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    Please find below details of Club runs, I will post detailed routes on the Club website in the New Year. Please note that regardless of weather conditions, if able, I will always be out.
See you on Sundays.

Gary Stevens
 

Club Run Details:

_{Route 1    Route 2    Route 3    Route 4    Route 5    Route 6   
Route 7    Route 8    Route 9    Route 10    Route 11
     Route 12   Route 15}

Was it really February, the mild sunny weather was in stark contrast to conditions endured just a couple of days before, indeed Saturday had seen heavy rain and very strong winds all day.At 9.00am after a group photo, courtesy of former club member Matt Allen, now back on a bike again, he rode with us for the 1st 10 mls. Matt Nockolds, Paul Connor, Adrian Carroll, John Batchelor, Neil Houldey, Graham Temple and me set off. Adrian hadn’t been out on his bike for over 3 weeks and as we approached Wyton on the Hill, as it is now known he assured me that he did not want us to wait. The road back to fitness would be taken in gentle stages.We rode at quite a relaxed pace, nobody seemed to be going for the village sign sprints this was to change later on. The real drama of the day was the succession of punctures that were to be the feature and I’m sure enduring memory of John Batchelors ride. Three punctures and one duff tube (thanks Neil), meant wheel and tyre out and off 4 times. ‘Things could only get better’, he said. Just to exasperate us that little bit more, Matt Nockolds punctured. The hole in the tyre required John to cut up his newly acquired membership card to prevent the tube sticking through the hole, this was done with the aid of my never leave it at home, Swiss army knife.In between punctures we took it in turns not purposely, at winning sprints for village signs. I won the uphill sprint into Buckworth, I think the others were all knackered by then and we were riding into a nasty head wind.The café stop in Oundle was very pleasant we queued for a few minutes, which is always the case if you don’t get in before 11.00 am. The Coffee Tavern is most popular with the pupils of Oundle public school. I secured a table upstairs this enabled us to get a clear view of our bikes parked in the market square, much good that was as none of us ventured a look out of the window. Cakes, coffee, coke, sausage sandwich for me and egg sandwich for Neil consumed, we eventually left Oundle at 11.50 am.I think John was changing his tyre for the 4th time when Graham decided to carry on alone, all this cycling and the Atkin’s diet had left Graham below par, a pint of techo fuel wouldn’t have been refused I am sure! Graham’s move was a wise one Matt was still to puncture at this point.Ah well, apart from the enforced stops I think we had all enjoyed the mornings riding and afternoon! I left the group in Huntingdon a cross to tail wind carried me back to Ramsey. The club run would I think have been back in St.Ives at 1.52 pm 58 mls. I am confident that without the dreaded punctures arrival back would have been before 1.00 pm.I am sure that if John were writing this report his advice would be something along the lines of, ‘What ever you do don’t buy Continental Gator Skin tyres. John’s fixed wheel bike had recently shed a pair of Gator Skins in favour of Michelin Erilliums. Johns Ribble bike has probably now followed suit, (John’s puncture total on Gator Skins is well into double figures now) wow!

09th Nov

Riders present, Graham, Dave, Nigel and myself.

We started with good weather although the bright sunshine didn't last as it quickly became grey and murcky and I'm sure the temperature droped. At least it stayed better then the previous week when Gary gave me a well deserved kicking in gale force winds and horizontal rain. This was the least of Grahams troubles as the 11 pints of IPA he consumed the night before were taking there toll. Dave capitalised on the occasion and in the true St Ives spirit of "kicking a man when he was down" Dave made sure he gave it a nudge on the climbs. Before turning off early at Gamlingay, Graham retaliated with a big push up the last climb just to prove you shouldn't write a man off even though he's still p****d. This left Nigel and myself to continue, with Nigel giving me a running commentary on the rugby from his pocket radio. I always new when we were close to scoring a try as Nigel quickly accelerated only then to loose all momentum if we didn't make it to the score line. We passed a group of cyclists congregating at the bottom of Tempsford hill, a hill climb perhaps, but at 45mph there as no way we could stop to find out! As we meandered our way past Blunham we came across a chap pedalling a recumbent trike so I asked if they were quick on the descents. As the sweat dribbled from his brow he told me that was just the marketing bullshit to persuade you to buy what is effectively the juggernaut of the bicycle world! As we continued we then passed another chap pushing his bike with a front wheel puncture. Naturally, I offered him my tube, to which he politely declined, so I inquired how far he had to walk......... to BEDFORD!!!. Obviously I became insistant that he should have my tube, but still he declined, saying something about good training and learning his lesson! As I'm sure the temperature was dropping the Harbour view was a welcome warm retreat and the icing on the cake was that England were now ahead in the rugby - Splendid!

