Xmas tree dripping water off its sparkling lights.

When's the next bus, I'm not cycling in this weather any-more!

The others  seemed content to ride quite slowly in the rain so I was able to catch them up before the steady climb at the end of Westfield lane.  Here we stopped at the bus shelter for brief self congratulations for doing our bit for the Friday night ride despite the awful weather .

Steve C

Wednesday Chain Gang - New Year, Old Faces, Good Conditions

 There was a fantastic turnout for the first chain gang of the New Year, with 25 or so riders making the start and others joining at points along the way. Is this evidence of New Years' resolutions, or merely because, for once of late, it was not blowing a hooley and pouring with rain? It was quite chilly though.

About half the group rated themselves as ultras last night, making for a large first group. The rest of us rolled out after some confusion over whether everyone had arrived or not, but the starters gun was fired and Lord Buckland and I led the group out.

Ah, the bliss of not bashing into a vicious headwind, or cowering against the rain! Pedalling seemed smooth and effortless, forward progress was made without the roar of a gale in my ears. Very pleasant and very lucky, given that I woke this morning to torrential rain and yet another force 18 gale.

The small group started rotating at the front - Lord B, Nick, Simon G, Peter 'sick note' Baker and me I think. I looked back to see where everyone was and saw a long line of white lights weaving and bobbing along behind us. We rode on and the 'rotation' group' grew to seven riders, with Dan S powering away at the front. I owe Dan a big thank you for very generously waiting for me a few times on the chain gang two weeks ago - thanks Dan, chapeau!

Simon G put in a good pull up on his fixie, spinning the pedals as fast as he could. I pulled alongside and got ahead near the brow of the hill, swooping fast down the west slope to meet Cooden Drive. We continued to rotate as we sped towards the Cooden Hotel and, as usual, I found myself on the front as we reached the short, steep slope down to the tight right-hand bend. The surface was a bit damp and sketchy, the tyres perhaps feeling the cold a little. Having made it round the bend safely but a bit slowly, we were soon turning hard left onto Herbrand and putting extra pressure on our pedals.

Compared to last week's 'Herbrand Hell', this week it was more like Hawaii and I really enjoyed riding at a good pace in a group, without fear of being blown into each other, or blown off the back. But it was chilly. There, I've said it again. We continued to make good progress as we rotated across the marshes. I think Nick hit the front just as we met a thick patch of mist, somewhere near the Star Inn. The air was cold and my glasses steamed up, which meant I did most of the ride peering over the top of them, like Mole from Wind in the Willows, my eyes streaming in the cold, damp air.

Lee on only his second ever chain-gang

On we rolled, the only impediment to our speed was how fast we could pedal and how big a gear we could spin. Ok, it was not exactly Greipel versus Cavendish on the Champs Elysees, but Stewart and I enjoyed our own personal sprint challenge into the roundabout at Pevensey, with me just pipping him to the post, although I think that (out of respect for the elderly) he held back a little. Thanks Stewart - this small victories mean a lot to me. Hard behind us came the rest of the group, special mention of which must be made of Peter Baker, just back from a lung transplant. It didn't go to well - from the sound of his cough, they've swapped his lungs with those of a 60-a-day smoker, so overall I was impressed with his effort. And he has had man flu - rule #5 applies Peter, well done old bean.

We paused to wait for the rest of the riders, chatting and swapping insults, in that way that men do. A cloud of steamy breath rose as a small cloud from where we rested, drifting up and over the street light on the bend, blending with the mist on the marshes. The last few riders arrived, so we duly began the return leg, giving them approximately three seconds to recover from their outward leg. Nobody wanted to wait around too long, getting cold and feeling damp with chilled sweat.

I went off with the ultras, the group not as fast I thought as in recent weeks, or at least we rode with a more uneven pace. As evidence, I made it up Spooky Hill with the group, taking a turn at the front to lead the group over the bridge at the Star Inn, before being dropped on the way to the level crossing. Progress! I made a lonely ride along Herbrand, with no wind assistance this week, becoming aware of a group of white lights gradually gaining on me.

Sure enough, I made the turn onto Cooden Drive and started up the slope, looking over my left shoulder to see a bunch of riders arrive at the Herbrand turn. I pressed on as hard as I could up the slope, getting beyond El Presidente and his chequered board, but Nick caught me as we descended the Cooden Bump, with JV, Gareth and others in tow. We rode briefly as a group before a few more enthusiastic riders made a break for the lights. Honours go to Nick, with JV and then me just behind. Not racing, just testing ourselves.

A noisy group awaited us. Shirley turned up from nowhere, still in summer shorts. How cold does it have to get before you get your longs on Shirley? Steve C came over name check a number of the riders who last night either made a notable appearance of some sort.  Rather surpringingly, it was only the second ever chain gang ride for Lee Smith (4th cousin, thrice removed). Lee has ridden plenty of the JV club rides, but is normally at work during the week and cannot make the start of the chain. Some welcome holiday meant he was able to make it last night - good to see you Lee, and surely the chain is better than the turbo?

Paul Baxter comes out of hibernation

Paul Baxter also made an unexpected appearance. He has, apparently, been in hibernation since August (there was some straw in his hair) - he hasn't been on any rides since the summer. Will he stick at it and start coming regularly again, Steve wonders? Please do Paul.

