I shouldn’t be surprised I suppose, I’ve been riding bikes long enough. How is it possible that something as simple as a ride to the coast and back can produce such an overwhelming sense of wellbeing? That group thing, albeit sensibly small and distanced, a road trip, a cafe, some comic interaction with locals, including the ex-Vicar of Anerley.
Perhaps most telling of all, a classic comment from one of our ladies:
I really needed a damn good ride.
Well, quite.
So, Penge to Dungeness (and back), is added to the club calendar. Don’t miss it next year!
Noticed something’s changed?
Our new website. A special club needs a special website and we now have just that. It’s been a pretty major undertaking, but the end result speaks for itself. It’s bloody brilliant.
There are too many people who have contributed to name them all here, but I will pick out a few people who have put in some serious hours. Andy & Louisa, of course. Clare, Mike & Niki, Fiona and Paul. There are 2 people, though, who’s skill, hard work and sheer bloody-minded insistence that we get it right, who I want to call out. Marcin and Ben. They have done a magnificent job. Please do thank them.
I say ‘end result’ but of course these things live and breathe – so it will continue to evolve. Not least, because I pulled the trigger before it was really finished. We’ll be tidying up some leftovers and if you see anything awry, let me know. My excuse for being impatient is that I just so wanted you to see it now!
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 | Departure Location | Departure Time | Distance | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long 4 | Gareth Wall | SE20 Cycles | 7:15am | 45-55mi | 17mph+ |
| Long 3 | Jeff Butcher | Crooked Billet | 7:30am | 45-55mi | 15-16mph |
| Long 2 | Simon Wilkins | SE20 Cycles | 7:45am | 45-55mi | 13-14mph |
| Long 2 (2) | Alwyn Gosford | Kent House/Beckenham Rd | 9:30am | 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 | Lesley Pinder | Crooked Billet | 8:30 | 30-35mi | 13-14mph |
| Short 3 (2) | Bhups Adhikari | Crooked Billet | 7am | 30-35mi | 13-14mph |
| Short 2 | TBC | SE20 Cycles | 8:45am | 30-35mi | 12-13mph |
| Short 1 | Lucy Stylianou | Crooked Billet | 9am | 30-35mi | 11-12mph |
| Short 1 (2) | Katie Ferguson | SE20 Cycles | 8:30am | 30-35mi | 11-12mph |
| Steady | Andrew Stroud | SE20 Cycles | 9:15am | 24-27mi | 10-11mph |
Kit collection – this Saturday
Loren and I will be back at the shop 9am to 11am this Saturday. If you ordered some kit last time around, please collect it or ask someone to collect on your behalf.
New Socks
We have taken delivery of a new batch of socks – slightly longer in line with the style-police regulations and of a slightly lighter material. These will also be available to buy on Saturday.
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.
Strava Leaderboard
Time to re-introduce the leaderboard now most are back to road-riding. You can put turbo miles in here, but they aren’t really comparable.
No big surprises here. Claudio seems to be everywhere on a bike at the moment and Gareth’s bonus ride home makes his Dungeness ride even mroe epic. David and Ruben – a 1st for you?
Closing Thoughts
Have a great weekend.
James Hanscomb, Chair of Penge Cycle Club.