Today I took part in my first ever club run.
After considering a few clubs, I plumped for the Tyneside Vagabonds. There were a couple of reasons for joining, the link up with my lot at KB Cycles notwithstanding, they came across as a well organised, friendly and helpful club, with a Saturday “Easyrider” ride just for people like myself, i.e. not up to the Sunday rides but wanting to take part in group rides.
An assortment of people turned up, from newbies like myself to more experienced riders looking for a nice steady ride. I was worried that I’d get dropped on the first climb (hills really aren’t my thing) so for the first few miles I sat at the back under the watchful eye of a senior (but strong) club member. After 2 miles, nature called, so I found myself having to push for half a mile to get back up with the group. Once I was there I caught my breath and settled into a nice, steady rhythm.
The ride started out in Ponteland, a lovely place to live if you can afford it, and went along various country back roads through Capheaton and up to Kirkharle for a cup of tea and a toasted teacake and jam at the Kirkharle Courtyard. The customers already in the coffee shop looked a little surprised to see our procession waddle through the door in our cycling cleats, and some of us were convinced that none other than Sol Cambell was there!
The ride there had given me a little confidence in knowing I wasn’t that unfit I was going to be dropped, so I tried to ride near the front as much as possible, riding alongside the lead rider Elaine, a young lad called Steve, and an even younger lad called Kyle. Don’t get me wrong, I know that all the riders on this club run are fitter and faster than me, but I didn’t want to spend the day at the back!
Also on the ride was a young lady called Lucy, who I remembered from the Barnesbury Hill 21 on the previous Saturday, who completed the 21 mile course in a fantastic time of 1 hour 4 minutes (way faster than I’d ever be able to cover that distance). I was really pleased to hear that Lucy has read my blog!
I was also pleased when our lead rider Elaine told me that I don’t look like I am 18 stone!
So thanks to the Tyneside Vags for making me feel welcome and I look forward to next Saturday!
Glad you enjoyed your ride with the club James (despite the weather!), and well done for taking the plunge - you’d not be the first who was apprehensive about their first time turning up for a club run with a cycling club. Elaine told me you did just fine.
When I first joined up with a cycling club when I started university, I could not complete 14 miles in an hour on my own, so you’re starting ahead of where I was then. Ok, so I’m at the opposite end of the weight spectrum, but on a flat time trial course it’s all about power not weight and I reckon you’ll be going quicker than you think by the end of the summer. Get that tt bike built up!
Thanks, Roger - your comments are appreciated!
I really enjoyed it, was great to meet new people and find out that I’m not as unfit as I thought! Time now to burn fat, lose weight, build power and hopefully start doing those 10 mile TTs!
Look forward to seeing everyone on Saturday!
Still loving reading your blog! I missed last Saturdays ride for a trial run of the VTTA 10 mile time trial, I’ve decided the A1 is not the best place to ride your bike on a Saturday lunch time!! Congratulations on getting into the 17st catagory!
Thanks, Lucy!
Your absence was noted - this week only 1 lady was faster than me! I honestly can’t wait to do a 10 mile TT, but I feel I’m a long way off yet. I’ll aim for next Spring to start.
Wasn’t the VTTA on Sunday? How did you do? I think Kyle was doing it too! I should have come and taken photos and shown my support!
Thank you also re: 17 stone - only another 5 to go!!!
Yes, the VTTA 10 mile was on Sunday but I wanted to ride the course on Saturday. I got a time of 29.55 on Sunday, it was really cold and a horrible head wind on the way back. My sister beat me by 8 seconds, it was very hard to take and I sulked all day! I think Kyle did it in 32 minutes which is really good! Adam Hogarth did it in 25 minutes I think and he is just 15!
8 seconds will hurt off anyone, but being beaten by a family member is always going to be tough - at least it wasn’t 8 minutes! Is this the start of a bitter family rivalry like the Downing brothers?
Kyle impresses me on the Saturday rides, I can’t keep up with him on the hills.
My bike is in the shop having new shifters fitted so I’m on the turbo trainer tonight, it’s just no fun after being outside.
HI James,
I have been reading your old blogs andcame across your referance about Sol Cambell It was him, his girlfriend lives in Hexham and he has just bought a cottage in the area, two pals of mine are working on it,see you soon
Danny.
I thought it was him. He didn’t look impressed with all the lycra clad loonies he was surrounded by. Footballers…