Sadly, this was also Josef Mager's last ever appearance at the club, although who knows what the futures holds? After a number of years working at ATB sales, Josef is heading back to Slovakia to start a more settled life in Slovakia with his new girlfriend. Josef was was of the regulars for the off road season, so we are really going to miss him in the summer.

Is this a one off return by Paul Fuller?

We also had a very unexpected appearance from Paul Fuller. Paul used to be one of the most regular chain-gangers, but we haven't seen him for a year or so. He is not sure yet whether this is a one off, or a more regular reappearance! Come on Paul, you know it makes sense - come again next week!

There were also many of the regular chain gang crew in attendance, including the unbelievably awesome Stuart Hodd, back on the bike for some Wednesday fun, having missed last week for no good reason that he could recall. Stuart reckons that is the first time he has missed a Wednesday chain gang in two years. Frankly, you did the right thing staying in last week - it was grim.

Steve 'Gadget' Ferguson and I rode a second chain gang at a more gentlemanly pace, chatting as we rode out of Bexhill and across the cold marshes, meeting occasional pockets of warm air, before plunging again into near-freezing pools of still coldness. Unlike in a car, you feel every temperature change on a bike; last night's chillier sections were short and sharp, just enough to pep up the ride without making it unpleasant.

My weather prediction for next week is snow. Well, possibly. I heard someone on the train say it, so it must be true. Colder, anyhow. Wrap up warm and see I'll see you there.

Safe riding, Neil

The mtb sub group say goodbye and good luck to Josef!

A Bacon Butty to remember or maybe forget.

Having read Neils Wednesday report I thought mad fools going out in that but then when I saw Steve intended to do the bacon butty regardless of the weather and after feeling guilty I had not cycled since the Monday social ride I decided to go.

There was a strong southerly wind when I left and of course heavy rain was forecast. A good turnout of 10 riders gathered at Di Paolo's including a rare appearance these days of Chris P who plotted our course.

By Cooden Patrick had his first of two punctures of the day, That's three for him this week and Neil will be working on a nickname if one has not already been allocated.

Not sure when the rain started but when it did it was heavy. The two nasty downhill sections of the lanes to Chilley farm are in terrible condition now. Potholes everywhere and as you will have noted from Duncan H report they were full of water . Direction changes are dangerous because of the gravel and mud and moss on these lanes.

This is the deep hidden pot hole that had Duncan H off

Patrick's second puncture was just before the turn off to the lanes to Chilley farm . He nicely waved us on so he could deal with that and not hold us up but shortly after that Duncan H had his fall.

A battle then followed into the wind and rain on the long open stretch to Chilley farm lead out by Duncan F and we all followed on behind

Chris had outed Chilley farm in favour of the cafe at Pevensey so this adds a few miles most of which were into a head wind. Duncan H fell a littte behind I think with the effects of his fall and we were all glad of the cafe stop and even Kim stopped having intended to go straight past . She was getting in some miles with us and I later heard she was one of two who had done the pre BBR earlier.

So I ordered my bacon and egg butty . The cafe was packed as usual as its good value

Young Theo had cycled strongly always just behind the leader at any point but we were a little worried  as he was in summer gear but he shrugged  off the offer of a jacket from Patrick and was anxious to get going again to generate some heat as he had to cycle to Pett , so Duncan F led us off . Steve and Chris P  fell back and chatted about all things club whilst the rest of us just wanted to get out of the wind and rain,

Why is it that here a southerly wind always seems to be against you?

Derek

BIKE LESSON FOR TODAY and FOREVERMORE: DON'T GO THROUGH PUDDLES - ONE DOESN'T KNOW WHAT LIES BENEATH!

Oh dear, took a tumble today when out with Hastings & St.Leonards Cycle Club at the North end of Rickney Lane about a mile or so south west of Herstmonceux, on a very wet and windy day.
My own silly fault to a degree*, I went through the edge of a puddle on a sharp bend to clean my rims which for some strange reason I thought would be a good idea. Lurking beneath, unfortunately, was a hole about 4 foot long and about 3 inches deep. My front wheel went up against the defined edge of this as my line went across it. Immediately I feel myself heading for the tarmac as my bike did a somersault. Bruised and little cut on my palms, sightly bashed my helmet on the deck.
Found myself laying on my back in the road with my bike on top of me. Steve Curtis kindly picked it up and checked it as I regained my composure. To add insult to injury the front wheel had gone flat, a "pinch flat", my first. So had to put a new tube in. Slightly frustrating that when I unscrewed the pump adaptor the damn valve inner came out letting the air out! Bugggeration! Screwed it in by hand and pumped up again with adaptor not so tight. Held breath and luckily valve stayed put.Front of both bike hoods have been ground by the road, but only cosmetic, I think. Bike OK but will check again tomorrow.
First time I have fallen off it since purchase in 2008, so probably about time it was Christened.
*Disclaimer, I guess if the pot hole wasn't there I would not have fallen off.

PS Went back to check out that puddle where I had the tumble.
No wonder I fell off, there is a five inch vertical edge to the little pond! I am happy my fork's not broken :)




Album photos may be of some interest:

https://www.facebook.com/duncanhacon/media_set?set=a.10153214228021681.1073741833.657546680&type=3&pnref=story

Duncan H