Wednesday 31 March 2010.

Jonathan, Tiger Tony, Ron Fisher, Tom-Tom and (ever so slightly late, due to last minute puncture; a tribute to his preparedness that it made him no later than "almost on time") Justin. It was cold. It was wet at times. It was windy. Two of us were tired. The other tired one was Tony, who was more a Tired Teddy than a Tiger Tony and only lasted as far as Felsham (however far that was - we didn't exactly go directly).
I hung on, with difficulty, especially on any climbs - and it wasn't by any means a taxing course. Tea stop was Hollowtrees where Justin charmed a couple of large friendly ladies of a certain age, while he was hanging small items of clothing on the fire guard (not his 'smalls' however). The LFLs told him how wonderfully slim he was, and Justin thanked them for not calling him 'skinny'
"Oh no, you're not that" they cried,
"you're still big where it counts"
It turned out that the LFLs still worked, though of pensionable age,
"What do you do?" we asked.
"We help care for people with learning difficulties" they said.
"Explains why you like talking to us" quipped Justin.
Gails of laughter.
Exit five ageing cyclists into the grey cold outdoors to follow a TT special route which began with the descent of Semer Hill, then left and right across the B1115 to Ash Street, Naughton, Gt Bricet, round the edge of Wattisham Airfield to Ringshall and Battisford, then Jack's lane (where we paused to give Jonathan a brief introduction to punctures and tube-changing) to Gt Finborough and home. Only 45 miles, but I felt exhausted.
SJH

7 March 2010. Sub-Zero Heroes dodge the Ice

As you just might be able to make out from the photo [read the right hand scale] it was very, very cold at 0700 outside the kitchen door of Orchard House. We do have a micro climate here, and I did ask the met office for ideas as to why we got numbers several degrees lower than other places nearby. They responded very swiftly and efficiently (was it unfair to imagine them waiting for weeks for a question?) and told me that it was probably because we have the instrument facing north.

Having taken the picture (picture, if you will, SJH in nightshirt squinting at camera, knees bent to get best angle) I made what I now realise was a major tactical error; I showed it to Susan. We have that sort of relationship, you see, sharing life's experiences, openness (or so I am led to believe). "You canNOT go out in this, that is stupidly cold, you would have to be totally MAD!!!"

"I'll wait a bit, and go out later - but the roads will be dry, there's been no rain"

"phone Justin, see what he's doing"

Time rolls by. 0745 phone Justin and ask him if he could ring me when destination decided, and I'd meet them later. I pass this on.

"So they're all going out anyway?"

"Yes"

"Well if you get on with it, you could leave by 0830 and meet them at the normal time"

Allow myself the luxury of not telling Justin about the change of plan - covered in case of puncture

0902. Cornhill. Rode in with fellow Norton resident Richard Stiff. Join large jolly group of assorted size cyclists: Justin, Peter H, Deane, Neil, Jonathan Howe, Adi, Alan Trolove, Richard Stiff, Paul Callow, SJH, Peter S-W, Ron F.
This Cyclists' Dozen set off on the first stage of the Suffolk Punch from Nowton but then diverged to end up in Long Melford, then took Bull Lane out eastwards to end up at Semer, and Hollowtrees Farm Shop. Shortly after leaving Bury, it became obvious that though there had, indeed, been no rain, the land drainage in the bit of Suffolk we chose to cross had meant dribbles of water on many corners had become solid shiny ice. Why did we come across theses hazards at the same time as being overtaken by cars? The frequency of the calls for both ice and potholes led Jonathan to observe that it might be more efficient to call out when the road was clear.

An interesting paradox: though the temperature was 4 degrees lower than any we've observed this (hard) winter, my hands felt no more painful - in fact far better than last week. This reminds me of a survey a couple of years ago which found that, when asked which temperature was colder, minus nine or minus two, the majority plumped for minus 2. It seems that the problem was that when measuring hotness plus 20c is hotter than plus 2c - so the bigger number will always be hotter (whichever side of zero you are)

Arrived at Hollowtrees without event (as far as I can remember) and rather stretched the Sunday 'B' team behind the counter (apart from the lady in charge). Richard Stiff made a brave effort to cheer up Neil, Deane and Peter (see left). Ron Fisher held Justin and Jonathan spellbound with tales of Australia (below right) and Adi explained to Peter S-W and Alan just what they really ought to be doing in a club run (below right). No sooner had we finished, and risen from our tables than the Cappuccino Ride arrived - in strength, there were 18 of them. Thirty Wheelers awheel at the same time; brilliant. Less brilliant was the record of punctures and crashes (including Sharon's first tumble) they experienced, but they all looked OK superficially