2nd Nov

Riders present, John Batchelor and yours truly.

A very poor turnout but never mind that John and I had an excellent ride, ask John, I think we did! Brief summary of ride: John and I left St.Ives just after 9.00am with our waterproof Jackets on, we were wind assisted as we made our way to Somersham, where we stopped to remove our waterproofs. The rain had eased and the wind was mainly behind us all the way to Welney Wildfowl Centre. 28 mls. The chocolate cake at the café was very good, but I was a bit miffed to see that my slice had not one cherry on top, whereas John’s slice was adorned with 2 cherries and was larger than mine. Tut! Tut! We left Welney Wild Fowl Centre it was time to battle our way into the wind on the return leg, very windy it was too! All good training though for our day at Manchester Velodrome, which looms ever closer. I left John in Bluntisham, he continued on towards St.Ives and I made my way back to Ramsey. I was back home at 1.20pm 75 mls total distance. John I think would have been back in Hilton by 1.15pm. Distance of club run was 56 mls. Club run for Sunday 9th November I will not be out on Club Run, but would like to suggest Route 6 which includes a café stop at The Harbour View Perry. I rode this route on Tuesday after work, hope you are as lucky with the weather as I was, a very pleasant afternoon. Don’t forget to bring a copy of Route 6 with you on Sunday.

26th Oct

Riders present Adrian Carroll, Neil Houldey, Paul Connor, Dave Nelson, Graham Temple and me.

Firstly, just to give you all a laugh, I am sure Neil won’t mind me mentioning this, but Neil was rather early for the club run on Sunday, about an hour I think, there’s always one, sorry Neil. Leaving St.Ives at 9.00am, dry conditions were to prevail, just a strong north-westerly to contend with. Adrian suffered a puncture early on, tube replaced we continued. The route, Huntingdon, the Stukeleys. Adrian headed north as we crossed over A14 and down hill through Alconbury. On through Barham, Leighton Bromswold, Old Weston, Brington and as we turned right for Bythorn Dave left us, and then there were four! After Bythorn we crossed A14 again, passing through Keyston where I can recommend ‘The Pheasant’ pub and restaurant, our journey was to reward us with refreshments more befitting our attire, than the sumptuous meals and fine ales of the Pheasant. Raunds, Ringstead, Denford and at last Little Chef, Thrapston Services 34 mls. The service we enjoyed at Little Chef was excellent and quite reasonably priced, free refills on drinks and pot of tea or coffee with Danish pastry £2.99. We left Little Chef, proceeding through Titchmarsh, Clopton, Grahams legs were rather heavy now, 1st time on his bike since club run 2 weeks ago. Neil on the other hand seemed totally at ease happily pedalling away in a low gear. The early rise and extra 11 mls, Neil had actually got as far as Piddley, where he met me coming the other way before something about changing clocks entered the memory bank. Paul was also riding comfortably and I was happy just keeping the pace steady. Turning left just before Old Weston heading on to Alconbury Weston, after which climb of Alconbury hill. Monks Wood next followed by Abbots Ripton where I turned left for Wennington, Paul continued straight on for Huntingdon and Graham and Neil took the next left after me. The final 7 mls back were through Kings Ripton crossroads and passed Wyton camp. The total distance of ride 59 mls, time back 1.30pm ish.

