6@6.30 Training Ride was 5x3=15@6.30

At twenty nine past last night, the thirteenth day of the month it was looking like the unlucky number of thirteen rider’s for the 6@6.30 training ride and as I was grappling with the impossible mental arithmetic we thankfully got another two at the last minute and fifteen divides a lot more equally.

The first five were a theoretically stronger group of regular’s; Rich, Mark, Fozzy, Simon and Dave. The second five with regular Boothey was experienced cyclist but new to this ride Claire, second time on the ride rising star Becky, Ben and Chris who are both relatively new to the club and the ride but are slotting in very well. Last but not least with your’s truly; new member and on his first ride with the club Ivan, Alison, Rowey and making it for the full ride this time newish member Bartosz.

Ours was a steady mixed ability group, Ivan and Bartosz having a go at through and off for the first time. When gap’s happened the steady shout went out and they were closed up, no one missed their two minute turn’s at the front. We did the circuit in about 1:38 - 1:39 ish (18+mph) bang in the middle of the ride's advertised target speed and a great effort from the first timers.

I hope this leadership thing doesn't go to Boothey’s head but ride of the night has to go to the second group collectively🏆 . Mostly new to this this game they have all learnt fast and gone fast, they made the catch on the first definitely more experienced and what I wrongly thought would be the strongest group. Both groups got round in about 1:32- 1:34 ish.

If as expected CUK and BC give the go ahead for larger groups in line with the roadmap from next week the ride could be a slightly different format, maybe introducing the newer riders to the traditional chaingang. The ethos will remain the same though; stronger more experienced riders helping and encouraging others. Exciting times, new member’s, new riders, new rules.