LEADON VALE CYCLE CLUB RIDE 417 Sunday 24th July 2022..
Wow it was great to see so many out and 2 good groups of sporty and Advanced gathered waiting for the off. We had 3 of the 4 from the team LEGOG riding with us today with Peter back from his extra bit in the northern most part of Scotland.
Leaving the club we had a strong tailwind pushing us along to the roundabout I’ve seen tidier starts from the club everybody trying to latch on to their rides, but pushing on to Dobbs Hill every one was sorted out Peter missing the turning and was half way up Gadfield elm before turning round to join us. Terry and Adrian were chatting on the front of our Advanced ride and actually setting a perfect pace with us all sat in behind enjoying the tailwind. Cooks lane and the first real glimpse of the Malverns and they looked a little watery, with what looked like a mist hanging over them but at present it was dry so we pushed on nothing changing at the front the strong men leading us through to Klenchers mill and for the first Time I think everyone dismounted and crossed the bridge not risking an early bath, it was here that for the first time the rain started very refreshing on what was a warm windy day, we hadn’t realised how windy yet, but the light rain kept falling all the way up the roughest road I know from Eastnor to the Malvern road but soon we were climbing again this time looking at the other side of the Malverns a view I never tire of a view which seems so different from our normal view but as the rain fell heavier we turned up to Wellington Heath a long drag with a kick at the top but always rewarded with a fantastic view, well not today, just a misty haze greeted us but no time to discuss it the LEGOG team were off leading us down Raycomb lane, this is the first time I have ridden this road since I fell off about 2 years ago so it was good to pass that point and wind our way past Coddington Church with not a lot changing on the front Terry and Adrian leading a long line of cyclists through to Bosbury and a short spell of main road before we stopped in Southfield lane for a drink and where Ken was described as looking wonderful, but the rain was still falling and the glasses were splattered with rain so I’m not sure they had a good look. With nutrition and drink taken on board we were off again, the stop seemed to reinvigorate the leaders and the pace seemed to increase crossing Staplow cross roads and the long drag through Jugs green and Munsley where we had a regrouping before another spell of mainroad to Falcon lane leading to Lilly hall lane and some more rough road to Leddington now the LEGOG trio took the front as we climbed in to Bromsberrow slowing the pace only Adrian managing to elbow his way past and crest first but what was really nice today is that we all rode together no breaks just a sensible pace, which continued through to the 3 bitches which seemed to be not so steep today and we all pushed on through red ditch lane and soon the push for home was on, David and Adrian flew home I could only sit and enjoy the pace they were setting but I blew up as the full strength of wind hit us from the roundabout to the club.
The sporty ride was back and the tea made and really appreciated by us all.
A really enjoyable morning in the saddle if a little wet at times but we started and finished in the dry.
Thanks to everyone who rode and helped out today.
Yellow leader.