19th Oct

Only four riders turned up outside Richardsons this week on a chilly, but not too windy morning. This venerable quartet consisted of Ted Wells, Steve, the potential new member from Warboys, Adrian (Litespeed) Carroll and that well-known shirker Dave Nelson who let it be known that he had a driving job to do and must be back by around 11.A brisk start saw us off past Wyton Camp, through Abbots Ripton and past Monks Wood. The aim was to go to Hamerton and loop back via the Giddings and Sawtry.Down Alconbury Hill, Dave mentioned that Adrian would probably descend ‘like a bat out of hell’ but as Ted, innocently, signalled a right turn he was nearly blow away by what might have been a ballistic missile screaming past.We never saw Adrian again. Dave rode up to the next bend but only shimmering air and a distant sonic boom were evident. After hanging around for a minute or two we wrote him off as ‘missing presumed gone orbital’ and decided to proceed.By then, Dave worked out that he needed to retrace the route to get back in time to avoid incurring Joan’s wrath so it was left to the dynamic duo to continue.Turn up next Sunday to learn more of this gripping drama.

11th Oct

Hello to you all, last Sundays club run 11th October riders present, John Batchelor, Adrian Carroll, Phil Elliot, Paul Rennie, Graham Temple, Paul Veitch and me.

Leaving St.Ives at 9.01am my forecast of dry sunny weather had proved correct, I can assure you that this was just luck. The route took us through Fenstanton where we passed under the A14, Hilton, Papworth, Eltiseley. Adrian turned left for the Gransdens as we continued on through Waresley. Adrian is very keen to get fit and intends to have a full season of racing next year, but at the moment shorter rides are his preference. Adrian would have had no problem finding his way back as his new Litespeed is now sporting a compass. We pressed on to Everton, where we turned right for Tempsford. The descent of Everton hill proved to be the catalyst of some high speed riding, which did nothing to hasten our progress to Tempsford, where Phil Elliot had arranged to meet us. The mainline railway crossing barrier down, stopped us in our tracks, if you see what I mean.

Shortly after negotiating crossing we saw Phil riding towards us, he turned and joined us as we continued on through Tempsford. Now at this point I should just mention that the reason Phil had arranged to meet us at Tempsford was that he had been racing in the Norland 25 mile TT. A 1.3.25 recorded so a good late season effort from Phil. When we reached Ravensden John Batchelor left us, as he needed to be back by 12.00. So Paul and Graham were left to contest the sprints for village signs on their own.

The café stop at Thurleigh was a welcome break and feeling quite hungry I had a hot sausage roll as well as a slice of Victoria sponge. Others indulged in coffee, cake, coke etc. Graham was very controlled and just had a coffee. On leaving café we were immediately aware that the wind was much stronger and it had clouded over. The route back took us through Pertenhall, Stonely, up through Perry and past Grafham Water into Grafham village, where we turned right down the lane, which brought us into Brampton. Paul Veitch lives here so we waved goodbye to Paul and continued on to Huntingdon where I headed off for Ramsey. I almost forgot Phil had left us shortly after Stonely. Heading straight on for St.Neots, before making his way back to Tempsford to collect his car.

I think Graham and Paul Rennie would have been back in St.Ives just before 1.00pm. Paul had proved himself to be King of the Sprints, Grahams lack of riding recently due to work commitments had resulted in very tired legs. But I am in full admiration of Graham’s enthuriasm as he is always ready to have a go even when totally knackered. Paul Veitch rode well, having hardly touched his bike in the last two months, due to a hamstring injury. Total distance of ride was 58 miles.

12th Oct

Dear Members,

Hello everyone, I hope you’ve all been keeping fit and are mentally prepared for the Autumn/Winter onslaught. The wind this week has been particularly nasty.

Last Sunday I rode a 127-mile event in the Peak District. It was bright and stayed dry all day, but was quite cold. Cracking scenery and lots of hill though. I hope some of you were on the Club Run, if you are out and I am not there, please just email a few lines just to keep us all informed.

