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Dining at The Deep...again!

Sun, 6 May 2012 11:02:06 +0100

I think we had about 17 or 18 at the Alpine start.
This was one big Blue Train taking applause from the local tifosi as we promenaded through Watford precinct and out through Kings Langley to Hemel Hempstead, and onto the Leighton Buzzard Road. Frequent short changes as the front meant that the big pack was motoring without a massive effort being required by anyone. After a few miles it was left up the first climb of the day. Good riding at the front ensured a gruppo compatto at the top. Peter, Paul, and James bade us farewell as they headed for an early bath. We then plunged down over Ivinghoe Beacon, and down into The Flatlands for an inspired chaingang, with everyone riding like pros.

Slapton, Cheddington, and Long Marston all flashed by. The long drag of Aston Clinton took us to Halton and eventually to the second climb of the day up to Chequers. Well, once at the top there was nothing for it but another chaingang down the Rignall Road to Great Missenden. There’s not many roads crafted by architects for the sole purpose of The Chaingang, but this is one of them. Again everyone acquitted themselves well. There were one or two minor points and niggles that needed addressing, and the answers are of course to be found on the chain gang manual.
Also for reference purposes is the paceline manual... essential bedtime reading. The much vaunted Missenden sprint was a formality for Brian who’s fast twitching was so fast he’d victoriously crossed the line while some participants were just starting their sprint. Y’can’t beat an old pro!

Our designated stop at Cafe Twit was packed out with civilians, so we rolled down to The Deep Mill Diner. Ultra fast service with a smile and piping hot food was the order of the day. Bravo girls! I think we were lucky to gain entry to the The Diner after TG’s meltdown on the last occasion, but the staff said they were relieved to notice the errant Gregario was missing from the pack, after he decided to avoid “the-loop-that-never-was”.

Your author rode tempo out of the cafe purely to ensure we weren’t on full-gas straight away. Ian hit the front
out of Amersham and batted up the hill, and over the top, and along, and through Chalfont Latimer, and along again. No respite. The audience behind were waiting for him to flag or swing over, but nothing. You just couldn’t get him off the front.

Once back at Bushey TG was spotted in The Deli having just ordered himself an Apple Strudel and coffee. This seemed like a good idea to your author.

Ross’ first race... and only 53 years old!

Wed, 2 May 2012 21:35:36 +0100

Having competed in lots of different sports, from motor racing to triathlons, I've decided that my next 'mini obsession' is going to be bike racing. So I entered my first race last night at the Theatre of Cycling Dreams (Hillingdon). It was a Masters race (although I don't really know what that means) and seemed to have a lot of riders who looked like they could only qualify as Masters if they were Head Teachers at the local comprehensive! Since when has a Master been about 30, it's bloody ridiculous.

Anyway, a grid formed of about 40 or 50 blokes, with a fair few ladies as well. As Matt has said before, the 1st thing you notice is how fast it sets off. The next thing you notice is how bloody scary it is! Travelling at real speed whilst literally being in contact with people on either side of you for most of the lap certainly keeps you focussed. I soon seemed to get into a rhythm and felt pretty comfortable up near the front of the main group, even chasing down a break at one point, with the help of another guy who came out of the pack.

Just as I was getting a real feel for it the leaders of the peloton starting shouting at everyone to slow down. It seems that about 6 of the girls managed to come down and one of them was hurt enough to require getting an ambulance onto the circuit causing the race to be abandoned after only about 35 minutes.

Nevertheless I was absolutely hooked and really buzzing with adrenaline. I will be looking for my next event as soon as I possibly can. My advice to all of you, and especially some of the younger quick lads now riding with the club, is get your race licence and get out there! It's an amazing feeling and you will learn huge amounts about how hard you can push and how to get confident with your bike handling. I wish I had done it years ago...

Words: Ross Cunliffe

Dining at the Deep Mill

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 20:00:25 +0100

Spring was truly sprung as nine Gregarios reported promptly for Laurie and Tony's gentlemanly ride, all smartly turned out in club colours. Laurie dug out his route planner (or shopping list, it was hard to tell) and at 0938BST we rolled out through Watford, Sarratt and Bovingdon. We had to forcibly remove L & T from the front, where they seemed determined to sit all day but held a good steady pace as we rode Gruppo Compatto behind drawing gasps of admiration from those we passed (really, I don't make this stuff up).
The perilous descent into Chesham confounded our sense of direction and a quick orientation loop up and down the bypass got us back onto the route out to Cholesbury. By this time, the day was warming up nicely and we were able to appreciate the day as we wound our way up to Wendover. There was enough of a hill here to let Mark and James test out their shiny new bikes (both very nice). The pace picked up as we hit the main roads but poor TonyG was suffering drivetrain problems from his temperamental Italian steed - anyone got a 10 speed Record cassette? Despite this, we sustained a pretty nifty session of through-and-off down to the Deep Mill Diner, where we were made to feel very welcome and had a spot-on cyclist lunch and free coffee top-ups.
Back on the road we snuck up Hyde Lane with intent to head to Amersham, and stopped for a photo-op. but a minor navigational hitch looped us back to the A413 so it was more fast (read "steady") work back to Amersham. Along here the group split with Laurie and Peter keeping Tony company and let the others go at their own, presumably much faster, pace. We three arrived back at Bushey Heath before 3pm for a coffee in the sun. Chapeau Laurie and Tony for a civilised day in the saddle.
The route can be seen here http://app.strava.com/rides/5698167.

