Mods Sat 26 Mar 11

Taking the start line this week for our marathon, which was postponed from last week due to unforeseen technical disruption, welcome back to Mary who joined the regular team of Jane, Elliott, Gentle John, Graham, Howard, Joey, Martin, Paul P, Pete and myself. 

An uneventful start to Fishers Green and the climb over Holyfield Hill, pushing on past Dobbs Weir and on to the Stort singletrack. At Roydon Mill we were treated to a new stretch of fresh tarmac to take us to the level crossing at Roydon where we picked up a nice gravel path, with lunch just ‘2miles away’.

We rode on to regroup after ‘2 miles’ and to wait for Paul who had a slow puncture. Martin informed us the pub was just a couple of miles further on. After ‘2 miles’ it seems the pub is just ‘2 miles’ away!

Eventually “2 mile Martin” leads us to our quarry at Harlow Mill. With bikes piled up outside we manage to find a table inside out of the chilly breeze that adds cheesy grins to all our faces that get cheesier as the food arrives.

Lunch over and with time marching on we set the bar for a 2-hour ride back.
Howard decides 2 hours is too long as the pubs are open and takes off accompanied by Jane for a sprint back.

A few miles later Martin clips away at a regrouping stop, as he needs not to be late for a hot date.

Pretty much a non-stop ride back with plenty of sore bums and tired legs arriving back at Ponders End 20 minutes after Howard and Jane and 10 minutes after 2 mile Martin!

All told just a shade shy of 40 miles and a lot more smiles despite the pains.

Well done Mary, back on her first ride this year, you picked the hard ride week to return.

On to the SH to catch up with the Rads and a visit from Aug. Cheesy food to go with lots more cheesy grins and another great day and great evening with lots of great people. Jane and I left for an early night as were to ride the Stevenage Start of Summertime Sportive in the morning. Jane will report on this marathon elsewhere!

Dave