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NEWARK NOTES from the Secretary

December 2003

An autumnal feel to the air

It seems I usually start with some reference to the weather, and we've certainly had a bit of that lately. But after that summer, we can't complain, can we?

The first weekend in November brought an end to any thoughts of dry summers with a damp, grey Sunday morning. After dodging a few light showers, we reached the café at Sedgebrook just in time to avoid a really heavy downpour. Although we'd intended to go on to South Witham we decided that discretion was the better part of valour, and, after a second round of tea while the rain passed over, returned to base by a shorter route. The following Sunday brought a ride down the vale of Belvoir to Nether Broughton, though as we arrived before noon, we went on to Hose before stopping for lunch.

A week later, the Saturday ride visited the tea room at Gunthorpe, one of their regular watering holes, and met me, out on my own, coming the other way on their way back. Sunday's ride was to Hayton, another destination patronised of old, and was well attended. A good turnout blessed the Sunday ride the next week, this time partly because the atrocious weather on Saturday stopped play that day. Though a similar weather pattern didn't stop only the usual faces turning out the following weekend.

To December, and that means one thing - Christmas dinner. To our relief, the day was quite pleasant, after a week of wet weather, and some of us rode to Belton, where we met up with John Scott at the garden centre café, before returning to Coddington for the serious eating. Once again, it was good to meet up with partners and other members who we don't see so often on rides.

The next week was the first time we'd dumped the runs list. Did it work? Well, we were able to go out into the wind and get blown back, but only Colin and myself turned up and Colin turned back early, having another engagement in the afternoon. I took advantage of the fine weather and got to Gringley on the Hill (and it is on the hill!) before returning home. Verdict? Too early to say.

The Sunday before Christmas brings the Mince Pie Run, and, having missed it last year, I wanted to do it this time. But the forecasts were for northerly gales, not just winds, and snow showers. Would we chicken out again? In the event, the day dawned a bit breezy, but no sign of snow. It turned out to be of those glorious bright clear winter days. Even Colin, who'd intended to turn back at half-time, made it all the way. Glad we went for it, and compliments of the season to everyone else who braved the forecast.

Mike Graham

Page updated 22/12/03