The rain clouds gathered as the hardy riders met at the Wheel and Compass this week. There were three led rides by Pete Condon, Nick Fenwick and myself. Rain jackets were mostly in the back pockets at the start and the long ride group stopped just outside Gretton when the heavens finally opened to put them on.

I gave my group the option at 17 miles to abandon and take a 5 mile shortcut but there was a resounding NO to that idea so we ploughed on and although soaked I’ve got to say it was a good decision. The hills, mileage and conditions are hopefully helping us all build or maintain a level fitness and I’m hoping it’ll help with the forthcoming trip to the Pyrenees (and the mighty Col Du Tourmalet) that I’m going on with some friends in early September.

We arrived back at the pub to the news that the other two groups had cut their rides short due to the conditions which I’m sure was a difficult decision but at least you got to the bar and the food a bit sooner.

Another great turnout given that we’re in the middle of holiday season and the weather forecast so thanks to you all for making it another lovely, sociable evening.

Nearly all of the club kit orders have been distributed and the MVSC buffs sold out with Wendy, Bridget and Roger bagging the last three (see the photo of the ladies modelling them).

In other news we’ve got a couple of dining in rides on the horizon that will require those that want to eat to put their names down on the list that Pete will publish on the website. One is for a return to Glooston village Hall on the penultimate ride this year and the other is much closer (23rd August) and a new venue for the MVSC group – the recently re-opened Cafe Ventoux at Tugby. I went there a couple of weeks ago for a birthday bash and have to say the team and food were excellent.

I got talking with the two chefs and Paulina who couldn’t have been more helpful and offered to open up the cafe on a Wednesday evening for us and cook up a couple of Chilli’s. For those that haven’t been to the new ‘Ventoux’ I can say it’s a lovely place in a new building. We intend to ride from there on Wednesday 23rd August so please get there if you can as I reckon it’ll be a cracking evening. The Chilli is again a bargain at £9 a head and if it goes well they’ve offered to possibly put a BBQ on for us in the future.

The next ride is a return to the Chandlers Arms in Shearsby (where this seasons rides began). Please order food before you ride if you intend to eat and lets keep our fingers crossed for a bit of summer sun.

Take care all.

Nick Timms.