Well here we are at the start of another Mike Vybiral Summer Cycling season. It seems like it’s been raining since July last year and it continued on both the first ride at Glooston and then this week at the Bell in Gumley.
Glooston saw Caroline and her team at the village hall welcome over 30 riders with another of her excellent post-ride curries. James Peake has kindly volunteered to take on the new role of ‘Electric Bike Ride Leader’ so if any of you have friends etc that use an E-bike please do let them know about the new group which we hope will make it even more inclusive for all abilities.
I tagged along with Phil Rayner on the 1st long ride which was festival of hills and mud (I got the summer bike out a bit early). Nick, Pete and May had busy rides and there was a real buzz back at the hall along with lots of dirty bikes and kit. The bar was again expertly run by Paul and Phil whilst Tair helped in the kitchen with the food. Thanks to all the riders for making it a great first event and for testing Pete’s improved food booking system on the website.
This week we moved to the Bell at Gumley. Minutes before the start we were hit by a heavy rainstorm that saw just about everyone sheltering in the pub (there are worst places I guess?). It certainly didn’t stop the rides and we all returned safely with another layer of grime and water over us and our bikes. Carol and the team served up lots of delicious meals and I’ve got to say their ’Timothy Taylor’s Landlord’ beer was the best tasting of all the pubs that I’ve been to that sell it. We nearly had an incident when a Ham, egg and chips was found to be without an owner but the unplanned arrival of Mike Condon ensured it didn’t go to waste.
I’ve included a few photos from both rides which I hope you enjoy.
Next week sees us return to the Bell at Burton Overy so fingers crossed for sunshine and dry roads. Thanks again for everyone’s support.
Cheers,
Nick T.