The 12 of us set off south, then swung down to the Sudbury - Bildeston road, and pedalled, through the sunshine, for home, using the more important roads to avoid any more ice hazards. Some way before Bildeston I began to lose power and the excellent Mr Dykes gave me the occasional push to get me back on. Well, at began as occasional, only being needed on the steep climbs, but graduated to the slight inclines and, finally, on the the flat. The problem was that my legs didn't want to do the revs necessary to achieve 23 mph even if I was being pushed.
Neil was rewarded with lunch chez nous. Justin later told me than Neil had a touch of 'tennis elbow' the following week - I remain sceptical, but I know that I was knackered on Monday. 53 miles for me, and just under 17mph. SJH

Iced Espresso – 31 January 2010

This endless bout of freezing weather, which began on the 16 December when the Wednesday runs Christmas lunch ride to Hollow Trees had to endure showers of sleet and snow, shows no sign of ending any time soon. And although the last Espresso run of January 2010 enjoyed some good sunshine, the bone numbing temperatures and a bitterly cold west wind ensured that the ride would fall into the category of Character Building.

Eight hardy souls assembled outside the shell formally known as Woolworths: Ron Fisher, Gareth Doman, Glynn Smith, Deane Hill, Julian Colman, Peter Heath, Paul Barry and yours truly. Our esteemed old blogger, SJH, was AWOL and so you’ll have to make do with this poor substitute. Sorry.

I had intended to show the lads the new streamlined Suffolk Punch route and thereby give them a foretaste of next Sunday’s event. However, having done a quick risk assessment of what would happen to eight riders descending ice covered Hawsted Hill, Hartest Hill, Somerton Hill or Poslingford Hill, we agreed on a plan ‘B’ - stay on ‘B’ roads. And so we headed for Long Melford via the B1066, which even had a few ice floes ‘running’ along its sides. A left turn at the Bull led us on through Acton to Great Waldingfield. We had decided that our destination would be the award winning Hollow Trees, famous for the aforesaid Wheelers’ Christmas lunch. And with the wind on our backs we were making good time. We sped on through Little Waldingfield and Monks Eleigh and braced ourselves for the usual rush-up Clay Hill, with the anticipation of a roaring fire, homemade cakes and tea with extra hot water. Unfortunately I made a cock-up of changing off the big ring onto the small and baulked Deane, who was on my wheel. Never one to look a gift horse in the mouth, Glynn took the opportunity to box Deane in and allow other riders a chance at hill climb glory.

No chance. Even on one ride a week schedule, Deane is still as strong as a gift horse (good teeth too), and was soon powering up to the front of the rapidly opening group. More surprisingly, Peter Heath was soaring away with him – and Ron too I think. Peter has been getting stronger and stronger over recent weeks, and wonders if it could be down to an adjustment of his medication (!)

After the usual homemade cheer at Hollow Trees, we tore ourselves away from the fire and continued on our way to Bildeston. Every few minutes or so we were met by group after group of club riders - all clearly on a mission. Reliability trial perhaps? Lots of Colchester riders resplendent in multi-colour kit - such a contrast to ours.

Glynn had at times been showing signs of stress. He said this was due to long hours of work with little time to train, and he needed a short sharp shock to get him focused on training for the Girona week. Climbing up Hitcham Hill his wish was granted when he punctured in both legs. He gamely struggled on, wearing that face that we all know so well. Deane callously rode away with Ron while Glynn muttered, through gritted teeth, threats about a possible transfer for Deane to the Outer Hebrides Social Services Department. To Deane’s credit (or better judgement) he came back and helped pace his colleague home.

Forsaking the usual left turn to One House, we ploughed on through Stowmarket and along the old A14 to Wetherden (bearing in mind that a wether is a castrated ram, could there have been a hideout for the poor things here in days gone by?) and on to Elmswell. On the run in through Norton we cast a quick glance through the windows of SJH’s country seat – no sign of life. Had he frozen to death in his workshop? We will know soon enough.

A left turn to Thurston found the ice patches we had otherwise avoided. A cautious line was taken. Once in Thurston the roads cleared and the speed picked up on the run into town. No prizes for guessing who was putting the hammer down. Glynn looked pleased to have hit town, and now there just remained the ride to Deane’s house to collect his car. No doubt the conversation was about resettlement allowances and the like.

