Cold, ay it? Still, we're plucky Brits used to adversity, indeed, we thrive on it, so put on an extra layer and laugh in its face... still annoying though, huh!
...but despite the conditions, the sun is always out above the clouds and so it was with this spirit, we had three club rides out at the weekend, and thanks to Noel O'Dwyer, Mariana and Dave Cox for leading them so splendidly. No A-Ride again, you will notice! There was strava evidence of a 3-bike pile up on the B-Ride thanks to an excellent forward facing camera on Huan's bike, but luckily, no damage was done and everyone continued on after coming off when a tractor passed causing the riders to slow down.
Now I have a theory on A-Ride club leaders...when I joined, there was a great group of regular A-run leaders, all legends of the club, namely Philip Whiteman, Ian Taylor, Keith Adcock, Matt Regan etc, but as they moved on after 5-10 years of leading and began to lead fewer rides, they were seamlessly replaced by a new group of young, thrusting A-ride leaders such as Paul Johnson, Nick Shenton, Neil Orchard and myself, but we've been leading for 8-10years ourselves now, have all won the Club Run points trophy, but as we naturally begin to lead less, we need that next group of thrusting A-ride leaders to pick up the mantle. There's no doubt that this current group of greats (
) will still lead occasionally (Indeed, I am leading this coming weekend!!), but we need others to step up now...so if you've been around for ages, but have just left it to others to lead because they always did or you're newish to the club and can see my argument here, it's time that 2024 saw the second great transition of A-ride leaders. I know I usually get ignored, but this time, I hope not. Pick up that baton from the wavering incoming runner, and power down the back straight of life rather than sit in the stands.So what's happening this week...Tuesday looks busy, the Academy switches to Tuesday evening this week at Ackers, before reverting back to Wednesdays from next week, the normal Tuesday night bash goes off from outside Northfield Cycles and also, this Tuesday sees the next Beacon TT on the slightly shortened K36/10 course at Earlswood. Now there are many riders I see on a Tuesday who blast along at 20mph+ but seem reluctant to test themselves with a number on their back, so why not give it a go...this week is a good time to start, but if not, then definitely the 2-up roadbike TT's that are planned in August.
This Saturday sees the one-day Weston and back club run from the BH to the Weston-Super-Mare seafront and back again. This is a rites of passage ride for any Beacon member, and this Saturday sees the one-day attempt, before Alan Weaver's far more sensible two-day ride on roughly the same course in 2-weeks' time. See the separate post on the MB and Facebook if you fancy a go at either of these. It's a great ride for a bag of chips and stick of rock!
Finally, hats off to Martin Davis who is racing most weeks at the moment, and looked good for a podium on Sunday at the Solihull RR, before an attack of cramp just before the sprint opened up ruined his finish...unlucky, Martin, here's to the next one.
Sorry if this update has been a bit 'preachy', but there you go.
Hope to see you soon and some of you at the BH at 05:30 on Saturday morning!!!
Phil