Long Melford to the sea! (Ride report by Paul Hooks)
So the day started out with a motley crew (plus two lovely ladies Wendy and Mel) meeting up at the Village Hall Car Park in Long Medford, led by Andrew Hewitt and Steve Fairchild into a head wind.
Unfortunately, Paul Hooks forgot his cap to wear under his helmet - which he uses to soak up the sweat (nice). He did manage to find a chamois leather in his car which proved to be an awesome find, and will be a new part of his cycling apparel (maybe we can get NEV branded chamios’s).
Both Steve and Andy took a huge 70 mile turn on the front of the group, closely followed by Wendy … to be honest we weren’t sure if Wendy was drafting or had a tether to the back of their bikes.
Mel was clearly taking it easy having just come back from Norway and winning a coveted Norseman Black T-Shirt.
We had Anthony bringing up the rear of the group and keeping everyone in check, providing a helping hand pushing a couple of riders up some of the steeper inclines. About 20 miles in we were joined by David Smith who was our first part-timer of the day. We pushed on to Framingham where we picked up our second part-timer of the day (Richard) which completed our full compliment of 12 riders.
We then progressed a long undulating roads to lunch in Orford where we refuelled and topped up our water bottles again.
Whether it was the heat causing swollen feet or the need to show of their socks, some of the group felt the need to take their shoes of at every opportunity, providing an interesting aroma to each of the meal stops.
Paul Jerram and Nigel Partington just silently but efficiently got on with their riding adding to and enhancing the chat and group dynamic. The drivers today were patient and there were no dramas on the road.
After lunch we set off back to Long Melford, with one wrong turn resulting in Nick finding himself taking the lead for a while. Before normalish service resumed, but this time Pete was on the front with his shiny new Garmin which is proving an interesting challenge for him to get hold off.
Some of the group peeled off at different junctures and most of the group ended up back at the pub for an end of ride debrief and a beverage or two. It was handy to have Pete at the bar as the hotel had run out of salt, so he was able to lend them one of the three salt crusted tops, he had been wearing in the blistering heat, to season the food.
After finishing the drinks some of the hardier riders finished the day off with a ride home as the 111 miles they had already demolished wasn’t enough. An awesome day was had by all.....
Thanks Paul fab write up ,(seems you also forgot who was leading your ride too lol 🤣)
Sounds like a fantastic but tough day given the group averaged a very respectable 18 pace and in that heat too 🥵🥵
Also seems to be a recurring theme that Paul H forgets he has a head as last times long ride he had to borrow a helmet after forgetting his , hope he doesn't wear a wig cos I'm not sure he could borrow or makeshift one of those ,😁🤔
Well done all , I'm a bit disappointed I didn't see you all shoeless and eating ice-cream with hankies on your heads,
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