Ride Report - FPCC RR 17/2/19

A strong contingent of Southgate Cycling club descended upon Potters Bar Cricket Club on Sunday (17/2/19) for the hotly anticipated 19th or maybe 20th (it was the organisers that couldn’t decide!) Finsbury Park Reliability Ride. The weather could not have been more perfect, although the start could have, with a puncture for James D before we had even got to the start line and that following a strong bit of organising from James L who confidently told everyone the ride was last week.

After a powerful starting speech from a stage 4 cancer survivor (and FPCC member) which put our £5 Cancer Research charity entry fee into perspective it was roll out time! For the first 5km the Southgate '17' were together, tourers and trainers alike, and sitting at the back I was very proud of my club's turnout - but even more proud of the pull they were giving me!

The splits came naturally as the tourers and the trainers gradually got into more comfortable formations. An early issue arose as Luke decided to go for a wee in front of not only the whole club but the whole of some other club too. Disaster then struck in the form of an abandon as Nick decided not to try and ride his bike with only 2 of the normal 4 brake pads on his bike - limping home was the sensible option.

As the club rode on in the beautiful Hertfordshire sun there was a real positive feeling that the cold winter might be over! And thus it proved as there was signs of short fingered gloves and even bare arms on display. James L took to the warming weather by changing outfit not once but twice in his own best impression of a diva. Simon at this point decided that enough was enough and went to join a party instead (via a train or two!).

As the ride neared it’s end, Steve M caught the training group as they paused for a puncture and a mudguard moan (Luke’s token mudguard was in fact more of a mud chute into everyone’s face). Paul M, giving his cameo appearance of the year, showed his winter training had paid off by taking his only turn on the front on a long downhill with a tailwind - Allez Paul!

Finishing in little Switzerland was a welcome way to finish the ride said literally no-one, as James L and Luke decided to channel their inner Pantani and go for it up the hills - particularly interesting as Luke had self appointed himself ride leader for the day - leadership skills clearly to be worked on....

As everyone rolled back into Potters Bar 100km later, we were left to reflect on a great ride. A fantastic day for it and a cause which puts it all into perspective. Thank you FPCC - we'll see you next year!