This Sunday 12th October I will be out, regardless of the weather, ever the optimist I’ll hazard a guess and predict dry sunny weather all weekend.

The Route this Sunday will include a stop at Thurleigh Farm Centre tearoom.

So see you on Sunday.

Gary

22nd June

Report:
Riders present John Batchelor, Paul Connor, Grant Kier, Matthew Nockolds and me. I boobed and so instead of Route 12, we did a variation of Route 9, which included café stop in Elton.
The weather did not look promising, but it soon improved, turning out to be warm and sunny.
I was very pleased to see a new face out on the club run, Grant Kier who has been in the club a couple of months now, hope to see you again soon Grant.
Just to round up we had an excellent ride apart from, John another puncture, Matthew a slow puncture and lost his sunglasses.
Arrived back 1.02pm 60 mls.
I will not be out this Sunday but suggest Route 12, which we should have done last Sunday.

15th June

Report:
Riders present, John Batchelor, Phil Elliott, Paul Veitch Ted Wells and me.  Conditions were perfect, blue skies hardly any wind and I was on my race bike, which was sporting a new metallic blue paint job and cosmoss wheels to match.
The route was as follows Fenstanton, where we crossed A14 by pedestrian subway, Hilton, Papworth, Eltiseley, Waresley, as we passed Ian Cammish’s house, I looked to see if he was about, a few miles on the club run perhaps? But as I now know Ian was well on his way to a superb 3.36.46 100.  We continued through Gamlingay, Potton, Sutton, Edworth, Ashwell where we turned right climbed hill, all good training for Ted the Etape is not too far away now.  Crossed A505 so were probably now in Hertfordshire.  Through Sandon, Kelshall, Therfield up up and onto A10 immediate right and into Silver Ball café.
The Silver Ball is a very popular café inhabited by every section of the travelling public.  We all showed great restraint avoiding the gargantuan cooked meals piled high with chips, opting for pie & ice cream in the main, Phil preferring custard.  John has found coca-cola to be just the thing on long rides and duly purchased three ½ litre bottles.  Fizzed up and ready to pop, oh dear! we crossed A10 passing through Reed.  I should mention at this point that Paul Veitch was now no longer with us, unfortunately he was on call at work, juggling a mobile phone and steering a very light bike do not go hand in hand, if you see what I mean.  So Paul had decided to make his own way back from café stop.
After Reed, Barley the long way round, sorry Ted I should have listened to you.  I looked at the map after and now see, as you said we’ve just done two sides of a triangle (2 mls extra).  Back across A505 through Fowlmere, Shepreth, Barrington where we ascend hill no apologies this time Ted it’ll do you good.  Haslingfield, where Phil continued on to Barton, a shorter route perhaps?  Harlton, The Eversdens, Kingston, Bourn, Knapwell after which John and I waved goodbye to Ted as he turned right for Boxworth and we went left for Elsworth.  John said that he was feeling fine, just looking forward to relaxing in the garden, Father’s Day after all.  I felt John in Hilton at 1.40pm heading off for Graveley.  I was intrigued to know whether Phil had somehow got back before us.  Knocking on his front door at 2.00pm.  I had my answer.  No Phil’s not back yet, his wife informed me.  I apologised, explaining that Phil keen to get back on time had taken a different route to us, from Haslingfield.
On my own now, well I had been since Hilton, I did the final leg back into Huntingdon.  Where my ride had started at 8.40am.  I think we all had an excellent ride with lots of undulations and beautiful sunny conditions.
Distance of ride would have been 70 mls, if we had returned to St.Ives.  I will detail this route properly when the mileage should be down to about 65 mls.

