Greeted once again with a leaden sky and a stiff S/W wind, we set off from St. Ives in 2 groups, about 8 in each. Having set up the diversion around Alconbury which was apparently flooded, I thought we would escape getting wet feet. No such luck! Not far into the ride, at the end of the cycle path over Hemmingford Common, just before the gate to Cow Lane, the path was submerged. I got through without too much of a soaking, the water rising to about the axles at its deepest. Taking it steady with little ‘taps’ on the pedals, rather than full revolutions to try to keep my feet out of the worst.
In more favourable conditions this is a lovely route, but today there were exposed sections that made things very tough, the gusty nature of the wind making control of the bikes very difficult, and difficult to get into a rhythm. After what seemed an age we eventually reached the stop at Woodford Mill. I really like this place, nice & warm (provided we kept the doors shut!), good range & quality of food, and the coffee was piping hot!
Back out into the elements, it took a few minutes to warm up, but the wind was more favourable on the return and the pace picked up, making it back to St. Ives at about 13:30.
On a personal note was a very difficult ride. I’ll spare you the details but the bottom line is I was not feeling great, and getting progressively worse as the ride progressed. I can only thank my club mates for helping me through. It is always difficult to single people out, and the support shown by the group as a whole was humbling to me – in particular I’d like to thank Jordan & Palo for sheltering me, giving me a wheel to follow & getting me through it – if the need arises in the future I hope I’d rise to the
occasion as you guys did. I hope I did not spoil your enjoyment of the ride too much crawling along like a snail!
The point of mentioning this is for me helping & supporting each other during the ride is what club runs are all about. Sure have fun & race for signs & to tops of hills, but never leave anybody behind struggling on their own (unless they want to be left alone to die!!! .
Photos for the website
If you have the opportunity to take a photo’ during a club ride it would be great to post it up on the club website. Please send me any snaps you are able to take, maybe at the Café stop, or club mates struggling to fix a puncture??!!
It would be nice to enjoy a club run in calmer conditions at some point, I cling onto the hope that better weather is just around the corner…..Keep thinking positive thoughts about a dryer/calmer spring & summer!!
Best wishes & see you on the road soon.
Richard Neil (SICC Club Run Captain)
