Let’s talk about kit. Rifling through my cycling drawer a few months back, I found my old triathlon ‘unitard’. A skin-tight, one-piece lycra suit that was designed for swim, bike, run. It’s tempting to say that as a 30-something I was whip-thin with washboard stomach and lantern-jaw, but sadly even then I looked more like wrestler Mick McManus on World of Sport. A Dulwich boy, incidentally, born in Camberwell.
A raised eyebrow from the wife when I asked her what in the lord’s name she was thinking of, allowing me to go out in public in such a garment, and the cursed thing was in the bin.
Now, the drawer is blessed with a stylish blend of red, white and green garments that have been confined to barracks until a couple of weeks back. I have noticed that our Penge kit is less prevalent that before lockdown. Maybe a few are shy of breaking cover just yet; please don’t be. Dulwich encourages its riders to commute in their kit and to set a good example. So can we.
And this weekend, there will be a whole load of you who can wear new kit, because – YES – the latest order has finally arrived. Apologies it has taken so long, but the factory could not stay open during Covid and has had a backlog to clear.
Arrangements to pick up kit
Saturday 18th July 2020 from 9am to 11am outside SE20 Cycles.
We normally take monstrous liberties with Winnie’s good nature and use the shop as a collection point – with a box of kit hanging around for weeks. That simply isn’t possible with the limited access to the shop. So, here’s how it will be:
- Loren and I will be stationed on the pavement outside the shop.
- Queue in an orderly fashion and sensibly distanced.
- We will give you your kit and tick you off the list.
- If you can’t make it at that time, please arrange for someone else to pick up for you.
- If items are not collected, we will not be leaving them at the shop for you to collect, you will have to make separate arrangements.
More about kit in the next few weeks.
Sunday rides
Same routine as last week. Sign up on RiderHQ for the ride of your choice. It is open for booking from 6pm Friday.
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 From | Depart Time | Distance | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long 4 | TBC | SE20 Cycles | 7:15am | 45-55mi | 16-17mph |
| Long 3 | TBC | Crooked Billet | 7:30am | 45-55mi | 15-16mph |
| Long 2 (Late start) | Andy Harding | Junction of Kent House Road & Beckenham road | 9:30am | 45-55mi | 13-14mph |
| Long 2 | TBC | SE20 Cycles | 7:45am | 45-55mi | 13-14mph |
| Long 1 | Cathy Ellis | Crooked Billet | 8am | 50mi | 11-12mph |
| Short 4 | TBC | SE20 Cycles | 8:15am | 30-35mi | 15-16mph |
| Short 3 | TBC | Crooked Billet | 8:30am | 30-35mi | 13-14mph |
| Short 2 | Liz Begley | SE20 Cycles | 8:45am | 30-35mi | 12-13mph |
| Short 1 | Barry Graham | Crooked Billet | 9am | 30-35mi | 11-12mph |
| Steady | Anne Ferris | SE20 Cycles | 9:15am | 24-27mi | 10-11mph |
Rider leaders
TBC seems to be leading a lot of rides this Sunday. Please can you let Niki know if you are able to lead one of these. We have over 100 people on our list of leaders yet it always seems to be the same few who do it. Don’t be shy – and even if you aren’t a regular leader, now is the perfect time to try. Small groups are so much easier. All you need is a route.
Penge goes to Dungeness
Famous for its nuclear power station and a much-loved spot for twitchers, this south coast there-and-back epic has become the annual outing for David Watt’s best budgie smugglers. We’re organising groups of 6 for Sunday. It’s 150 flat(ish) miles with a bacon-sandwich break at Kerry’s Kitchen in Lydd.
A return train leaves from nearby Hastings if you’re too traumatised to ride home having seen the budgies. Please look at the Facebook Event and sign up so we know rough numbers.
Niki’s Ride Rules
I think people have got the message now. Refer to last week’s 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 Hanscomb, Chair of Penge Cycle Club.