Sunday, 20 June 2021
David writes: I have been asked to encourage anyone considering becoming a ride leader to volunteer. I think all members are keen not to return to the large group rides we enjoyed before the pandemic, but smaller groups implies more leaders. The best encouragement I can give to anyone considering volunteering, is not to scroll down and read this report further!!I knew it was going to be one of those days when Mick phoned as I was leaving home to tell me he would be ten minutes late because he had to go back and fetch his helmet. The other seven riders happily chatted at Brookside for ten minutes in the unseasonable cool air. Mick, Mark, Will, Liz, Phil, Anne, Mike CC and I then left at 9.40am. Riverside and Stourbridge Common were busy, despite the early hour and the dull weather, but we were soon cycling on our own in the fens, admiring the big skies and the verdant vegetation.
Our first enforced stop was at the cattle grid where a longhorn(?) bull, accompanied by his harem and a calf, was scratching himself on a fence and blocking our way. Mike, who has seen a bullfight in Spain, bravely offered to use his red jacket as a matador's cape to distract the bull. Unfortunately, he took a step backwards into a mega cowpat and that put an end to his plan. Mark then applied his knowledge of animal behaviour and declared that the bull was used to us by now and Anne courageously led the group over the cattle grid after the bull had investigated her bike. (The leader took a back seat during this episode!)
The Burwell Lode bridge ('Cock-up Bridge') had become steeper than last time, but we all managed to get across. The feral horses, with foals, were close to the cycle track and were much admired.
We finally made it to Wicken and from there along the road towards Soham. The 360 degree spiral ramp was a highlight of the ride, but when we got to Fordham, Mike pointed out that we had left Mark with a puncture on the cycle bridge, but I had led the group at too great a speed ('fast - moi?') for anyone to be able to tell me. Phil and I returned to help Mark, while the others went on to La Hogue. Mark was very pleased to see us, as, although he had removed the thorn from his tyre and almost finished replacing the inner, he did not have a copy of the route. On the way to catch up the others, Mike phoned to ask me if I had made a reservation, as La Hogue was very busy with Fathers' Day lunches. This ride was starting to fall apart! When I arrived at La Hogue, Phil told me there was another 'issue', but some sweet-talking to a harassed waitress sorted that and we all enjoyed a half-hour in the (still heavily overcast) fresh air.
As we were about to set off for the ride home, Mark discovered another flat in his front wheel. A borrowed inner tube, an impressive demo of Mike's pocket, rechargeable, electric pump, and ten minutes later, we left for the 25 miles home, with Phil leading and me at the back.
After a few miles Mark's front wheel was flat again, but the puncture was slow, so we decided on a pump-and-ride strategy for the rest of the ride. Mike saved me from further embarrassment when he signalled that Mark was 500 yards ahead, while I was waiting by the roadside for Mark to catch us up! Mark and I eventually said our farewells to the other six. Somewhere around Bottisham, on our third(?) pumping stop, we were surprised to see six riders approaching! Phil had led them on a more 'scenic' route around the Swaffhams.
So we rode on together towards Stow. By now the group was completely out of control and everyone keen to get home, so the planned turn to the Wilbrahams and Fulbourn was completely ignored (I was still at the back) and at the Fen Ditton road we split up, taking our own routes home. My Garmin says 48.5 miles at 12.5 mph average, but for various reasons (see above) YMMV.
If I have given you the impression that this was a nightmare ride, that is entirely inaccurate. We all enjoyed an excellent route (thank you Rupert) and the forecast showers were no more than a couple of mizzles. The minor setbacks were tolerated in good spirit by all the riders and, as always, there was no shortage of help and support for those affected – and for the leader! We all enjoyed a great ride on a cool, but wind-free day. So if anyone considering volunteering as a new leader disobeyed my instruction at the start of this report, don't be put off! Leading adds a new dimension to rides; there is always support for new leaders from more experienced riders on the ride; and the club can only function if members volunteer to lead. David Secher