The clouds gathered over Great Bowden as the summer cyclists arrived for this weeks rides. Before I go any further though, a massive thank you to the ride leaders last week who stepped in to assist with many others away. You did a great job by the sounds of the positive feedback given last night (Andy Morris apparently had a pretty good pace on the long ride!!!).

Back to yesterdays event – three groups led by Pete Condon, Nick Fenwick and myself. About 30 riders in total which was a really pleasant surprise as quite a number had been on a separate trip to the Isle of Wight over the weekend and some were (understandably) missing after riding all the way back to Leicestershire. I’m sure lashings of Chamois creme eased the pain?

I think we all just about got away with the weather with rain jackets being removed at differing points in the ride. No reports of any mechanicals and it looked like all the ride leaders returned with everyone (which is always a good thing!).

There was a bit of an issue reported about limited bar staff and the time it took to get a drink afterwards with a couple leaving without being served. We’ll mention that to the pub as and when we return and ask that they possibly consider increasing the bar staff around the time we all get back to the pub. I left before the food was served so not aware of how that all went but if there were any issues please let myself or Pete know as it helps with choosing suitable venues in the future.

Attached are a few photos.

And finally ………..Many of us travel and cycle while away. Stuart and Emma have just sent us a lovely photo of them in their MVSC (Mike Vybiral Summer Cycling) jersey’s in Cornwall. Pete is going to create a ’travel gallery’ on the website so if you’d like to send in a photo/s (ideally wearing a MVSC jersey if you have one) with your location then Pete will publish them. I’d suggest you send them when you’ve returned so it’s not an indicator that you’re away from home (that’s the retired policeman in me coming out!).

Thanks again and hopefully we’ll see many of you next week at the Bell in Burton Overy.

Nick Timms.