Ride Report: James's 40 mile ride: 9/9/07
James challenged the group to do a 40 mile ride, roughly coinciding with his 40th birthday: "I haven't ridden 40 miles before".
But it didn't turn out that way.
10am start from the MAC, down the route 5 then a wander through the lanes of Worcs for 36 miles to Kenilworth. Punctuated by frequent stops for map reading: our esteemed leader, Nick, explained that "it's at the edge of the map".Two naughty boys had to be disciplined after 'racing' off ahead and missing the Pig Trot Lane turn. Asked a passerby how to get to the Virgin & Castle (wot no map?) which turned out to be really nice.
Spent 2 hours in the garden. The birthday boy, James, bought the first round. It was really frustrating to be told that they didn't do Chateau LaFitte 1927 by the pint. On the way back our leader required a stop for a call of nature. Being sensitive souls we felt it only appropriate to ride on and and give him a private moment.
We reached a T-junction after 100 yards Brian: "Let's hide in this field & see if Nick knows which way to go!". Shambles. Bikes dropped in the gateway in full view. One in hi-vis kit in full view peeing - back to the road so couldn't be seen? The rest shouting at their top of their voices at the jolly jape. After a bit of hiding "who's looking?". DOH, no-one. So we spied for 15 minutes, no Nick. Does he have a medical issue? Is he lost? Quick pedal back to the private zone - nix! Think about ringing but Nick's phone off. Eventually, he turns it on and phones - "I'm at Packwood House, where are you?".
So we meet up and with one minor confusion when three of us divert down the canal near Hockley Heath, all goes well. No wonder I got home an 6:45, having done not 40 but 65 miles. But a great day.
Email from James: I did 56.6 miles - so yep - I achieved my ambition + cheers to you all for (Nick) organising / (everyone) doing it with me!
Next Wednesday Ride 12/9/07 to Weatheroak.
There are two motions up for the vote:
- Nick should get an RFID implant so we can track him.
- Brian should get some coaching from a 5 year old about being naughty sucessfully.
