I know its sad but - I had to look at the photo because I couldn’t remember how many of us were there! And it was only due to Robin that I was reminded to take the photo when we half way home!
So the five were,;me of course, Robin, Kevin, Karen and Trish, all cheerful and raring to go, but wary that for some this was the first ride since early or mid December. It was wet on the roads but with little to no wind. Our route took us out along Apy Hill Lane and by the top I was feeling pain! We carried on regardless turning right at the end and then along Long GateTo Old and New Edlington; on into Sprotbrough and across the Falls bridge. We turned and headed towards Caedby - another long drag with me still at the back. I know this is not unusual but not usually this bad - maybe a virus, or a cold on the way!
We regrouped before turning right in Caedby admiring the bikes mounted on the wall and went on to Melton and did a right then left turn in Marr. That bit was interesting as our instructions were “left then right” from Robin at the rear of the group. Foolishly when somebody shouted right here we all turned left into a short cul-de-sac. Not Robins fault this time! Still wrong direction and wrong turning - how we ever found our way !!!!
We were passing Brodsworth Hall when I heard a noise - like a leaf stuck in a rim brake, although mine are the disc variety. With only another mile to go to the café we carried on with men drifting back bit by bit. Still we all got there safely. We found a table - we could have chosen any the place was empty.
Having ordered, eaten and drunk we were ready for off. But before that I turned my bike upside down amongst the empty tables. Robin whipped the wheel off and cleaned the discs just in case that was the problem. We couldn’t see any way to ease the pads off the disc but that was definitely the problem. it was a relief to know that death wasn’t imminent and I could blame the bike!
We need a map to get out and only made it through luck and a lot of shouting. But once outside and on our bikes we headed back towards Scawthorpe and then into Sprotbrough and the falls.
We were a bit spread out as we crossed the river which was a good thing really as we didn’t delay traffic too much. Oh and because only Kevin knew that half way round the hairpin I was still in the big ring and small cog! I made it to a point where I could change to the small ring and a larger cog. Except the big ring was impossible! I didn’t need it but I have one so why not use it in times of peril?
The rest of the journey went well although one of our group, not me, didn’t fancy Tofield Road so there was a discussion! She lost so we went up (dash i shouldn’t have mentioned gender its almost a give away! I was last to the top of course. We had an easy ride back through Balby, Wadworth and Wilsic where Kevin left us to go home. He said he wanted to get his feet warm; with hindsight I don’t know if he was thinking a bit faster might do it, slippers on in front of the fire or his impending trip to India. We tried so hard not to be envious but he probably knew.
Willis to Tickhill is always a race, Karen makes sure of that, so we made good time back to base and said our Goodbyes. It had been a good ride, Sundays will be better because my bike is going back to LBS!
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