Posted 12/5/2012

Hi Stragglists,

It might have been a bit cold, and later on drizzly, but we got out for a ride and kept to main roads to avoid any debris and standing water that might be lurking along smaller roads. But one of the outstanding pleasures of last Sunday’s route was to travel along the newly resurfaced zigzags up to the café.

On the way back Andrew suffered a rear wheel puncture and we set to work to remove the stony cause, put in a new tube and get on our way only to be arrested a hundred yards down the road by what sounded like a gun shot. Re examining the freshly repaired wheel we discovered a two-inch slit in the wall of the tyre. We could only presume that it was a manufacturing defect – a Friday afternoon job – but it left him stranded and at the mercy of a lift home from one of his daughters. It was a very unfortunate situation that was precipitated by a top of the range tyre that I hope Sigma/Vredestein reimbursed Andrew royally for the inconvenience and potential danger.

Isle of Wight Sportive

Mike wrote to say how much he, Charlotte, Trish and Paul enjoyed the Isle of Wight Sportive last weekend. Although our weather was less than perfect for a May bank holiday, it sounds like it was a good deal better than the offerings that they were subject to. As Mike put it, “we successfully completed the 100K circuit of the IOW. Most of the ride was in pretty atrocious conditions with heavy rain and muddy backroads and, of course, things dried up just in time for the end of the ride! Pleased to have made it around in one piece as some of the downhills particularly were pretty dicey. It's a great ride, very scenic with lots of hills and some more relaxing flat sections. Next year is anti-clockwise (it changes on alternate years) and would be a good one for all Stragglists to put in the diary.” So, if Mike was impressed with the event in those conditions, a ride next year as a Stragglists’ group on a glorious day in May would be well worth planning for 2013.

Sunday’s ride – The May Flyer

This Sunday sees the ever popular May Flyer and we have Stragglists entered into the long and short courses. And, what’s more, the weather is said to be sunny and dry. At last! The suggestion of an 8:30 start has been greeted favourably by those asked so, if you want to start in a Stragglist group, get to Oxshott at about 8:10 – 8:15 and we can set off together. Let’s hope the forecasters have it right and we have a great sunny ride. I think we deserve it after the washout that was the Rumble.

Look forward to seeing those of you who are ‘Flying’ on Sunday.

Happy cycling,

Ray