Justin Wallace

28 October, and Six out of Nine Wheelers choose Club Colours

Bright, low, sunshine yet again for the start of a ride. And yet again we set off southwards from the Bus Stop. Both Sharon and Mike are sportily sporting shorts - and it's almost warm enough at 09:00 now that the clocks have gone back. I used to have trouble remembering which way the time went when it was moved. Now I have a fix for this uncertainty, but it involves a term for Autumn more generally found in the US (well, for about 300 years). "Fall back; Spring forward" there, simple. The almost misty conditions made an attractive start and, as you can see, red was very popular

We welcome the return of TomTom's chum John from the Channel Islands (not all of them, naturally, but in a senior moment I can't recall which), and also hail the presence of future Star Esther Colman (she who slept at the tea stop on Sunday) who is to appear at the Manchester Velodrome 'Revolution' meeting on 14th November. She was with us to ensure that Julian got home safely, of course.I mentioned to Esther that it was good to see so many club Jerseys, I added that Adi had noticed that Wheelers were easily noticed in a racing bunch on the track, and then I mentioned that recent research had tended to indicate that the wearing of red gave sporting teams enhanced morale. I supported this by observing that "It hasn't done Manchester United much harm". There was a pause; then Esther said, hesitantly, "I don't follow football, are they quite successful?"

A you can see from the link, there were over 67,000,000 hits on Google. But I like a fresh and unspoilt view of the world. Well done, Esther, for your independence.

Mike Cross's tyres stayed inflated, but there was a puncture; but another senior moment (or even a blond one - I have double the risk) draws a veil of uncertainty over the victim's name.

We had an excellent tea at Hollow Trees, again, and enjoyed more sunshine for our return journey, when we turned right out of the tea stop car park, then right again, and yet again, following a selection of the many tiny lanes in that triangle of Suffolk south of Brent Eleigh. A total of 50 miles for me, and most enjoyable. SJH

An Eagle landed & we discover Mike Cross's dark secret

More about the second half of the title later.

A new face greeted my arrival at the Bus Stop. Dressed in total Eagle Road Club strip (never to be confused with Eagle Road Strip Club) was welcome visitor Glenn Grant. Yes. I know, I know - and I'm certain that he does too. I only learned of Glenn's surname when he sent an extremely nice thank you email via our website (We'll see just how pleased with us he remains after being abandoned in the middle of the Fens on the way back from Ely on an eighty six miler). The rest of the ride comprised Sharon, Mike, Peter H, Peter G, TomTom, Steve Mayes, Ann, Tiger Tony and me.

Destination Dedham, Constable Country, and the Essex Rose Café. A gentlemanly pace was maintained by those of the male gender on the front, but the overnight rain had brought with it the ideal ingredients for punctures. We had three on the way down. Well, to be properly accurate that ought to be two, and I'll explain. Peter G was the first victim, he found two flints buried in the tyre, removed them, inserted a 'new' tube (only one parch) and it promptly failed. Now as we all know, this is a monstrously unfair set of circumstances. There was evidence of stress. The patch was firmly stuck to the tube, but was leaking air from a pinhole in the middle of it. A faulty patch. How unlucky is that? As unlucky as a very unlucky thing, is how unlucky that is. We were on a tiny road that followed one of TomTom's near-offroad roads with added ford. The sky, that had looked so promising as we set off from Thurston, was now like dark grey blotting paper and about 20 feet above the ground (or so it seemed).

We continued for about another fifteen minutes, until the second (or third) puncture struck, and we discovered Mike's little secret. He doesn't carry tubes - he carries a repair kit (or 'puncture outfit' as we used to call them. My father was MD of the family business 'Chemico' , which produced these outfits amongst other things. The firm was wound up in the late 90s, and avoided some tax by undertaking to cease trading. The link shows what I didn't realise but always suspected - someone kept the name). By the time the repair had been effected (I should point out that Mike fixed his faster than poor Peter G with his patch-failure issue, but on the other hand, the long term prospects were not all that they might be . . . read on) we were beginning to feel pessimistic about reaching Dedham by teatime, let alone mid morning - and it was spotting with rain. Richard 'TomTom' whispered in my ear that we could maybe turn around and go to Hollow Trees. Swift decision made and we set off on a retrace. TomTom took us from the middle of a maze of lanes onto a signposted 'B' road in what seemed like a trice , we were both impressed and relieved. Then we began to doubt the tactical wisdom of the move, would we arrive too early? Not get enough miles in? Should we have been warned about the speed of our return journey? Should we take a vote? Set up a sub-committee? Oh, the anxiety.

All was calm as we sat and enjoyed our (less than usually) well earned refreshment administered by Chloe. We took our time and chatted long and deeply. Monday's Club Committee meeting (that I was unable to attend) was one topic that had a few miles in it. Glenn told us that he had sent the link to our website to the Eagle RC's Webmaster as an example of the perfect way to do it. Hmm don't know if that'll go down too well - but must tell Ian Pettitt.

