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!