Another great turn out at Sainsbury’s on Sunday morning (30 May) saw a grand total of 18 riders meet up. With covid restrictions limiting a riding group to 15 (following British Cycling’s guidance) we did actually split up that group at the start.

With a new rider, Laura Kaye, and some recent returners we had a lead group of 13 heading off east out of Kettering followed by five, Ian Groves, Salvatore Semenario, James Belton, Laura Kaye and myself Andy Parker.

The early clouds made it a bit chilly and I had come prepared more for the afternoon sun that that early chill so I definitely had a shiver or two until I got into my riding.

Breaking up

Warkton hill often acts a sorting hat for groups and Sunday was no exception. Laura, on only her third ride with cleats, was getting used to riding in groups and clipping in and out and so on the run into Thrapston, we decided to cut the group a bit more with James, Ian and Salv taking on the full route whilst Laura and I cut off a corner to get to Bean’s in Oundle around the time the first group would arrive.

Getting together again

Despite the odd light-hearted moan about the state of potholes in one or two roads, the first group put some power through their pedals to clock up an average speed of some 19.2mph – arriving at Beans shortly after Laura and me. No wonder with a group including by Andrea Woolcott, Darren Gillings, Eddie Smith, Steve Wong, Scott Barber, Dave Robinson, Adam Churchill, Steve Webster, Mike Castelete, Haythern Rashed, Rob Barker, Ian Bird and a very welcome return of Eddie Clutton.

Oundle was bathed in sunshine as we rather monopolised the seats and curb-side outside Bean’s for Sunday refreshment.

Breaking up again

The reunion did not last too long though as a smaller group, led by Ian Bird set off to clock up a tonne for the day. Clocking up the best part of a mile in altitude gain, the group came in at an average of over 18.25 mph – not bad for nearly six hours of riding.

The rest of us headed off in dribs and drabs back towards Kettering – still basking in sunshine.

Oundle was bathed in sunshine as we rather monopolised the seats and curb-side outside Bean’s Coffee Shop for Sunday refreshment.

See you next week. by Andy Parker