Funny week last week. I usually bang out these emails and if one or two people comment on them, it’s usually because I have said something insensitive or dumb. In the last 3 weeks I have had many people reply to me and we’ve even sparked off a couple of Facebook chats. I’m self-aware enough to realise that it’s not that I have suddenly become an irresistably wise and eloquent communicator. There’s something else going on.
Chris re-posted the video made by the MA students who came to visit us a year ago. It shows us gathering at the shop, going out in groups to Ide Hill and back at the shop for coffee and cake. The overwhelming reaction made it very clear what people were feeling and why they felt the need to comment.
We’ve built something very special with this bike club.
A community that comes together to share the joy of getting out into the countryside on a bike. Sometimes to escape a stressful working week or even to help get over being made jobless or from a difficult home life, but more often simply to ride for pleasure with that curious mix of pain and fun that cycling delivers. The thing about that video though, the thing that brought a tear to the eye was seeing all those familiar faces, the like-minded souls whose company and comradeship we have been largely starved of for almost a year.
Compared to some of the things people have had to face in the last year, our loss may seem trivial, but believe me, it’s not. You’ll look back one day on your times riding with your Penge buddies on the North Downs, the Belgian and French cobbles, the Italian mountains, and you’ll realise they were the best days. It may take us some time to re-build that, much as it will take the country, the world even, time to get over this extraordinary period.
Responsible Club Activities
Hold that thought, because we will get the gang back together properly in the not too distant future. In the meantime, there’s still plenty to do.
Yoga at Dragonfly
The yoga got off to a great start this week. I’m useless at yoga but she is a fantastic teacher. Very clear and precise and easy for a compete novice to follow. Remember the club is now fully funding these. Look for Katie’s post on Facebook and make sure you sign up.
Turbobeat Mondays
The sessions with Paul are also fully funded by the club. There is no limit to the numbers we can have on these sessions, so come and give it a try. It’s open to the turbobeat regulars as well of course. Register that you’d like to attend on RiderHQ and I’ll be in touch with details. There are still some turbo trainers available to borrow if you don’t have one.
Zwift Friday Meet-ups
Rachel is developing a strong contingent of regulars on Zwift and will be there again at 6:30 tonight. Look for her post on Facebook to get yourself into the group.
Trainer road
Davey McTeague will be going again on a Trainer Road group workout at 8:30am on Sunday. Look out for his Facebook post to get on board and to get the sign-in code.
Coffee at Rule #19
I think there is still some credit behind the bar at SE20 Cycles, so make sure you get down for a free cup of finest coffee in the land.
I know it’s not quite the same as getting together in groups, but it really does help. If you are sat at home and have got out of the habit because it’s cold, because there is no group riding, I strongly urge you to take up one of the above. I know it’s helped me and many others.
If you’re venturing out this weekend, for goodness sake be careful and wrap up warm!
Closing Thoughts
Have a great weekend.
James Hanscomb, Chair of Penge Cycle Club.