HCC Sunday Social Cafe Ride
I don’t know what the collective noun is for a group of cyclists. Peleton perhaps, but that doesn’t count really because it’s French and is best used to describe a large group. Does five people count as a large group? Not in terms of Gov.uk guidance on avoiding spread of the lurgy it doesn’t. But for a HCC Sunday ride it is quite big. Everything is relative I suppose. Anyway it’s not a peleton because that’s French so what would best describe a small group of cyclists. Without swearing that is. Well I thought Gaggle would do it. I’m sure there will be some species that has already claimed gaggle, hens perhaps or stoats ? Well tough, cos from now on it is also being used to describe not very large groups of cyclists.
Today’s ride as usual set off from the Golden Lion and as Peter rode along Dunstan Road for the meet up, he noticed quite a gaggle of cyclists waiting for the 9:30 start. Out today we’re Sean, Peter, Steve and two new lads that turned the small group into a proper gaggle, Matt and another Steve. (Two Steve’s, this could get confusing).
It had been decided to head for the Aviator but instead of going through County Durham (the hilliest county in the country) we had decided to take the low road and keep it flat. So we headed for Wolviston along the A689 and then through Wynyard, rejoining the A689 for a short while with Matt now pushing the pace at the front. We turned off at Butterwick and then into Fishburn. Then it all went wrong. No one had approached the Aviator from this angle before and we had to rely on a passing jogger to help us out with directions. Well, thanks mate is all I would say, cos obviously he sent us the wrong way. But we did get a tour of the NetPark industrial estate, which made up for missing out on the Aviator.
Having visited No 4 in Sedgefield last week, this week we headed for Hardwick Park cafe. Coffee and cakes were consumed along with bacon sandwiches and the seat inside was much appreciated.
The return ride was back past the racetrack and along familiar lanes to Wolviston. Sean then diverted us towards the Tees Road and by now fortunately the wind was on our backs and it was an easy roll back through Seaton. A great ride by all!
Other HCC News
Alan Lang topped this weeks HCC Strava Leaderboard with 126.6 miles. The Thirlwind was 2nd with 117.3 miles and Bryan Blakelock in 3rd place with 110.7 miles. Another wet, cold week which seen 18 riders put miles on the board. Well done to all!
Don’t forget the new season has begun and Club Membership fees are now due. Please submit your forms/fee by Jan 31st, so we can update our members lists and ensure that your are eligible for club events.