LEADON VALE CYCLE CLUB RIDE 371 Sunday 23rd May 2021.Well that was difficult 4 weeks, we said goodbye to our much loved cycling companion and friend Hullsie, who was given a perfect send off on Wednesday by his family and friends. We also have our cycling friends who have been unfortunate to take a tumble, Di who I saw on Wednesday looking as fit as ever and getting around with the aid of 2 walking sticks which I find amazing after 3 weeks, and is so positive with her recovery plan, Rob Randall, has informed me he is recovering and has actually started Refereeing again which is great news and said he has a new bike on order. Carly, I’m hoping she is recovering and will be back out soon. A special mention must go out today to Mat Fuller who must have been really drunk at the time when he agreed to to ride 175 miles in a day, yes 175 miles which is happening tomorrow, I’m sure many of you have sponsored him and I’m sure you all join me in wishing him a safe adventure..There were a lot of people away on holiday taking advantage of the partial opening of lockdown, and the forecast of wind and rain coming in, all meant that numbers were down a little today, but we could welcome a new member Dave, we at the club have known Dave for many years and after moving to the area he decided to join us and hopefully become a regular rider. Today’s group of rides would take us out into the Herefordshire countryside, the Sporty ride was well supported leaving first followed by the Advanced with Terry, Maggie and Ken , followed by Mat, Brucie, Dave and myself on the intermediate following the Advanced away from the club and followed them all the way through to Klenchers Mill where I have been told many different ways of crossing the ford were used, cycling through, cycling over the bridge or if like me just walking over the bridge not wanting to tempt fate with another incident. But everyone over safely and the castle looking splendid as we stopped for a Mat Fuller social distanced jelly baby. The road up to the Malvern rd is as rough as it’s ever been but up and over then the climb up to the back of the Malverns a favourite road of mine, with the other 2 rides climbing up to Wellington Heath we continued on along the road parallel to the hills the wind behind us, but that all changed as we turned through Coddington a narrow lane through some picturesque villages and narrow lanes emerging at Staplow. A spell of main rd for us, thankfully not very busy but very rough crossing over the river Leadon before entering the top of Ledbury, through the town and through to Little Marcle and now joining the same rd as the other rides through to Lilly Hall lane and Ludstock into Leddington where the full force of an ever increasing wind was felt. Greenway cross and through Bromsberrow turning over the M50 and the 3 climbs into Redmarley where the sporty riders passed us. Another jelly baby in Redmarley and the push for home was on and as we zig zagged we never really rode into a full headwind until we turned at the Swan back to the club. No incidents or problems today apart from loosing Andy but a phone call to check found he had completed the ride all be it on his own. A brew and a chat were enjoyed by all, and I’m sure as the weather improves we will welcome a few more back, please don’t leave it too long. Thanks to everyone who rode and helped out today. Yellow Leader.
