LEADON VALE CYCLE CLUB RIDE 391 Sunday 7th November 2021.Can I start by inviting you all to the 2021 AGM at the club on Wednesday evening for a 7.00 pm start. This week the weather couldn’t have been different, dry and sunny and a gentle breeze and as Graham said on arrival at the club he couldn’t hint of a reason not to ride, as a lot of you thought. We welcomed Mike along today who was one of those who polished his bike off for Charlie’s Memorial ride, and was going to be joined by Phill, but a late night put pay to his appearance. 3 good groups left the sporty group, an advanced and the rest with me on the intermediate. 9.30 and we were off on what was a perfect November morning for cycling and as we rode down Orridge St the roads were dry and Mat and Doc Mike were happy setting a good pace and by the chatter everyone was glad to be out. Middletown lane and on to the Newent road and a busy stretch of road to the Kents green turning and back on to the lanes through to judges lane and now we were climbing up to the Glasshouse but on the way up we were blessed with the Autumnal colours of the trees in the morning sunshine. As we reached the Glasshouse we were met by Richard, who was joining the Sporty ride so we knew they hadn’t passed but wouldn’t be long so we pushed on through the woods to Ciffords Meanze and the drop down into Newent only interrupted by a few horses. Past the Ladder factory and on towards Oxenhall where the Sporty boys caught and passed us before the climb by the Church where Alan had shed his chain and was off in pursuit of his group as we all pushed on to the Dymock turning before the motorway, with the others continuing through Queens wood and on to Much Marcle. We took the lovely road into Dymock Ken showing his need for speed on the descent, followed by the ever eroding road at the start of Crowfield lane but on the whole the roads were very dry.Bromsberrow next and through the village and on around Albright lane everyone chatting, a good sign this far into the ride and the route home via Cooks lane and Dobbs hill became a twitchy affair, Mat, Ken and Doc were looking for the push for home but we’re happy to allow Colin Morris to burn himself out but as they pushed on I pulled out and took Mike with me catching them up, it was only Mat showing any resistance on the front and he led us home. A warm cup of tea and we were able to sit outside and we were soon joined by the Sporty group who also enjoyed a brew and it became clear that a major catastrophe was about to unfold, a shortage of biscuits, but we managed to safe a few for the Advanced group who had arrived. A lovely morning in the saddle, and once again showed the importance of the intermediate ride amongst the others as it still gives a gateway back, from injury or returning like Mike and Phill. Thanks to all who rode and helped out today. Yellow leader.
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