Club run 29th

[Alan M]

A strange vibe today - very few attending, probably a combination of rain and other events. In fact we remained dry and even saw some sun by the end.

3 groups went out. Paul led off the 19s with Paul, Ben, Mike myself and Alex. This was Alex's first ride with us and careful probing revealed him to be an Evans sponserod 1st cat, England U23 cyclocross rider and soon to join Flanders team in Belgium. He had been resting for a month so was cruising with us.

So we went off at a reasonable pace but then Paul headed off to Ranmore and we set a more comfortable rate of knots. Ben went off to do to Thru n off on his own and we 3 turned off for Lambs Green. Just before that I was beaten to the Rusper sprint mark by Mike having signaled my intention far too early.

The final sprint wasn't much and although I tried to get our first cat to lead out he feigned lack of fitness then won it with ease coming off Mike's wheel.

At the Cafe I was pleased to be joined by my daughter Bridget - Graham had kindly ridden with her in a 15mph group of 2 and he saw her most of the way back, with me joining them at the Church. I must admit some fatherly concern as we joined the A23 but Graham sensibly put her on the front and she led us off at 20mmph still in middle ring. She is getting fitter and enjoying the ride.

The only other thing to mention was that Monty was stung in the mouth by a bee or wasp and was a poorly from it - hopefully he'll recover quickly.