Saturday 25/11/23 was the first bitterly cold day after the summer; and the weather forecast for Sunday’s ride was a relatively mild 6-7 degrees with possible rain after 1.00pm. Unfortunately the forecast was inaccurate…..
A hardy number of riders met on the morning of Sunday 26/11/23 for the usual outing/s. Considering the weather was a very cold 3 degrees, misty, and drizzly, the A ride began with a healthy number of nine riders (including myself) . The ride was scheduled for Welland Village Hall, to support a local charity, so off we went along Westgate Street, onto the Over Causeway, straight over the Alney Island and on to Maisemore. We didn’t take the usual route turning right at the White Hart, but took the second turning at Church Road past the Village Hall. We proceeded along the Over Old Road discussing the possibility of further flooding along the route, and reeling from the cold wet conditions cutting through our bones. At the junction by the Royal Exchange, we turned right along Broad Street into Maisemore Village. Turning right down Quay Lane the roads were quite slippery and caution was required to safely navigate them, further along it was still “touch and go” if we could get up to Tirley without being diverted by flooding, but luckily, we were ok, the roads showing clear signs of flooding but it was now safe.
At the end of Junction at Ham Road we turned left to continue our journey, however sadly three riders elected to opt for an early hot shower, so the remaining six proceeded to Worcester Road and then first right along Moorend Road. There was no doubt that the weather was still “harsh” and maybe just maybe the three “abandees” may have made the right call, but we persevered along this lane up to the Pendock Road, where another rider who was genuinely carrying an injury decided to head home as well. With the conditions not seemingly getting better the remainder of the group decided to get to the “coffee stop” as soon as possible so the remainder of the published route was abandoned, and we made our way directly along the main road to the Village Hall, without deviation.
The five of us were the first to get to the Village Hall and enjoyed one of the best seats (right under a heater) in the house. It was a stalwart achievement sticking it out but, remembering we still had to ride back!!
NB it would appear that I managed to grasp victory from a more worthy member (in my absence I may add), for a mishap I suffered last week. The “golden crank” award was presented to me and I gratefully accept, but have not as yet, received to cheque to accompany this award, so I am presuming it has been sent via second class post to save money. I will treasure it until it can be passed on to another more worthy competitor next year.
JA