The Steady Training Was Different
No records were broken on last Thursday's steady training ride but it was a little different in a couple of respect’s.
As has happened a couple of times before but not for a few years, by prior arrangement on our whats app group we met at 2pm for a daylight ride. Also Simon had noticed the day before there were temporary traffic lights towards the top of Pexhill and also fresh hedge cuttings so instead of heading straight down we went via Redesmere to Siddington and a pleasant change it made in fine autumn weather.
In other important respects the ride was the same; mixed ability, disciplined and mutually supportive. So turning right of the A34 back onto the normal circuit we started a steady 5- up, single file taking roughly two minute turn’s. Experienced club member, veteran road racer, long time participant of the 10-2-7 ride and plenty more of the clubs chain gangs / training rides Mark B seemed to cop for more than his fair share on the front. On her very first ride with the club new member, but not new to cycling, Kate slotted in very well and certainly also did at least her fair share. Occasional ride attendee Dave H worked hard as did regular Simon S. Conditions were good for the time of year but on the downside there was definitely a lot more traffic than in the evening which was a nuisance at junctions.
We all love the final push at the top of Pexhill 😎 but it would have been spoiled by the road works so we turned into Dark Lane then Gawsworth Road which seemed to go on forever uphill 😤 . In no particular order Kate, Simon and yours truly got back to BX together then gap’s to Mark and Dave (so you could say Kate 1st Female 🏅, Simon 1st MV 🏅and Fred 1st Supavet 🏅 🤪). With the ride not being on the normal segment I can't report the average speed but it almost certainly was 18 mph + back to Siddington but slowed down by waiting at junctions and the 4-way traffic control at Ollerton.
Let's hope we can keep something going as best we can through the winter, it will be organised on a week by week basis on the whats app group, it's not a private clique and open to anyone who is up for riding within the stated parameters: https://www.macclesfieldwheelers.org.uk/training-rides