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NEWARK NOTES from the SecretaryAugust 2006
Meanwhile, back at the ranch The fine weather was not overdue and was much welcomed, and we enjoyed our usual rides with few incidents. Rides that come to mind were when Colin and I came across a field of Polyanthus by the road through Wasps Nest (anyone out there know how that name came about?), which brightened up an otherwise fairly bland afternoon, and the Saturday ride getting drenched in a thunderstorm on the way back from Navenby, which probably didn't brighten anything up until it reached its current resting place, the "we laugh about it now" folder.
It seemed I'd hardly got back from France when it was time to hit the road for another week off, this time in the company not only of Colin and Brian, but also Nick and Adrian, who I've mentioned before as former Notts riders now in exile. We met up at Leominster YHA, having variously driven across or taken the train, and some of us managed an afternoon ride to Ludlow, bringing back memories for me of when this town was one of my favourite day-ride destinations, when I lived in Redditch. The next day we rode to Brecon, doing the last ten miles or so along the towpath of the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal. We were to stay at Brecon for four nights, due to the non-availability of other hostels, but it worked out surprisingly well. Memories that stand out are the hill up out of the valley on the way to Merthyr, and a similar one near Sennybridge that we had to come down again thanks to a red flag flying at the entrance to an army firing range. Later that day a waitress in a café told us that the flag was always there and that her mum ignored it every day and had never been shot. But Mum did go through... By Thursday it was time to head for Borth, our next destination, and the first part of the day went well, despite the steep hills we encountered. On the final descent into Borth, though, trouble struck. I don't remember what happened as I have no memory of anything from about an hour before the incident to when I woke up in hospital about 24 hours later, which I find quite spooky. I do know that I ended up with a fractured elbow, several cracked ribs, sundry abrasions to various other parts of my anatomy, and a four-inch long chunk detatched from my helmet. I'm always wary of helmet-evangelists as many of them seem to have an ulterior motive, and I know it did nothing for my elbow, but I can't help thinking that that four inch hole might have been in my skull had I not been wearing a "lid" Many thanks to various friends, mostly Newark section riders, who became my taxi service for the next few weeks until I was well enough to ride my bike again, by the way. Two weeks later some of us met up with Nick and Adrian again, at Thurlby hostel. I'd last visited it about a week before it closed, and was interested to see how it had been refurbished. Having spent my time organising the trip, I was decidedly miffed that I couldn't go, as I was in King's Mill having my elbow operated on that weekend. Never mind, perhaps I'll be fit enough to join the section weekend there later this year, which should be about the same time as you read this. If not, I hope you enjoy your time there as much as we did.
Mike Graham Editor's Foot Note Your ed did do the Thurlby trip, together with seven others, and a great time was had by all, including Archie, a YHA virgin in his retirement years. We managed to make the Grainstore Brewery at Oakham in time for lunch after a few minor mechanical problems and tea at the Wymondham windmill cafe. (Note: always test ride your bicycle after maintenance is completed). After lunch saw us riding around the southern section of Rutland Water then east towards Thurlby where we met Nick who had traveled by car and Adrian who arrived after a 99.4 mile ride. Some cyclists I know would have put a "loop" in at this point. Most of us rode into Bourne on Friday evening for an excellent meal at George's Fish & Chip shop followed by suitable isotonic libation(s). Saturday saw us riding around the Rockingham Forest area with lunch at Kings Cliffe and a visit to Fotheringhay with castle in the afternoon. Due to more "technical" problems we didn't arrive back at the hostel until after 8:00pm. Nevertheless we made it to the local hostelry in plenty of time for refreshment. Ed thought that the beer in the Thurlby pub was better than the Grainstore brewery; but what does he know?
Sunday saw us returning via Exton where Adrian left us to make his own way to Newark, and the rest of us, exercising brilliant navigation skills, managed to get to the Grainstore, again in time for for lunch. Nick then made his way back to Thurlby to collect his car and the rest of us made an uneventful return to Newark. Hostel was good; weather was good; cycling was good; company was good; beer was good; what more do you need? A pity Mike, who organised it all, had to miss out. Page updated 28/08/06 |
