Bolsover & District Cycling Club

After wildly exaggerated reports at a recent club meeting that numerous member's were wanting to get back out into our countryside after the "BIG FREEZE" (as reported in the news on a daily basis over the past 2 weeks), me and the father in law, Andy turned up at the Horse and Groom, chucked on an extra layer of very warm clothing, skull caps thermal gloves etc jumped on our bikes and circled the car park in the ritual pre ride faff about while waiting for someone else to turn up.

As the liquid that filled my eyeballs began to freeze and as Andy (who did not have his glasses on) informed me it had turned half past 6 we set off..... all 2 of us. We found the muddiest field in Scarcliffe to ride through followed by a short steep hill, by which time we had received a call from Big Vern, hurrah one more for the ride. We met Vern in Stoney Houghton and completed a circuit including the Teversal and Rowthorne Trails bringing us back into Pleasley before returning to the Pub where the open fire was a welcome sight.

I learned a couple of things following this ride. Firstly never accept any tyres from a relative who claims "I've got no use for them, you may as well have them" as what they actually mean is "These Specialized Supper Sticky tyres are a pig to pedal, it's like trying to ride through treacle, you even have to pedal hard downhill”. Thanks for them Andy, just remember I will have a hand in picking your nursing home and secondly the £50 I spent on a pair of Royal Racing Freeride Trousers that really are water resistant, windproof, comfy, warm and that come up like new on a 30 degree wash was probably the best £50 I have ever handed over to JeJames Cycles.

More riders next week please.