Category 3 ride led by Graham Knight
Late September but, evidently, still summer. South-east England seems to have moved several hundred kilometres south. There were only three of us out taking advantage of this weather, which seems a shame. Our route towards Blackmore began with a northerly loop via Stortford; a choice dictated by the ongoing road works around Green Tye. We then made our way south through Hatfield Broad Oak and several Rodings. We encountered a brisk headwind on this section but that’s more easily tolerated when the sun shines and you’re riding with friends.
Blackmore Tea Rooms were busy when we arrived and I was concerned we might have a long wait for service. Not so though and cake and breakfast panini, according to choice, arrived promptly. My slice of coffee and walnut was generously proportioned but light in texture, which I’m sure suits some but I would have preferred a bit more stodge.
We set off for home anticipating a nice tail-wind. There probably was one but “tails” are never as evident as “heads” so we didn’t notice much assistance. We did notice that our late summer was now looking a bit shaky with a few threatening clouds coming on the scene. The route back took in Kelvedon Hatch, Toot Hill and Epping. I made it up Stonards Hill in reasonably good order but I began to suffer multiple leg cramps on the hill up to Epping Upland – something I’m sure would have been avoided had my cake had a bit more stodge!
Category 6 ride led by Daniel Horn
Daniel was leading today. Dan felt too lazy to prepare a ride report, so here I am, once again, writing one.
The meet time was 9 am. Yes 9 am, we may well have left in the evening, it was so late. However, we abided by the ride leader’s set time. My new car rocked up and it was so big, it didn’t fit into a parking space at Allenbury’s.
Riders who turned up were me (Tony), Jim, Leigh, David, Daniel and Ian.
As we lined up at the start and I made, yes made, everyone admire my new add on to the bike, a 12 Speed Di2, all singing and all dancing. Everyone confirmed this was the best ever, yes, best ever group set. Roflmao (you must have remembered there’s no emojis).
We rode off at nine on the dot. We even phoned the speaking clock. Today was going to be a reversed route to Mill End, and Daniel was already confused. Have I told you that I have Di2 12 speed group set? Ah, thought I’d throw that in the mix.
I’m watching the TV right now getting bored, so, off to the throne I must go.
Ah, that’s better. Off we went through Thundridge and up the hill. We rode up Ermine Street, turning left up to Old Hall Green, where we had to navigate a myriad of intricate twists and turns through the lanes. We all did this with aplomb. Then things got nasty! God, I’m so so funny (laughy face to the side).
Up through Buntingford we rode, ride ride ride yada yada yada.
Lots of climbing today and just before we got to Mill End, who should ride by (I would say passed, but I couldn’t remember if it was passed or past)? Yes it was the Cat 4 and Sharon and their merry bunch. I did kind of mention that they weren’t going very fast, so, Enzo being Enzo, put his foot down and I obliged his draft and sat on his wheel until we got to Mill End. Obviously, I had my photo taken (see attached) with Enzo, to prove I was on the Cat 4 (beaming smiley face).
Obviously I had the Bakewell. Then things went slightly awry; Leigh was going back with the Cat 4’s as he wanted to get a few more miles in. We waved our goodbyes. We were down to the famous five, but no one wanted to be Timmy (that’s the dog if you didn’t know (I googled it)). I found out later, that poor old Leigh had a puncture as soon as he left Mill End with the 4’s.
We rode into a headwind of 23mph (according to Strava) and it was tough, all the hills taking their toll (not to be mistaken with a toll booth). We rode through Ardley and Great Munden and then I realised we were going to ride up White Hill. We turned left and went up the hill so so slowly, well I did. Today I was not beating Ian up the hill. Damn. We got to the top and knew we had broken the back of the ride. Amazing, eh.
Down through Ermine Street and then up the Cambridge Road hill and we all got back together (I couldn’t spell regrouped lol) at the bus stop. We were nearly home.
We said our goodbyes as obviously, it was downhill and I wanted to test my Di2 gear changes. Did I tell you that I now have 12 speed Di2?
I shot down the hill, yes shot and waved to everyone.
Just myself and Daniel left and we got back to Allenbury’s at 1pm.
That was it, the ride was over. Did I tell you that I now have 12 speed Di2?
Love and kisses. Tony.