I know that you'll all join me in wishing our friend and fellow club member, Paul Hadley, a speedy recovery following the recent Road Traffic Collision, which saw him sustain a fractured pelvis.
Paul was hospitalised and admitted to the Trauma Unit, but thankfully, has since returned home.
It will be some months before Paul is able to get back out on his bicycle. In the meantime, he would be pleased to receive visitors. Howard has already paid him a visit.
Popping out for fish and chips at 5.50am might seem a little early, but it's not if you plan to get them at lunchtime from Chez Fred at Westbourne, an affluent residential area of Bournemouth. The take-away and restaurant came highly recommended by Mike, which seemed as good a reason as any other to pay Fred a visit and put his fishy fare to the test.
Technical devices primed and with enough lights to illuminate the pier at Bournemouth, we set off full of expectation on Thursday morning.
All day rides at this time of the year can be tricky when trying to resolve the question of what to wear. Dress for later in the day when the sun makes an appearance and you're too cold first thing in the morning and after dark. Wrap up against the elements at the outset, and then by mid-day you're unbearably hot. Leg and arm warmers do help, but it's all luggage that has to be carried.
Mike was a kind of mobile wardrobe. His apparel included a warm jacket with detachable sleeves and even a spare cycling jersey, which he said was in case he needed it. I think this was just Mike covering every eventuality, but I wasn't sure. Did he have an extension in mind which might involve a second day in the saddle, I wondered.
From previous rides together I was already aware that Mike is also a larder on wheels. Fortunately for me, one of his many virtues is generosity and so I knew I wouldn't starve.
We promised ourselves breakfast once we had a few miles under our belt. What I didn't know then and to be fair, neither did Mike, was that the few miles would actually amount to 65. Garden Centres tend to be few and far between on the West Wiltshire Downs and the one we did find hadn't opened yet. We even lowered our sights to a public house serving coffee, still with no joy. I wasn't complaining though.
Belinda's Bakery and Tea Room at Fordingbridge
Mike's suggestion of a stop at Fordingbridge won my instant approval and true to form, he knew just the place. Over a shared generous pot of tea, Mike's savoury pastry and my beans on toast, we planned our assault on Chez Fred.
The platform at Ashley Heath
Between Ringwood and Ferndown we went off-road and enjoyed the Castleman Trailway along the route of the old Southampton to Dorchester railway line closed by Dr Beeching in 1964. It's named after Charles Castleman, a Wimborne Solicitor, who was responsible for building the original railway line.
Back on tarmac we rode the last leg to Westbourne and suddenly there it was, Chez Fred's emporium of flaky cod, golden batter and chunky chips.
We both went for the meal deal consisting of cod, chips, mushy peas and a drink. Much to my relief Mike assumed responsibility for the carrier bag and we rode to a nearby cliff top to tackle the feast.
Looking along the cliff top to Bournemouth
Warmed by the September sunshine and captivated by the seascape, we ate hungrily like kings. Fred was certainly worthy of Mike's high praise.
When every last morsel had been consumed, we triumphantly crushed our disposable boxes, saddled up and cycled along the seafront to Christchurch.
Afternoon tea or in Mike's case coffee, was taken at Heartizans Deli & Cafe in the High Street at Christchurch, which just happened to be another of Mike's old haunts. The tea was of the loose leaf variety, served in a pot complete with a strainer and very refreshing it was too. We were both tempted by the sumptuous looking carrot cake, but decided to abstain.
It was at Christchurch that my Garmin waved a white flag and promptly fell asleep. This left navigation entirely in Mike's safe hands.
Our next stop was at about 5.00pm at Burley in the New Forest. Like a rabbit out of a magician's hat, Mike produced some corned beef sandwiches and plums for us. Cheekily, I asked if there was any cream to accompany our dessert. Had he produced a small pot, I don't think I would have been that surprised.
With the sun still fairly high, we charted a course on Mike's maps for home. A missed turn took us on a different route than that intended, but we eventually managed to regain contact with civilisation at Tidworth.
A garage stop for hot drinks and snacks led to an encounter with a very talkative member of staff.
Having purchased sufficient supplies, we rode off into the night to Marlborough. From there, we took the road to Swindon, later dropping down to Wroughton through Chiseldon.
At the stroke of midnight, with 311km (193 miles) on the clock, we arrived back where it had all started, outside of the Town Hall.
The problem with long distance cycling though, is that as soon as you complete your longest ever ride, you instantly start thinking about the next even longer one. Contentment is never quite within your grasp.
Something of a shadow was cast over Saturday's club outing to Relish when some members heard for the first time about Paul.
Around 14 riders took part. The return leg saw a split with Malc and Mike each leading a group on a different route.
Peter Cattermole reports that he and his friend Karen completed the first Jole Rider Sportive starting from Westonbirt School on Sunday.
A choice of a 30 mile easy route based on roads that we all know and a 70 mile route consisting of 5 major climbs and many, many more minor climbs to add up to over 5,000 feet of climbing. And finally, a 100 mile ride based on the two routes.
They opted for the 70 mile loop which, according to Peter, was an absolute killer. However, they were rewarded with fantastic scenery when they reached the summit of all 5 of the major climbs.
Weather conditions were foggy at the start and cold at the end, but perfect during the rest of the ride.
There was some disappointment with the feed station, which was really only nibbles, but there was always the option, if you so desired, of stopping off at a public house. Curiously, there was only one feed station on the 70 mile loop, but two on the 30 mile one!
The afternoon stint proved to be very hard, but having reached the northern part of the course near Birdlip, it was downhill all the way, bar one or two minor ascents.
Five hours of riding, no records beaten, but very sore legs afterwards!
You can see the 70 mile route here.
And the 30 mile route here.
Performance Cycles Winter Mini-Sportive Series starts again at 9.00am on Sunday 18th October 2015. Ride HQ is at the Cotswold Water Park. Each event is limited to 150 riders. There's a choice of either 45 or 65 miles. Entry is £8.50 and includes a fully signed route, changing facilities, showers, mechanical support, free energy products and hot food and drink at the end.
The other dates are:
Sunday 15th November 2015
Sunday 13th December 2015
Sunday 17th January 2016
Sunday 14th February 2016
Sunday 13th March 2016
For more information and how to book online please follow the link here.
Don't forget though that we have our own winter series.
Our very own Des Milkins captured at Kemble Village Hall last year (well, the back of his head)
Also on 14th February 2016, is the Chippenham Flapjack 100km Audax. A few MCCC members have previously ridden this. If you haven't taken part in an Audax before, this is a great introduction.
Entry costs £9 for non-members and includes hot drinks, flapjack and cake at Brinkworth Village Hall, hot drinks, beans on toast and cake at Kemble Village Hall, hot drinks and cake at Sherston Village Hall and finally, soup and rolls back at Chippenham.
Entry is by post. Further details can be found here.
