The Bell at Gumley was again a very good host to this weeks ride and it had to one of the biggest turnout’s we’ve seen all summer.

I reckon there were over 50 riders and Carol and her team at the Bell (Killen, Marie, Harry, George, Laura and Rachel) served up more than 35 meals when we got back.

There were the usual 3 led rides: 15 miles –  led by Pete Condon (15 riders), 25 Miles led by myself and Paul Brundel in two groups of 8 and 20+ miles led by Phil Rayner and Stuart Thornhill with 20+ riders, again in two groups.

I know the long ride had a couple of punctures and Paul then took a little shortcut up the infamous ‘Rayner’s Revenge’ climb on the road between Theddingworth and Laughton (I’m sure his group were over the moon with that!).

No reports of any exceptional incidents and the weather was very kind although pretty cold for the time of year (arm warmers were on for me). Also the nights are really starting to pull in a bit now and with only 3 rides left for this season please can we all remember lights from now on? I also find that if riding in a group then its far better to set your rear light to the ‘non-flashing’ setting if possible as the group will be really visible to motorists anyway and the flashing can make it a bit uncomfortable on the eyes of the riders behind you (just a thought and certainly the flash setting is the best when your out on your own).

There was a free gift (Ventoux water bottle) and a £1 refund from Cafe Ventoux to each rider that had a meal after last weeks ride. This was due to a misunderstanding whereby they charged £10 rather than £9 for the Chilli. I called Ed at the Cafe to highlight the issue and he apologised and provided the refund and wanted to give all those affected a little gift to say sorry. I still have a few bottles and £1 coins for those that weren’t at the Bell this week so I’ll catch up with you all in the next few weeks. I’m sure we’ll return there in the future.

In other news I’m sad to report that Lynn Dolman had a bit of a crash last Monday whilst out riding with her husband Peter. No broken bones but some ligament damage that hopefully she recover quickly from. No one else involved -just a bit of bad luck. I’m sure you’ll all join me to wish her a speedy recovery.

Next weeks ride is at the lovely ‘Fox and Goose’ at Ilston on the Hill. A few of us (myself and Pete included) are away in the Pyrenees next week so the other leaders will be on hand to help organise things. The following week sees our final visit this season the the wonderful Glooston Village Hall. Caroline and the team are putting on a Chicken or Vegetarian curry and we need to know numbers so please can those that intend to eat sign up in the usual way on the website? Also I think it’s only fair that if you sign up for a meal but then can’t make it on the day you still pick up the bill (unless it can be served to a late-comer) as Caroline will have incurred the costs.