Mods Sat 12 Feb 11

Slightly depleted numbers this week with excuse number 153 from Elliott, Pat on home guard duty and Howard wanting his mum to nurse his head. 
This week those that made the start were new rider Neal, on his brand new Rockrider, who joined Jane, Gentle John, Graham, Rob, Paul K, Pete, Martin and myself.

The ride got off to a bit of a slow start as Gentle John’s rear tyre was falling to bits before our eyes, so a quick dash home to find a replacement held us up for a little.

Heading north with the weather getting brighter all the time we headed through Lee Valley Park to our first stop for Martins first puncture of the day, conveniently next to a bench again this week, so we could sit and watch in the sunshine as he carried out a ‘swift’ repair. Through Fishers Green and Martins second flat, John and Neal kept Martin company as the rest of us rode over the hill and back up again to meet them at the top fixing puncture number three, this time it was Neal.

On towards Dobbs Weir and the River Stort for the very slippery singletrack to Roydon for lunch. Cheesy grins on faces as much steak, chips and peas were duly delivered. After lunch a return along the singletrack and an attempt at an early bath as too much air in the tyres almost had me in the river. Gentle John left us here for a sprint home to sort out his abandoned car as the rest of us headed back to climb over Holyfield Hill. Rob did his bike wash at the bottom riding through his usual 18inch deep puddle.

Back to the towpath and on to the ridge singletrack at the end of which we were treated to the quotes of the ride, from Paul K “Had a slight problem negotiating across the camber! And Martins sharp reply “Is that posh for I f****d up?”

A fast pace back to Ponders End and then on to the debrief at the SH to join Howard, Dawn, Glen and Emma and to await the arrival of the Rads.

A fun packed 30-mile day a lot warmer than expected with a great group and a great evening.
Dave