I’ve rather got out of the habit of using this Friday email to give free reign to my self-indulgent ramblings with the vaguest possible connection to cycling. If you’ve missed these, then get a cup of tea and join me for ten minutes. If your heart just sank, feel free to cut to the chase and see who’s doing what this Sunday.
It’s just that I had some time on my hands for reflection. I just had a week away in the Highlands of Scotland with a bunch of pals on motorcycles. I used to be into motorised 2-wheelers. I just kept crashing them so the fun wore off a bit.
This was a trip down memory lane with some close friends and family. A trip down the NC500 in fact, the legendary north coast of Scotland route that loops from Inverness around some of the most breath-taking scenery known to humankind. I think most people know I love a road trip and this was epic; enjoyable in every respect.
Something has been gnawing away at me and I think I now understand why.
I’d rather have been on a bicycle. My immortality never used to be in doubt when I hurtled around at Mach 2 with my hair on fire in my youth, but now, all I see is danger; opportunities to come a cropper. But it was more than that.
My efforts were in sharp contrast with those of 2 of my favourite Penge members. Firstly, Claudio, who was a few days behind on a slightly overlapping route. I even passed him going the other way at one point. Secondly, Kate, whose route was much the same as the one we did.
Somehow, their efforts are more noble, more pure, more at one with nature. Their footprint much more in keeping with the surroundings than the combined racket of 6 fast motorbikes. I envy their achievement, their physical and mental exhaustion. I envy how at one with that stunning countryside they must have felt.
Sunday 4th October 2020: Barry Covington Memorial Ride
Covid didn’t spoil the trip, but it’s spoilt so many of our plans for this year. It looks like it’s going to spoil the plans we had for the Barry Covington Memorial Ride.
We will still definitely do the rides in the morning, with something to set them apart them from our usual rides.
We’re definitely doing something – just depends what we can manage on-track at the Herne Hill Velodrome. A big knees-up seems impossible with the rule of 6 still in effect.
Look out for announcements here and on our Penge CC Facebook Group.
Sunday Rides
Fingers on the buzzers and get ready to sign up on RiderHQ for the ride of your choice. It is open for booking at 6pm Friday. Don’t panic if you don’t get on a ride, we are putting on extra groups each week and please put your hand up if you’re okay to lead an extra group. Just let me know.
More detailed instructions on the website.
| 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 | Lynsey Rowe | SE20 Cycles | 7:45 | 45-55 | 13-14 |
| Long 1 | Chris Martin | Crooked Billet | 8:00 | 50 | 11-12 |
| Short 4 | Rob Boselli Alcock | SE20 Cycles | 8:15 | 30-35 | 15-16 |
| Short 3 | Aoife Murphy | Crooked Billet | 8:30 | 30-35 | 13-14 |
| Short 2 | Liz Begley | SE20 Cycles | 8:45 | 30-35 | 12-13 |
| Short 1 | Barry Graham | Crooked Billet | 9:00 | 30-35 | 11-12 |
| Short 1 (2) | Katie Ferguson | SE20 Cycles | 8:30 | 30-35 | 11-12 |
| Steady | Andrew Stroud | SE20 Cycles | 9:15 | 24-27 | 10-11 |
Sunday 13th September – Rolling to the Stones
David Watts has inspired another Penge mini-break to take in the stones at Kit’s Coty on Sunday. Check out the Facebook Event for more details.
Strava Leaderboard
See what I mean about Claudio? Unbelievable riding and a good chunk of that on gravel too. Always good to see the evergreen Clare up there. Great riding all round.
Closing Thoughts
Have a great weekend!
James Hanscomb, Chair of Penge Cycle Club.