Report from A Group Ride on Wednesday 29th April

 Report from Karl (slower group)

Following a very a short and efficient AGM chaired by Sue F and Dave F, and leaving enough time between the first and second group, I led out the last group of A riders: five of us in total: me, Gill, Dave E, Dave F and Brian. The first and second groups being led by Dave V and Steve D respectively.

Wow, was it windy !  The pictures of the day are deceptive in that the weather looks beautiful, and yes the sun did shine, but the wind would almost knock us of our bikes. This was my first ride as leader, and on the outward leg I found myself riding into a strong headwind out in front of the group.

Due to the AGM taking up the majority of the morning, time allowed only a short ride to our lunch stop at ‘spoons in Epsom, where our small group had some respite from the wind and lunched more than adequately. (I always find it tempting at these times simply to break off the ride and enjoy a couple of more pints of ale with a sticky toffee pudding, but no, as leader one must show example! )

Maybe it  was because we were comfortably fortified, but more likely I think because we were riding along more sheltered routes between houses and trees, the wind was not so noticeable in the afternoon. Leaving Epsom, we cycled firstly alongside the railway line and then through Ashtead common, taking a slight detour to allow Dave F drop of his backpack with his notes from the AGM. Somewhere between Ashtead and Leatherhead, Dave E and Gill peeled off to go their separate ways home, leaving only three of us to continue. A short time later, just as we joined the cycle path alongside the A24 outside Leatherhead, we caught up with the second group led by Steve, and our groups melded into one. Up to Headley, under the M25 and then an undulating descent down to Epsom followed. We avoided the centre of the town by skirting around it passing close by, in turn,  the hospital, Lidl and then into Kiln Lane behind Sainsbury’s and Glynn to arrive at the Flying Saucer Café stop and end of ride in Ewell village Bourne Hall where a cup of tea and some cake was enjoyed by many.

 

 

It was a good ride. I certainly enjoyed it. It leaves me to thank my two subleaders: Dave V and Steve D. Their reports on the day are set out below.

Before finishing, I was asked to report briefly on my thoughts regarding the Spond app as used to invite and enrol members on events (rides). Clive asked me if it was something I would want to try out, and he kindly set up the invite for me. The app then provided me with a template to fill in with details such as the response deadline, the start point and time, and a comment section for general information. I was pleased to note that web addresses (such as a link to the route)  were converted to hyperlinks automatically. The great advantage of the app to me is that it avoids the organiser having to collate and respond to individual e-mails. It is clear also to see who and how many are attending. The app can generate a list of attendees, and this can then be edited and pasted back into the comment section with group information and start times etc.  I found the whole process straightforward and the app easy to use.

Two points worth mentioning: firstly, I had instances of members simply messaging me in the app that they wanted to enrol on the ride. Users need to understand that they need to “accept” the invitation to appear on the ride attendee list. Secondly, if a member has a special request in relation to the event (“slow group please”), it is best entered as a comment within the event as opposed to sending a separate message (outside the event).

I think perhaps my biggest concern as my first time leading a ride, was how exactly would I define the ride and communicate it to others. In short, how would I generate a gpx file of the route ? Fortunately, I managed to do this using the free version of RidewithGPS and create a gpx file without ever needing to leave my PC (although I did recce the route). The gpx file and link to the route on RidewithGPS is easily then copied into Spond. I suspect this process could also be a challenge to other prospective ride leaders.

 

 

Report from Steve D (medium group)

After the AGM where Jennie J was rightfully recognised for all her hard work in the club, leading rides, organising events and food. She has a big heart and is always helping others, John B and Ed S spring to mind. So Jennie deservedly was awarded the Arthur Jessop shield.

So I set off with Simon L, Neil W, Sue C and Gina for a slow ride to Weatherspoons in Epsom. Karl's route was good on mostly cycle paths. What a surprise after lunch when the route carried us on roads I have never ridden before, despite living in the area for 25 years. Considering this was Karl's first lead ride I was impressed by the way the route kept us on safe cycle paths. The only real hill was Lodge Lane, but we met up here with Karl's group. Gina and Sue left us for home, so seven of us had tea and very good cake (I know, I had a Strawberry tart at Bachmann's with my coffee earlier) at The Flying Saucer cafe. Thanks Karl for planning a great route for us around the AGM.

Report from Dave V (fast group)

After an impressively brisk AGM (thanks Sue and Dave F) we (Clive, Dave W & Guy) took to the road in brisk conditions, keen to secure access to the rather sketchy cycle parking in front of Epsom ‘spoons.

En route we took time to divert from the main road for a quieter loop through the Horton Country Park roundabouts, designed to discourage motor traffic.

After lunch we took in Ashtead Common’s thankfully dry cycle tracks, and a hitherto unknown railway level-crossing before heading generally southwards, and downwind, ultimately along the less used A24 cycle lane.

Dave W left us at Mickelham looking for a route home, while we climbed up to Headley, by now into a blustery headwind.

Clive left us for home on the outskirts of Epsom, while Guy and I dodged around the back streets eventually leading to Bourne Hall, where the flapjacks were well received not least for their sugar content, and shortly after we were reunited with Steve and Karl’s groups.