Distance: 21.5 miles
Julia, Rita, Trish, Sue W, Karen,Debbie, Sue I, Pippa
We met at mine today so everyone could try on the sample jerseys. Even Averill turned up which was very impressive as she is currently on sick leave from group cycling. Her sick note will expire shortly of course!! We managed to sort out the sizing and colours, and all we need to do now is decide on a group name. Various suggestions have been made, including GOBS and SLAGS, but we are not sure they are totally in keeping with the image we want.
We welcomed 2 brave new members into the group - Pippa, a fellow golfer (a very good golfer for those of you who don't know her) and another Sue, forever to be known as Sue I so we don't get muddled with Sue W. Yet again we have new members who are fitter than us. Cant believe that!
The weather looked dodgy so the route was shortened to a mere 21 miles, very capably navigated by Sue W. It was nice not to have to get the map out as Sue knew exactly where to go. We went out towards Kenton on a route that involved zero main roads which was brilliant. Now I think about it, we barely stopped! This meant we managed to average a very impressive 12mph in quite windy conditions, which might sound slow, but to us it is quick. If we keep that up, we may not be the slowest cycling group in Britain!!
Well we have finally cracked Debbie. After weeks of declaring she would never change her bike, today the weight of it finally got the better of her. She did keep up a great pace, and never lagged behind, but while we breezed merrily along at a good pace, she was definitely feeling every ounce of that bike in the really windy conditions. So......... she had a go on Pippa's customised Boardman and may finally make the change to a 'proper' bike (nearly). If she gets it I am going to let some air out of the tyres so she does not go tooooo fast......
We stopped at mine for coffee and yet more chat over a group name. We came up with loads, some of which were extremely unsuitable, and clearly it seems that we may never make a decision. We are therefore going to vote on it so no one blames me for the final choice!! The new jerseys will look amazing and we really will look like a 'proper' club. So exciting!
Next weekend I am going to be 'officially trained' as a 'Breeze Champion' so that I can shout even louder to the group. We will soon be starting up evening short 10 mile fast rides too, to get our fitness up. Roll on the summer!
JCB xx