One of the things we have been denied over the last few months is variety. “Boo hoo,” you might say, “get over yourself.” Fair comment, because for the majority of us, lockdown has been a reasonably pleasant experience. Time with the family, less time wasted commuting, some lovely cycling. Is it therefore greedy to want more? To hanker for the variety that we have become accustomed to:-
- foreign travel;
- sporting and cultural events;
- concerts;
- festivals;
- and shows?
In times of high stress, survival is often the main and only priority. Yet I can’t help wanting more. Just a bit of variety to add some spice.
Quite why it took me so long to dust down the gravel bike, I have no idea. I guess the novelty of getting back on the Pinarello was enough. But last night, a select group of us ventured out on the gravel. Damn it was good fun. One of my companions commented:
“What I love about this is that it’s like being a kid again.”
Nailed it. We kept popping out of the woods to familiar sections of road; Holwood Farm, Downe, Biggin Hill, but mainly the evening was spent barrelling along paths through the woods, often with just a tenuous grip on the loose surface. I felt so alive as we watched the sun disppear over the open fields, just a short run from home. A cold Moretti at the bottom of Jackass was like an angel crying on the tongue.
Cyclocross
Did you know you can hire a gravel/cyclocross bike from our club? You could just stick some knobbly tyres on your roadbike, or you can loan one of the 3 that we own. Trust me, you won’t regret it. We also have a Facebook group about off-roading, for those partial to getting grubby, and are starting to organise more weekends away. Is it better than riding on the road? It’s not an argument you need to have, just do both.
Sunday Rides
It looks like sunshine this weekend, so be quick on to sign up on RiderHQ for the ride of your choice. It is open for booking at 6pm today.
(Note: the link above should show all Penge CC events, including Sunday rides available for booking. You won’t see this Sunday before the event goes ‘live’ for booking)
Six to a group, no waiting lists – let Niki know if you want to lead a second group. A reminder that we still have distanced group rides rules in effect.
| Ride | Leader | Departure Location | Departure Time | Distance (miles) | Speed (mph) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long 4 | TBC | SE20 Cycles | 7:15 | 45-55 | 17+ |
| Long 3 | James Hanscomb | Crooked Billet | 7:30 | 45-55 | 15-16 |
| Long 2 | Simon Wilkins | SE20 Cycles | 7:45 | 45-55 | 13-14 |
| Long 1 | TBC | Crooked Billet | 8:00 | 50 | 11-12 |
| Short 4 | TBC | SE20 Cycles | 8:15 | 30-35 | 15-16 |
| Short 3 | Andy Williams | Crooked Billet | 8:30 | 30-35 | 13-14 |
| Short 2 | TBC | SE20 Cycles | 8:45 | 30-35 | 12-13 |
| Short 1 | Lucy Stylianou | Crooked Billet | 9:00 | 30-35 | 11-12 |
| Steady | TBC | SE20 Cycles | 9:15 | 24-27 | 10-11 |
Ride Leaders
Still a lot of TBCs! Seems to be getting harder to find ride leaders. Please let me or Niki know if you can step up – it’s really easy with these smaller groups. You just need a route and a sense of humour.
Kit collection – Saturday 8th August
We know this system is not working as well as we’d like – and we do have a plan so bear with us!
New Socks
We have loads of the new 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.
Strava Leaderboard
Another massive week for Thea there and good to see James bashing out the miles. Pretty epic from Ben too. Great riding all.
Closing Thoughts
Have a great weekend. Now, where’s that factor 50?
James Hanscomb, Chair of Penge Cycle Club.