27th April

Report
Route 16 riders present  John Batchelor, Neil Houldey, Matthew Nockolds, Paul Rennie, Graham Temple and me. very windy day it was too. The first 20 miles very much wind assisted, the route taking us through Bluntisham, Earith, Sutton, Witcham, Wardy Hill, Coveney, Way Head and Little Downham. At this point we started to turn into the wind passing through Ely, a quick look at the Cathedral and on through Witchford to café stop at Wilburton Garden Centre 29 mls. Another excellent venue, serving full breakfasts, large selection of cakes etc.We continued after enjoying some of the above, except for Graham Temple who is in strict training mode for forth coming races + the Etape (mountain stage tour de France). Cottenham, Rampton, Willingham, Over, Swavesey, Boxworth, Elsworth, Hilton, and John peeled off after winning sprint for village sign. Fenstanton and back to St.Ives 55.6 mls 1.00pm. The ride had been a good workout on a hard day with lots of sprints contested. I hung on, just occasionally showing at the front. Now to last Sunday, I was not back in time to go on Club Run, 400K Audax Saturday, finished 3.25am Sunday.

20th April

Report
Route 12 riders present Ted Wells and me. After the awful weather i.e. cold and windy on Saturday that I had endured for 188 miles, Sunday’s ride with Ted was a very pleasant recovery ride. Stopping at the Harbour View for apple pie and coffee. We arrived back in St.Ives at 1.12 pm 55 miles. Where were you all!

13th April

Report
Route 4, riders present Phil Elliott, Ed MacInnes, Matthew Nockolds, Ted Wells and me.The sun was out, shades firmly in place we proceeded. A steady pace was maintained all the way to Barton, café stop. Burwash Manor tearooms where we sat outside and consumed large slices of cake and cups of coffee, Ted very refined had a pot of tea.Before getting too comfortable we continued. On reaching Swavesey Ted stopped at his house, in time for his lunch, the ride had accommodated him well. The pace increased dramatically, blame it on me. As a result we arrived back at Richardson Cycles St.Ives at 1.00pm 59.5 miles.

6th March

Report
Route 15; riders present John Batchelor, Phil Elliott and myself. It was a beautiful sunny morning, so the turnout was quite disappointing really, but never mind that. The three of us had a good workout, riding in line a mile each on the front. John and Phil both in shorts, I felt that leg warmers were about right my legs are too white, sunglasses in place, the only thing missing was a team car. After coffee and doughnuts, or in my case a twix, at Little Chef Sandy, we continued. John made his escape after climb before Gt. Paxton, turning right for Toseland as he had ‘Mother’s Day’ commitments. Phil stayed in Offord the lure of home greater than the desire for a longer ride, which had been his original aim. I turned right in Offord, going back through Graveley, Hilton and Fenstanton. Pressing hard on the pedals hoping to catch sight of John on his way back to Hilton, I didn’t! Arrived back Richardson Cycles St.Ives 12.04 pm 49.5 miles. Although I had ridden Graveley, Hilton, Fenstanton, St.Ives, instead of Godmanchester, Huntingdon, St.Ives, as the route detailed, distance was the same. I continued through St.Ives and on to Huntingdon ring road, close to my mother’s house where I had met Phil at 8.25 am, in time to enjoy Mother’s Day lunch at The George Hotel.

28th March

Report
Route 9 riders present Adrian Carroll, Paul Connor, Paul Rennie, Ted Wells and me. The sun was out, although it was still quite fresh, as we left St.Ives. Paul Rennie, sporting shorts and bear legs, had read the forecast well, Adrian Carroll ever-cautious still had on many layers and a musette. We made our way across the fens to Holme, where Adrian Carroll left us, continuing on to Glatton, as we turned right for Yaxley. The café stop at Elton was a sight to behold, sitting outside in the full glare of the sun. I am sure that if a photo had been taken, convincing anyone that this was a club run in England in March would be difficult. We left Elton and commenced the 2nd half of our ride, which included far more undulations than the first half, also there was a bit of a head wind. Ted Wells had obviously consumed too much cake in the café and sat behind me all the way back. Paul Rennie rode very strongly on the front, as did Paul Connor. I was sort of treating the club run as a recovery ride, Saturday had seen me riding a 132 ml Audax from Alfreton in Derbyshire! Only joking Monday was my recovery day, bike stayed in garage. Arrived back Richardson Cycles 1.17 pm 57.5 mls.