Pleasant return with no fords or unmade roads. At the foot of the hill to Drinkstone from the Rat Valley we paused for Mike to pump up his tyre - that patch; maybe not quite up to the job? Too much moisture about?

So, home in good time, 49 miles on the computer, and in a relaxed state to set about some afternoon chores.

A Sad Saddle, a Near Deer Experience and Two Fords

23 September 2009, to Hollow Trees for Ann's Birthday. Two weeks running with free teas -when will it ever end? Wednesday-ers are perhaps getting blasé, since we are only nine free-loaders this week.

As you can see from the photo, we were Jeff, Justin, Ron (resplendent in red), Ann, Nigel (from East Harling!), Tony and Peter Gay. Out of the picture (in the visual sense) were 'TomTom' and I (who rode through the ford) plus Pete Hogg who retired early with the saddle malfunction mentioned above.

We were about half an hour into the ride when Pete called out for us to stop. He is rightly proud of his 5-speed seventies machine, and has no problem keeping up as a rule but, this time it was serious. A bolt on his seat pin had sheared, and it was one of those needlessly complex arrangements with two bolts with hex heads that threaded into two lateral pins with threaded holes. Dreadful to tighten, I remember, needing to wiggle an open ended spanner under the saddle and move the bolts about 5 degrees at a time. Out in mid-Suffolk, without a spanner, and the outlook was bleak. Pete kept with us, rolling along out of the saddle, to Monks Eleigh, where we bade him good luck at Bildeston, and Lifecycle (who's stock is all pretty recent I seem to remember, and might not include 30-year-old seat pin spares).
Just before Brent Eleigh (which, in turn, is just before Monks Eleigh) the riders at the front (I seem to remember Justin and Ron) suffered an extremely close encounter with a young deer which burst through the hedge on the right, and crashed through the hedge on the left, at a constant height of three feet and what looked like about two feet ahead of our shaken leaders. A glance to the right revealed the rest of the beasts, watching. They looked as if there had been a wager, with the Stag offering a fiver if the youngster made it. All too fast for a photo. What I could capture in pixels, however was a very supercilious looking Alpaca. I came to the sign at the farm gate, and his evident attitude was explained "Alpaca Stud Farm".

T-T took us on a twiddly loop round to Hollow Trees where we sat outside in the now-usual sunshine, wishing Ann a Happy Birthday as we scoffed our free tea, and headed off into deepest T-T country round Wissett and Offton (which we visit increasingly, um, er . . . .). Near Offton we did one of TT's special little lanes, the sort that have more grass and gravel than strips of tarmac, and that are punctuated by fords.

We covered a civilised 50 miles at a sensible average speed that brought us home nice and early. We hope that Pete Hogg reached home safely and in good time - and without having to ride out of the saddle the whole way.

Notes From The Other Side

I arranged to meet Lindsay at Gt Livermere to ride in together. We went Lindsay’s way as it was safer, apparently. It involves the A143 from Gt Barton to Moreton Hall & takes in the Sainsbury’s roundabout, whereas my way goes through Fornham, avoids A roads & is a mile shorter. And I’m the half Irish one!

We arrived in good time and by 9.30am a group of 13 had assembled. Chris Dolan; Dick Lines; Soren & Jonathon Sjolin; Peter Heath; Lindsay Clayton; Ann & Grayhame Fish; Steve Cleal; Mark Taylor & Dave Whitehead joining us from Stowmarket; Barry Woodhouse & I set off for somewhere. The joy of the Sunday rides for me is tagging along with someone else making the decisions about routes & destination, the company & of course the cake!

Please pay attention to Peter’s feet and the NEW SHOES! After the success of the tea stop at Peacocks on Wednesday, Peter went back with Gill , stopped at the bike shop in Ely & invested in some rather fab new cycling shoes. (they are, it has to be said, extremely white... ed.)He did suggest to Gill why not a bike to match the new shoes while they were there? They left with just the shoes!The journey out was a lively buzz of conversation & I have no idea which way we went from memory but the Garmin printout reveals all. Until I joined the Wheelers rides my poor sense of direction dictated that I just did the same two loops from home again & again or stuck to the A roads that I went on in the car; no wonder I hated cycling. The Wheelers really opened up my horizons... OK, I still have no idea which way I’ve gone or where I’ve been but I do have the Garmin printout as evidence and it has given me the courage to occasionally go out on my own (with an OS map used frequently) on new routes . Only one puncture and with impeccable timing – Dick, just as we rode into Hollow Trees for coffee.

