LEADON VALE CYCLE CLUB RIDE 482 Sunday 21st January 2024.
With Storm Isha threatening some very strong winds the decision to change the ride direction at the last moment, and it seemed a sensible decision as when I was riding to the club the wind was already blustery from the South West.
Bob, Andy and Alan would tackle the Sporty me an d Chris on the Intermediate and the raft with Steve on the Advanced.
We rode with the Advanced group through to Highleadon which is where we split and they pulled away through to Tibberton, the roads were wet and messy from the rain in the night and the wind gusty but we were sheltered somewhat around the lanes around Bulley lane through to Northwood green mud When we turned to climb through Blaisdon the wind now behind us. We diverted from the course and climbed up to the A40 just above Huntley before dropping down to the village and picking up the original route through to Kent’s Green where we passed the Scenic ride with Gill, Ken and Adrian, but we pushed on using the well trodden route back to the club via Hooks lane and Middleton lane hardly noticing the strengthening wind, so being first back we made the brew and we were shortly joined by the scenic group and the remnants of the Advanced with Michael and David peeling off in Newent, and Bob who limped home after having a puncture and lastly Alan and Andy covered in mud. Tgat was the dirtiest me and my bike have been for a while so it took an hour to clean it off.
Well at least we managed to get a ride in it was dry and not cold, if a bit windy, but we were out and personally I really enjoyed my morning on the saddle.
Yellow leader.