23rd March

Report:
Route 14: Riders present Adrian Carroll, Ed MacInnes, Matthew Nockolds, Dave Nelson and yours truly. Fog! What fog, only half an hour into the ride and the fog had given way to clear blue sky. We progressed at a leisurely pace, Dave Nelson as is his custom left us at Comberton. We continued, on reaching Shepreth Adrian Carroll was pleased to hear that the café stop at Wimpole was but 5 mls away. The National Trust restaurant at Wimpole is an excellent stop for cyclists in need of refreshment, large tables inside and out a lovely garden view and delicious slices of cake. Refuelled and with too many layers of clothing on, for it really was quite warm now, we weaved our way uphill towards Longstowe. On reaching Longstowe, Adrian Carroll continued straight on to Caxton, as we turned left for The Gransdens. This gave Adrian about a 4 mile short cut and allowed Matthew, Ed and myself to do a hard session of through and off, the speed going up all the time. As we approached Hilton we caught and passed Adrian. Within a 100 metres we were alongside Stuart Hocknell, who was out on a training ride. We crossed the A14 and soon Stuart was turning left down Marsh Lane, hunger knock had set in but he was nearly home and we too were at the end of our ride. Richardson Cycles St.Ives 12.56 pm 54 miles

9th March

Report
Route 12, riders present, John Batchelor, Adrian Carroll, Tony Cork, Neil Houldey, Dave Nelson, Matthew Nockolds, Paul Rennie, Rob Smith, Paul Veitch, Ted Wells and yours truly.

What an impressive turnout, Dave Nelson took a group photo outside Richardson Cycles and at 9.02 am we set off, I won’t go on about the weather, lets just say conditions were ideal, i.e. sun was out. Tony Cork joined us in Abbots Ripton great to see Tony out on a club run again. Tony was obviously getting a few mls in before his training camp in Mallorca. Not long after Abbots Ripton Dave Nelson punctured, tube changed we continued. Adrian Carroll was finding the hills hard going, pushing determinedly on the pedals he remained cheerful. Dave Nelson left us at Old Weston, I think the shock of racing the day before, first one this year, had left him in need of a shorter ride. The only other rider to take a shorter route was Adrian Carroll who continued on to Kimbolton, as we turned right for Covington. The sprints for the village signs were very competitive. I think I only contested one, going very early and at full speed, praying to see the sign it came too late, as Neil Houldey passed me, half a wheel in front. All good training for Neil, John, Matthew and Paul Rennie, who are riding the Fenland Clarion Road Race at Gt. Gidding next Sunday.

The Harbour view restaurant proved yet again to be an excellent stop, four of us enjoying huge portions of beans on toast. John had a bacon roll with salad and tortilla chips. Others opted for chocolate cake. Ted now fully recovered from the fall he had the previous week, only had a coffee. Explaining that his dinner would be waiting at home. That’s discipline for you.

We left the Harbour View, after another group photo. The last leg was upon us and with the wind behind we made our way back to St.Ives. Arrived back Richardson Cycles 1.19 pm 55 mls. A really good club run and the sun was still out.

See you Sunday.

Gary.

P.S. Sundays ride includes watching finish of Road Race at Gt.Gidding, where we should have four riders competing. Neil Houldey, John Batchelor, Matthew Nockolds, and Paul Rennie.

