Stevenage Start of Summertime 160km 2019

Stevenage Start of Summertime ride - 2019 -160km

Once more into the breach....(or in this case Stevenage - arguably one and the same?), rode a strong contingent of Southgate CC riders for the Stevenage Start of Summertime Special ride 2019. All assembled realised that an hour had been lost the previous night with the clock change, a fact that especially didn’t escape both Luke and Andy Z who had been out the night before at a 30th birthday and wedding respectively - pre-ride prep perfectly honed! The weather, a day previously having been glorious, sunny and without a breath of wind, had decided that this was not what was to be in store for our riders and a cold, grey and windy morning awaited our 160km riders at 8.30am. This was a particular issue for Andy Z who had decided to attack the days' riding without gloves - fortunately Luke took pity and gave him some spares - Luke having decided it was shorts and T-shirt weather of course!

A steady start pace was welcomed - especially for Jules who had “for boring reasons” had decided to ride to Stevenage from the centre of London, do the ride and then cycle back. These boring reasons would see him do over 200km today, a feat to be applauded. The first stop came 30km in, at a glamorous Bikers cafe off an A-road. This did however give opportunity to discuss how much easier cycling 160km would be if one had an engine.....alas.

The squad made their way to Saffron Walden where it was decided that a bacon sandwich was in order, and some time was taken to get to know our fellow warriors of the road who joined us from North Road CC, Anthony and Nick. Suitably satiated, the weather started to break and the sun emerged, stopping James D in his tracks as he decided now was the time for some off the cuff cabaret/striptease - losing his leg warmers in a way that had the whole club hot under the collar......or so he hoped.

As the halfway mark approached, Luke realised he had absolutely no idea where he was, but that it was Mother’s Day and potentially his dinner was relying on getting back in good time - shooting off the front and never to be seen again! He was allegedly first rider home in the 160km category (stewards inquiry pending).

Our heroes rolled on, now with a prevailing tailwind which made everyone happier (and fitter) and some glorious sweeping roads carried them back toward the 140km mark and the world renowned (we think) cake stop at Braughing, where cream teas, chocolate cake and all manner of treats were on offer to send riders over the line.

So, a long day in the saddle but a first 160km of the year for many and a great way to kick off summertime - where many riding adventures no doubt still await! Thank you to Stevenage CTC for the (usual!) fantastic organisation and route.