“What is the right thing to do when it’s 1C out? That’s right – knock almost 4 mins off a Strava segment you ride almost daily, set your lungs on fire and enjoy the company of good people while failing to meet the requirement of “smart casual” by a country mile. Here is to cycling, inebriation, and achievement: 2014 is going to be a corker.“
A good turn out for a Tuesday night – specifically one where the skies had cleared, the wind had dropped, and a full moon cast a palid shade on anything not alight under headlamps and red strobes – it generally had proper cold written all over it in a heavy set bold font. This it delivered by the bucket load.
Only two flats, at Pengwern Hall, and the Glascoed Road turn was a blessing of sorts – especially given the burning lungs from storming pace set up the Abergele Road – a welcome break if anything.
It had been a fair few years since I last headed out on a weeknight club ride – and had forgotten what it was like. The short ride, the elevated tempo, the dancing shadows, the general glow, continually mistaking clubmates as cars… and the judging how far behind the rider chasing you was by the shadows you cast. It was a night for burning lungs, and then a rolling cold descent down to the Plough for a brief yet welcome huddle around the table – recovery drinks of choice in hand, talking about bikes, holidays, and stuff.
Thankfully no one was tempted to make off with a bike with silly pedals on a night where cycle computers were registering 1C descending into St Asaph…. and my initial concerns over the sign outside stating smart and casual dispelled as we walked past a group where matching ill fitting football shorts…. it was in fact a damn fine evening out – and a credit to Steve Sharp – who devised and organised. For those who made the special effort to be there thank you also, and those who didn’t – look at what you could have won. We few – we merry few – we band of [sisters|brothers]…. (etc.).
So – the 27th – who is with us?