Quite early on in the pandemic, when we were deep in lockdown, a BBC news reporter door-stepped an elderly gent. His only human contact was with a charity delivering food for him. ‘It’s just so nice to see someone’ he said. My equivalent is the Amazon delivery guy. Though he’s not my only pal, I have got to know him quite well.
I am loving getting back into group riding, not only because it gives the opportunity to sit on a wheel now and then, but because the biggest withdrawal symptom I’ve had is for human interaction. We’re not quite there yet, fist-bumping rather than a full clench, but it’s better. It’s possibly churlish to complain when there is so much real anguish, but I do still miss the coffee, cake and chat at the end of a ride. It’s a bit like watching the footie without a crowd. Similar, but not quite the same.
A small group of us sat outside the Blue Belle, appropriately distanced and another group of us met in the Goldsmiths one evening. Felt good. Sadly, it’s going to be a while before our favourite coffee and cake emporium is back open again. But we can ride and we can dream.
Sunday rides
Same routine as last week, sign up on RiderHQ for the ride of your choice. It is open for booking at 6pm today.
Six to a group, no waiting lists – let Niki know if you want to lead a second group. More detailed instructions below.
| Ride | Leader | Depart Location | Depart Time | Distance | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long 4 | Gareth Wall | SE20 Cycles | 7:15am | 45-55mi | 16-17mph |
| Long 3 | James Hanscomb | Crooked Billet | 7:30am | 45-55mi | 15-16mph |
| Long 2 (Late start) | Andy Harding | Junction of Kent House Road and Beckenham road | 9:30am | 45-55mi | 13-14mph |
| Long 2 | Simon Wilkins | SE20 Cycles | 7:45am | 45-55mi | 13-14mph |
| Long 1 | TBC | Crooked Billet | 8am | 50mi | 11-12mph |
| Short 4 | TBC | SE20 Cycles | 8:15am | 30-35mi | 15-16mph |
| Short 3 | Nick Brun | Crooked Billet | 8:30am | 30-35mi | 13-14mph |
| Short 2 | Liz Begley | SE20 Cycles | 8:45am | 30-35mi | 12-13mph |
| Short 1 | Chris Martin | Crooked Billet | 9am | 30-35mi | 11-12mph |
| Steady | Barry Graham | SE20 Cycles | 9:15am | 24-27mi | 10-11mph |
Turbo trainers for sale
Paul Mill is selling off a batch of decent turbo trainers along with mats, blocks and towels. He also has some bluetooth heartrate monitors. In short, everything you need to do Turbobeat Live!
- Super Magneto Pro trainer + block + mat + towel – £175
- Bluetooth HRM + strap – £20
Message me or talk to Paul direct.
Niki’s Ride Rules
I think people have got the message now. Refer to this earlier newsletter if you need reminding – but let’s keep it safe please. This thing isn’t done just yet and I don’t think any of us wants to get banged up again.
If you can’t ride
If you need to remove yourself from a ride, please do so on RiderHQ – do not try and inform the leader via Facebook or any other method. If you can’t work out how to remove yourself on RiderHQ, please refer to that helpful post on Facebook. Alternatively, please let Niki know via email, Facebook Messenger or contact Niki via WhatsApp.
Closing Thoughts
Have a great weekend.
James