Category 6 ride led by David Smith
As this was my first ride as a run leader, I was anxious to follow the necessary protocol to the letter. To this end, I ensured I had the full names, date of birth, own and emergency telephone numbers, and next of kin details of each participant.
Since I was the only one who turned up, this didn’t take very long.
Cat 6 fraternised freely before the ride with Cat 4, who were leaving at the same time from Allenbury’s. In fact, they left a couple of minutes before Cat 6, only to pass going in the opposite direction when Cat 6 eventually set off. Curiously, the same phenomenon recurred about 45 minutes later in Dane End, Cat 4 greeting the pelotONE that was Cat 6 in true fraternal and comradely fashion.
The weather, though warm, was rideable, and I passed several other cyclists and mad dogs, all having the time of their lives.
Arrived at Mill End Plants much earlier than usual (there was only one other person there, and she was serving me) it was interesting to see the Bakewell tart and lemon drizzle cake in its original uncut state, straight from the oven.
Cat 6 elected unanimously for a pot of tea and a tea cake with blackberry jam, which it consumed reflectively and in a sophisticated manner, not forgetting to raise the little finger of the hand holding the cup (digitus minimus manus to Senor Dos Santos).
The temperature rose on the home journey, and on one hill I was frantically trying to change into a lower gear by pressing the lever the wrong way. Whether this was a side effect of the heat or simply a senior moment, I have not yet decided. Onwards and (eventually) upwards the miles were absorbed, and I soon found myself passing St. Edmund’s College (with due reverence for that august establishment) and on to the long drag up Ermine Street.
I stopped, as we usually do, at the bus shelter opposite the public house that was once known as the Sow and Piglets (then Maltons, then an Indian restaurant, and is now permanently closed). Sitting in the shelter, visibly upset, was a young woman next to a bicycle with a flat tyre. It was the first puncture she had had since going tubeless. Remembering the useful lessons I had received from Carolyn and Peter Kelleway, I felt confident in offering my services.
We took the machine round the back of the shelter out of the direct sunlight and, although there was something of a gash in the back tyre which the sealant would not of itself remedy, a couple of plugs did the trick and, after a quick application of the electric pump and a few spins of the wheel, everything appeared to be in order.
My new acquaintance’s gratitude was unbounded. She unzipped her top and asked if I saw anything I fancied? The top wouldn’t fit me, but if anyone is interested in a Dawes Venture lowstep hybrid bike with a freshly plugged rear tyre then please get in touch. I’m not intending to make a charge for it, but a donation to club funds I think would be appropriate.
Safe home everyone.