Date: Tuesday 31st July 2012
Route: WP, Long Ash, Grenofen Bridge, Double Waters, B***ard Hill, Long Ash, HQ.
Riders: Keith, James, Alun, Gidon & Martyn.
Depart WP: 19:40
Arrive HQ: 9:40
Distance: 10 miles
Weather: No rain

Gentlemen's Ride

With the holiday season kicking in, there were only five of us out on an evening which stayed dry for us. As the riders gathered I felt a sense that this could be a rather pleasant ride, and so it proved as we set off at a pace I'd describe as 'Gentlemanly'. This sits comfortably in the middle of the other four GOWCC categories of 'Meister's Beasting', 'Quick', 'Slow' and 'My Children's Pace' (unless your name is Carter)!!

We headed towards Grenofen Bridge by putting in a quick big drop down then slow climb back up above Horrabridge. James had repaired his bike after it let him down last week, but he literally spent all evening riding with his brakes on due to excessive "bedding-in"! As we trundled to the bridge, we talked about the Olympics and when the Mountain Bike event was due. We didn't realise that as we waited at the bottom of the drop three potential Olympic riders would fly past us, at times on one wheel!!!

Off to Double Waters through the wet muddy track, followed by half of Julian's Loop, then a long stop at the bridge as Martyn repaired a puncture. Going Bast**d hill was a new experience, all five chatted all the way up instead of panting! There was a suggestion that we should rename the climb "Chit Chat Hill"!

The night was still young, but there was no resolve to do anything other than get back to HQ for the not so well earned pint! It just goes to show, you never know what to expect when you roll up on a Tuesday evening, it all depends on the dynamic of the group.

Reporter: Keith