23rd February 2003

Report
Route 11 Riders present, Ted Wells, Ed MacInnes, Paul Rennie, Andrew ? and me. The weather was perfect, dry and sunny with a definite hint of spring in the air. The only incident to mar the ride was Ted Wells being taken off his bike in St.Neots by a long strip of rubber, strewn across the road. Causing front wheel to slide and Ted landing heavily on the road, resulting in a bloody cheek and broken spoke. Ted and his bike attended to we continued. Ted muttering that he would give up cycling. Half an hour latter Ted was tactfully enquiring about the merits of mavic cosmos wheels and there suitability for AUDAX rides, (a ride in the Pyrenees?). What an inspiration Ted is to us all. Well done. Andrew on a bike for the first time in 10 months thought that the unfortunate enforced stop had given his legs a new lease of life. Ed MacInnes seemed set on selecting a different gear to my recommended (39x21) for Everton hill (39x17) I believe, but it did look rather laboured. The café stop at Wimpole was most welcome. Replenished and after a group photo in the garden we continued our way back to St.Ives enjoying a mostly tailwind. Richardson Cycles St.Ives 1.10 pm. 54 mls. Andrew legs now leaden said that he would be out again next week. A super effort after 10 months off his bike. Lets hope he joins the Club soon. Paul Rennie felt that the miles would help in his preparation for a 40 ml road race on the 9th March at Gt. Gidding. (Club run to visit race and HQ)

PS Sundays ride includes café stop at the Harbour View restaurant Grafham Water that we have visited before. A real gem excellent view of Grafham Water and best value beans-on-toast anywhere £1.50.

16th February 2003

Report
Route 10: Riders present Ralph Keeler, Dave Nelson, Rob Smith and Graham Temple. I was unable to ride as my son Henry was spending the day with me and he is not quite fit enough yet for a 50 mile ride in February. It was a cold, but bright morning, the ride out to Lt Downham was very pleasant, well it was in the car with Henry. Graham, Rob and Ralph had just arrived, Dave had decided on a shorter ride and had started back just after Wentworth. Cake and coffee consumed Graham, Rob and Ralph departed, but not before I took a group photo. I think they should have been back in St.Ives by 1.00 pm. Henry was now keen to leave, but I was determined to stay and see how Neil, John and Andy had got on in the Ely Hard Riders 25. Neil was first back looking none the worse for his efforts. 1.0.6.45. Not bad at all on a very cold day in February. Andy was next in, the cold and shock of racing so early in the year clearly showed in his expression. A first outing for his new bike as well. A few minutes later and John arrived, he had found it very hard going, the Club Runs having been insufficient preparation for such an early season full out effort. John’s time 1.9.12 Andy’s time 1.11.50 plus Neil’s time 1.0.6.45. I think they were 2nd fastest team, well done, lets hope the next race it’s a bit warmer, still it is only February.

P.S. Following is an e-mail from Rob Smith

Dear All,
This weekend I rode the Sunday run with Dave, Ralf and Graham. All forms of bad weather held off for the day, which was a pleasant change. After about 30 miles I was finding that I could not get comfortable on the bike. I am reaching forwards and to the sides a little too much. Does anyone have short reach handle bar stem and a narrower set of bars kicking about which I could try or buy? Regards
Rob

9th February 2003

Report::
Route 9, riders present Matthew Nockolds, John Batchelor and yours truly. We left St.Ives with rain falling steadily. Matthew, minus mudguards, was ever hopeful of better conditions. Having duly arrived sporting sunglasses. John was convinced that he would get another puncture, he didn’t. No excuse for new tyres yet then! The wind seemed to be in our favour and we made excellent progress. Arriving at café stop in Elton at 10.45am. The rain had also now stopped. The menu at Blooms Restaurant did not include beans-on-toast, my usual snack. Instead I opted for scrambled eggs on toast, as did Matthew and John. Very good it was too! The ride back was completely dry and strangely the wind again seemed largely in our favour. John in full flight was 1st past the St.Ives sign. Arrived back 12.45pm 57.35 mls

Next Sunday John Batchelor, Neil Houldey and Andy Bright are riding the Ely Hard Riders 25 mile time trial. The Club Run will include a café stop at the Head Quarters of the event, in Little Downham. So here’s your chance to come and enjoy a Club Run and also support Club Mates in their 1st event of the 2003 season.

