HCC Sunday Social Cafe Ride
The kernel for this Sunday’s ride was formed by Sean’s militaristic fetish. He was keen to go to Seaham to see the sea, no not the sea, the statue of Tommy, a piece of sculpture that serves as a reminder of the hardships endured by the ordinary people when the power brokers go to war. I wondered if there was a term to describe this type of military art but when I researched it for this write up, (I am thorough) all that came up as a description of all things military was the word martial. So could it be martial art? I always thought that was people kicking each other, or big blokes in nappies pushing each other about. Anyway turns out it’s not martial art, it is simply military art. A term first used by a bloke called John Smythe in the late 1500s, so that must have been around quarter to four.
But it was half past nine when Peter made his way to the Golden Lion and he knew that he had to be safely back home by quarter to four because storm Corrie was on its way. But the day had certainly started well, bright and cold with little wind. This had certainly brought the crowds out as there was a proper gaggle waiting for the off. Today there was Sean, Steve, Matt, Peter, Phil and Tony.
Not only was Sean keen to see Tommy, he was also keen to go via Easington and up the hill there. So that’s the way we went. Up and down the various deans on the way to Seaham. Phil turned off at Hawthorn never to be seen again while the rest plowed on to the cafe stop.
Peter and Sean arrived in Seaham first a long way ahead of the others and after some debate, (mainly Sean telling Peter which cafe we would stop at) decided to go down to the harbour. Still no sign of the rest. So back up onto the front to see them coming along. It wasn’t until we got to the cafe that the reason for their delay became apparent.
Steve had lost half of his front wheel in a bizarre twig incident. Matt seemed to be blaming himself for this misfortune but sometimes accidents will just happen. Most people would be in a bit of a flap about this,but Steve is a cool customer and it didn’t put him off his bacon sarnie. Peter suggested that Steve should get the train home as it looked like the wheel could buckle beyond its elastic limit and collapse at any moment. But Steve would have non of it. So we set off on the shortest route home and stuck together. Mainly so we could witness Steve’s accident as his wheel failed in front of him.
Fortunately however we all made it back without further incident, and no doubt we will have a good laugh about this in years to come. Well not much else happens on these rides.
So all in all a good turn out, good company, and proof if its where needed that nobody gets left behind, not even Steve.
Other HCC News
The Thirlwind topped this weeks HCC Strava Leaderboard with 139.6 miles. Phil Wright was 2nd with 125.4 miles and Vanessa Cox in 3rd place with 115.2 miles. This week there were 20 riders put miles on the board. Well done to you 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.