Last Ride of January 2012

The trainee Hammsters met at Otley, it was cold and dry (thick gloves on). There were 7 of us eventually (1 had a quick pray before we set off). There’s nothing like a towm full of traffic lights to split a group up, eventually we were together (6 flo yellow and a grey) and speeding towards Pool, our usual front and back support riders were absent so Peter led the way. My hands were cold again, but only for the first 5 miles, then they’re fine, thank goodness, so by the time we were pushing (not walking!) up Harewood Bank they were warm as toast. Without Mike (I can ride sideways and look behind) Leader and Orange back marker, it was getting tricky to spot if we were all together so I instigated (without complete explanation – big mistake!) shouting out numbers, 1 starting and down the line to 7, if those at the front could hear 7 we were all together (so the theory went).  We did this once and it worked OK. A few  miles down the road it was 1, 2, 3, 5…. what’s going on… the riders were not in the same order as before so the plan failed, more explanations needed! PS this only works if it’s not windy!

We stopped at Wetherby for the loos as we knew the Shambles Cafe was shut for extention into the shop next door, we’ll be back. We must try out these newly revamped cafes that seem to do their work in January (Cavendish, Dunnis and Wetherby- it’s not called the Shambles -good name for other cafes though I’m sure).

Onwards to Knaresborough, along the little lane past the carved wooden trees (yes they really are wood), the Kingfisher is spectacular, we stopped to admire it and I took a picture (I’ll try and upload it sometime). The little cafe was busy and even more so when us 7 had got sat round a table after a lot of chair moving! 28 miles to here.

We were refuelled, on tea and beans mainly, and after a good chat we were back in the saddle heading back towards Pool and Otley. As 5 6 and 7 were off the back and singing the Hammster/camp fire song we realised the number system only works if front ones start calling out! We didn’t mind, they would realise eventually -we hoped. A few miles on and Peter had a puncture, he said for us to go on- quickly adding  to just wait till he was sure he had all that was needed, was this him speaking from experience from a previous occasion I wondered. Of course we didn’t leave him but then 5 6 and 7 decided to become 1 2 3 and set off for Pool, leaving the others to chase us down. We waited a few minutes at Pool then we were all together, they sounded to have had a good  fast ride along the flat through Arthington, so that worked well. Onwards to Otley and back to the cars.

Interesting to see what new kit myself and others keep adding to their bikes and attire as the weeks progress. SPDs,  jacket, handlebar extention, light bracket, bell, reflectors (needed abroad), panniers (baby ones) etc.

We had a good ride of 40 miles, average 12mph 3hr 17m riding time.

 

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