100+ Club Ride

[Alan M]

After a bit of a bump last Monday I was on the margins of sitting this one out. Then Bridget arrived Friday evening with her Trek and the expectation that we would join the Just for Fun group, it being 1 September - so I was cornered!

Bridget was somewhat nervous but she needn't have been - John and others were brilliant and kept her spirits high throughout and we formed a good sized group arriving on time with the least hills and shortest route in memory - we always had a get out of jail card in the form of a willing mum to come and pick us up, but after the cafe I found that Bridget was up for the return and by the end, she was proud to have clocked up around 40 miles for the first time ever.

It was great to ride with the group and this is clearly a great option for many potential club members - thanks again

Alan

[huw williams]

John Czerknoblfallout and Tim C desrve a medal for their sterling efforts this year in looking after all the newbies - Can't be easy riding within yourself all day to look after the interests of slower riders - and SOOOO many of them come back for more and even join up.

Every time I see their groups they've always got huge beaming grins on their faces

So, BIG SHOUT to the J4F group VCs

[John Cochrane]

I'll second that, Hugh. Due to work I'm not often free to do the club run. On the last few occassions when I haven't been working its coincided with the J4F ride. I've opted for this group as, after cylcling all week to work, it's great to just ride gently, no pressure, and enjoy riding a bike without worrying about times and average speeds. Just wish we had this option every week.

So many thanks to those that lead the J4Fun group, you're efforts are much appreciated.

[huw williams]

"Just wish we had this option every week."

Interesting idea - with the diversity of riding abilities and number of newbies showing up could we run a J4F group every weekend or maybe every other weekend? Probably work during the summer months at least. I'm sure if you suggest it you'll have enough takers John

[SimonJOsborne]

"Just wish we had this option every week."

In theory its a good idea to run J4F every week. It would make the club even more approachable to new comers. I started there with Tim on my MTB. But I think it would only be fair to share the responsibility of leading the group about if it was to happen.

A little sad I missed the ride now

[mark mclaughlin]

What a great day.

Amazing turnout, the sea of addiscombe jerseys was a sight to behold.

Set off with the 20's group today - 12 in all, the usual sling shot at the beginning caused splits early on with speeds touching 30 we needed to calm down. Over the ramps we pushed on and resumed a good working group, past Lambs Green turn to T&O where we caught up with the training group ahead. Waited for them to shoot off in time for Ian's group to arrive!
T&O was well drilled and continued to the sprint where Toby got the edge.
Good run back with detour thrown in to avoid the chippings, nice sting in tail when the road ramped up - not to everyones liking.
Joined the Merstham drag for final blast back with usual suspects ripping each others legs off.

Arrived home to find my Su had gone out for the afternoon and I'd forgot me key, damn.

Dropped round AJ and Ninder's and got persuaded to go Herne Hill to kill some time.
AJ's chain had snapped so rode down on his shopping bike, where we linked up with the Trackees of ACC.

Wasn't too sure if I was up to joining in, no lunch and recovery with a bit of energy bar left when AJ produced the new hired track bike's (Pity he forgot his shoes!!)I was getting more enthused. Joined in the 5 mile scratch which was great, forgot how much I enjoyed the track despite the fast and furious pace set by Keith Coffey.

Great day out, Mark did a great job dispite his broken bones, just need some more to dip their toe in to the world of track - you might enjoy it.

Big thanks also to Huw for making this such a BIG Day out.

Mark

[carl f]

Agree with all of the above,great to see so many out,and once again meet some new faces
Went with the 20's group which started a bit to fast,until mark told us to slow down on the front,which was a good thing as it kept a nice organised group
Still ended up av 21.5 mph by the time we got to the cafe
nice surprise to see food laid on for us as well
Fab day

Carl