2nd February 2003

Report:
Route 8, riders present Phil Elliott, Ed MacInnes, Matthew Nockolds, Sean Sumner and Graham Temple. I have been suffering with a nasty cold bug and was in no condition to ride. I did drive out to Richardson Cycles with spare route sheets; no one ever brings a copy. Please in future bring one.The ride was apparently run off at a brisk pace. Ed trying out his new fixed wheel bike. Cake consumed at Thurleigh very good, but Graham moaned that his portion was much smaller than those enjoyed by late arrivals, Ed and Sean, who in their haste had over shot the Keysoe turn. Richardson Cycles St.Ives back at 12.45 pm. 52 miles. Graham said that he was home at 12.50 pm, so 12.45 pm sounds about right. Cold on the ebb will definitely be out on Sunday! Gary.

26th January 2003

Report:
Route 3, members present Gary James, Ralph Keeler, Ed Macinnes, Paul Rennie, Rob Smith and me. All of us apart from Ed had enjoyed a very pleasant evening the night before at Oliver’s Lodge. Buffet and prize presentation. We left St.Ives as the rain stopped and it remained dry for the entire ride. Gary James joined us as we passed through Wistow, well he does live there. Rob Smith made a similar move in Sawtry. Bottom bracket problems of the week before now sorted. We continued into cross + head wind to the very welcoming Coffee Tavern in Oundle. The usual fare enjoyed by all, we occupied a table upstairs for a change. Where some of us could see our bikes parked across the road. On leaving Oundle, the cross wind soon turned into a tail wind and I am sure we all felt stronger and fitter than we really are. It is only January after all! When we reached Kings Ripton Gary and Rob turned towards Wistow, Paul, Ralph, Ed and myself continued our journey back to St.Ives. Richardson Cycles 1.06pm 56.2 miles. Rob Smith e-mailed me to say he enjoyed last Sunday’s cycle ride and sent this report he thought you would all find of interest:

After I left the main group I continued towards Wistow and when nearly into Wistow turned left across the squiggly bit of road towards Great Raveley then Woodwalton. This was the route you had already taken that morning. The wind was a fight on the way back westwards but I tried to keep my speed up above 14 – 15 mph. It was 44 miles around for me from Sawtry back to Sawtry so that was quite satisfying.

Hopefully I can carry on going a little further each week. Rob.

See you on Sunday.

Gary.

P.S. I hope that Rob’s efforts will inspire those of you who have yet to try the Sunday Club Runs to join us soon

19^th January 2003.

Report:
Route7, riders present John Batchelor, Neil Houldey, Matthew Nockolds, Rob Smith and yours truly. The rain did not dampen our spirits and we enjoyed a trouble free ride. I almost forgot John punctured again, front wheel this time. Rob also had a bit of a problem, bottom bracket, bearings breaking up, causing cranks to stop turning efficiently. So apart from that! The café at Welney Wildfowl Centre was excellent. We didn’t manage to spot any rare birds, but did enjoy beans of toast, bacon baps, chocolate cake and coffee.Warmed but with clothing still wet we continued. My hands were very dry and warm, much to the annoy ance and envy of John, Rob, Matt and Neil, as I had brought along a spare pair of gloves. As we reached Wentworth Rob Smith could now relax, the seizing bottom bracket could wait until tomorrow. Let me explain, Rob had decided on a shorter ride so had driven out to Wentworth. Parked his car behind the church and had then pedalled to a point on the route just after Chatteris. 9 miles.Rob waved us off as shoe cleats engaged pedals and we wheeled our way back to St.Ives Richardson Cycles arriving at 12.56 pm 55.

22nd December 2002

Route 5 - no report

15th December 2002

Report:
Route4, despite heavy rain which lasted most of Sunday, Mathew Nockolds, John Batchelor and yours truly left Richardson Cycles St. Ives at 9.02am.Total distance 59.6 miles, time 1.07pm. The rain had not spoilt the ride at all and we were all pleased to have made the effort.

8th December 2002

Report
Route3, riders present Dave Nelson, Ed Macinnes, Mathew Nockolds . See report in this week’s Hunts Post. A very enjoyable ride. The coffee tavern in Oundle is a perfect stop, for riders in need of refreshments. Just get in before pupils of Oundle public school invade en masse. Distance of ride was 56 miles, arrived back in St. Ives at 1.09pm.