We had a good turnout for the club ride to Launde, especially as some of our usual Sunday riders were busy supporting the CTT National Championships at Naseby.  16 riders split into two groups for a hilly ride (well, it is on the borders of Rutland!); a group of 10 riding at intermediate rate of about 23 kph, and a smaller, faster group.  It was great to see the mix of riders working and socialising together throughout the morning.

This week's club ride had a different option for members to consider, with an off-road/gravel route being added to steady and faster road routes.  I took the steadier group, along with a new member and Phil, which worked well after the Thursday evening chain gang had ripped off my legs!  John took the gravel route (see separate post), and a good time was had by all.  A dozen riders had shared themselves between the ride groups, and the weather was again glorious, after a cool start.  All riders met outside at Café Ventoux in Tugby, along with some long-serving members who made their own way there.

Three ride groups enjoyed the sunny (if chilly) April morning to follow separate routes to Cafe Oak at Geddington.  Several potential or new members joined the groups, and it was great to ride with these new faces.  It made me realise just how much socialising we have lost over the last few months, and I, for one, can't wait for that to change in the near future!

Three riders set off as a fast group and two went as a slow group. The rest of us (about 15) went off as a medium group. I think we were fated from the outset, as we managed to get split up in Rothwell but re-grouped near Foxhall after an emergency phone call. Down the road we managed to lose tall Nick and Mijal. We did go back an look for them but without success. Sorry chaps - we really tried to find you.
Even further down the road near Haselbech Arwel had a bit of a tyre pressure crisis. After the application of a few pumps (see photo) the tyre seemed to stay up for the rest of the ride. 
Consequently, we arrived rather late at Cafe Neville when most people had given up and gone home. Still, we had the place to ourselves and the cake was good.

What a miracle - beautiful weather on a Bank Holiday Sunday! We split into three groups, with Nathan, Pete Wilson and Phil Earl going on a fast ride; Eileen and Chris took the slow route and the rest of us bumbled around Cotterstock, Fotheringhay and Kings Cliffe to the cafe stop at Bulwick - about 30 miles. We were joined by James - hopefully a new member, who seemed to have no trouble in keeping up. The 'fast group' rolled in about twenty minutes afterwards and it turned out that Pete had had four punctures. He has now officially asked Phil to rescind the curse. The photo shows delivery of much-needed refreshments.

Another fine morning with a rather Autumnal feel and about 15 riders set off toward our cafe. Had had already ridden from Kings Cliffe, so had about 75 miles to do today, as we were going away from home.
We took the route down through Haselbech toward Cottesbrooke and then through Guilsborough and East Haddon to the cafe, which is attached to a large horse riding stables. The grub was good, so everyone seemed happy.
The return ride went through Teeton and Stratton to Brixworth. When you see a cyclist coming at about 40 mph down the hill that you're about to ride up you know it's going to be steep (and it was). After that a bit of a chain gang formed, which left a few people hanging off the back. Not a good idea if they don't know their way back. Luckily I was there to mop up - perhaps that's my role on return rides. This week's photo is of the group just leaving the cafe.

I think I might have short changed people today, as we arrived at the cafe slightly before 11:00. Never mind, it was a good ride. We were accompanied by Andrew from Telford, who was staying in the area and had emailed me to ask if he could come along on our ride. What a good idea - perhaps more people should do that.
It was a lovely day and we went out via Foxton and Gumley to Mowsley and back through Marston Trussell and East Farndon.
We met up with Eileen and Norman at the cafe stop and were joined, separately, by Peter Nix (looking remarkably fresh after his London-Edinburgh-London epic) and John Dainty on, of course, a single speed.
This week's photo is of Neil enjoying his sausage and caramelised onion roll. Highly recommended apparently (sorry Neil, but I couldn't resist).