At HollowTrees – aren’t shoes on the table unlucky Barry?!

Hollow Trees serves excellent cake but cappuccinos are off. Coffee is served in an individual cafetiere & is delicious but this is the cappuccino ride after all! Soren obligingly answered Barry’s spinal question, despite being off duty. Jonathon chatted about starting at St Benedict’s and Grayhame & I talked about running club politics. Not sure what the other end of the table talked about but they seemed very cheerful!It has been suggested by a running friend who reads the Wheelers BlogSpot that the Wheelers seem to be more about cream teas than cycling. And here is Peter demonstrating that the club rides really are about cycling!






Dave’s drink. Nice bike obviously but what’s the blue drink about? Disturbingly matched his cycling helmet & his pal’s kit. Kryptonite??






And so the journey home: a bit of an advantage to me here as it took in part of the Welnetham TT course & if you do the same route often enough even I know where I’m going. So for the second half of the ride I knew where I was. Until we reached Thurston, where instead of going straight on & home across the A143 to Livermere, bewilderingly Lindsay turned right towards Pakenham & I was lost again. She stopped so suddenly we had the only incident of the day when Chris rode straight into the back of her. No damage done. So we rode home via Pakenham! Lindsay did the 200km audax at Mildenhall last week so clearly can be a little bonkers but great company.

My stats: Home > Nowton Lindsay’s route! 12.86miles @ 16.4mph; Nowton> Hollow Trees 23.4miles @15.2mph; Hollow Trees > home 30.12miles @16.6mph.

THIRTY WHEELERS TAKE OVER HOLLOWTREES 23 AUGUST 2009

Another warm day in prospect and another good turnout on the Buttermarket. 18 riders were once again eager for a magical mystery tour. Albeit a little less of a mystery than the week before. And so it was decided that Hollow Trees should be the destination, via a circular route.

It was good to see some new faces along on the ride. Jonathan Howe - from the 'B' ride, Richard Muchmore - a well known local rider, and another Richard (Emmerson) - an erstwhile Wheeler and keen mountain biker. The rest of the crew were: Paul Rooke, Tricia Dennison, Julian Coleman, Adi Grimwood, Andrew Davison, John Dumont (any relation to Margaret?), Deane Hill, Ben Mickleburgh, Ron Fisher, Gareth Doman, Jeff Agricole, Paul Callow, Stephen Hill, Steve Newman and me.

Off we went on the circular route. Some rolling countryside to Glemsford, where Stephen and Steve turned back to Bury [ It possibly ought to be mentioned that Stephen (SJH) was on the front for the first 35 minutes or so] Stephen with a mission to catch up with Tony Panting who was riding his first 12 hour race at the age of 74 and 10 months - he's a late developer. On a day when the vast tracts of tarmac on the A11 and A505 must have heated up to give a nice reflective glow, Tony tapped out a very respectable 213 miles. His unorthodox final week of tapering off for the big day consisted of a 120 mile ride the previous Sunday and a hilly 73 mile Wednesday clubrun AFTER he had risen at dawn and ridden 40 miles. There's no doubt that they broke the mould before they made him!

And so us mere mortals, and Deane, carried on circularly to Foxearth, Long Melford and a strange little circle around Upsher Green (check-out Tricia's Gamin's stats for more details). Onwards and downwards to Monks Eleigh and up to Hollow Trees (cue Paul to do his Valentino Rossi impression up the hill and away to climb Semer Hill twice before tea). As we approached Hollow Trees we saw our 'B' run swing into the car park just ahead of us. By the time we had parked our bikes they had formed an orderly queue. Falling in behind them we must have sent a wave of panic out to the cafe staff. However, the girls coped manfully - no doubt due to the absence of the young man who on previous occasions had been a bit slow. Mike Bowen and Nigel Stemp had also stopped in. Quite a cyclists' convention.

Home via Bildeston, One House, Thurston and Woolpit. The tailwind made for a fast ride with the group lined out for most of the way. New boy Jonathan's cardinal sin was to tear of the front at high speed and make the rest of us look slow. Bearing in mind that he has cut his cycling teeth on spinning classes and a bit of mountain biking he must realise that he can't go so quickly without first suffering a like we all did. It's not fair otherwise.

And so ended another Sunday clubrun under blue skies and blazing sun - not bad for a 'poor summer'.

For mileages and speeds see Trisha's stats.

I may not be out next Sunday as there's an Audax at Mildenhall Rally on Saturday and I might ride the 100km route. I understand from Mike Bowen that there's a group of Wheelers leaving for Mildenhall at 7.15am from the Tollgate. The extra miles should add up to a decent morning's ride.

Justin