Words Peter Ward, photos James the kitmeister.

Matt Gray - the second race

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 10:30:45 +0100

For those of you who read my first blog you'll know it didn't go quite to plan. (Or rather as i had dreamt about.)
I arrived slightly latter for this race at the Hog’s Hill Circuit in Redbridge, so there wasn't so much waiting around and a lot less warming up, although it was a lot colder than the first race . With my warm up completed i was on the line a lot earlier than last time and almost up the front. The starter did his thing and got us away, this time i wasn't chasing on the back foot and
was in control of the pace that was being set up front - that was still quick but not as frantic as last time out.

As the pace settled down there were riders vying for position where i would loose a place or two but a hole would open up in front of me and i would scramble to make a place up. The pace would hot up and then back-off every lap, and so far so good until about 20 minutes gone and i found my self inevitably on the back of the large group. Ten minutes of struggling on and off the back when i finally got dropped. This time i had a group to drop back to ,that worked well together.

This worked until the end of the race when there was 5 riders left with 4 of us taking turns on the front and 1 rider from Finchley RC doing no work at all. It was a forgone conclusion as to what was gonna happen in the sprint for the minor places from within our group. i took the Bull by the horns with 2 laps to go and got on the front and pushed the pace as hard as i could. We took the bell for the final lap and i got tucked back in 1 back from the front in the group and sat there until the finishing straight that leads up the hill to the finish, where i took the sprint leading out the rider from Finchley who took me on the line.

I done it, i finished my first race, i took the chequered flag .
Bring on the next one.

Words: Matt Gray Pics: Mrs Matt Gray

Stevenage Summertime Special

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 00:31:00 +0000

Lured by the novelty of the rolling landscape of Herts & Essex 8 fearless Gregarios lined up for the 115 km Brevet Populaire in sunny Stevenage. With a leisurely start time even a hard evening of ‘carb loading’ by Si and friends didn’t get in the way of an orderly start with the Mayor of Stevenage turning up to wave us off.
We soon escaped the town roundabouts and hit the countryside breezing through Walkern, Cromer and Rushden Mill end. A minor detour off route was rectified, accompanied by much fiddling with my Garmin which was as much an irritant as help, with Tim demonstrating more reliability reading the route sheet.
After a swift stop at the Silver Ball Cafe for the first control we swiftly headed east through Reed, Barkway on to Clavering with the sun becoming warmer and the villages prettier and further on to lunch after something resembling a hill/bump at the entrance to at truly picturesque Thaxted.
I say lunch but this was a somewhat swifter stop than a normal club run with the Gregarios basking in the sun outside a pub munching toasted tea cakes and croissant off square plates (posh or what?).
The second half of the ride flew by, literally, as our fellow audax participants dubbed us the pro-peloton. Riding well together, marshalled by Danny, we picked up speed through the sunlit lanes through Henham, Ugley and Rickling Green before the third control at Great Hormead.
The final push saw us shake off a few hangers on including the only puncture in the peloton at Nasty, before we drove on through Dane End, Bennington & back to Stevenage. A slightly odd route via some alley and a cycle path saw a lively dash for the finish. Heroine of the day was Marianne who recovering from illness dug deep to hang on in there as we completed the ride at a very respectable average speed of 16.7 mph. A great start to the summer!
Words: Andrew Bates

The wake up call, Matty G’s racing debut

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 21:53:05 +0000

This year i've decided to try some racing and as I'm someone of a certain age i qualify to race in the LVRC, League of Veteran Racing Cyclists. First race of the year in my region and my fist ever road race was to be in the Ciclos Uno Hog Hill Spring Series (Event 1) on Sunday 11th March. This was a crit race that lasts 1 hour + 5 Laps. I've done plenty of sportives and signing on for one of these is no different than signing on for a cycle race but that's where the comparison stops.

I got out onto the circuit about 30 minutes before the start for a warm up and to get used to the circuit. Today was on the lower circuit that is primarily flat but with a couple of slight rises.
Everyone was warming up together and the group got bigger and bigger as more people turned up, and the pace was getting quicker and quicker. Little did i know how fast it would get up to in the race. I naively imagined that i would struggle but finish in a large group when the race finished. Then i had The Big Wake Up Call!

Danny gave me some good advice all of which turned out to be either valuable or it actually happened in the race.

The starter called everyone to the start line with 2 minutes to go and we were given a few instructions about the race. At this point i was about half way back in the bunch from the start line. Then all of a sudden the starter shouted “Away you go boys”, and all hell let loose!
The only way i can describe the race is, if you've watched pro cycle racing on telly and the contenders who are most likely to win want to blow as many people off the back as possible, this is what happened. Straight away the peloton was strung out and my heart rate maxing out almost straight away. I lasted 5 laps before getting dropped, so much for finishing in the pack!

By this time I was a mere observer in the race which quickly split up into a few bunches. I managed to get into one of these - and this was great preparation for the next time out.

Even though I really struggled in my first race - and i suffered immensely in those first 5 laps, I learnt loads and can’t wait till the next one which as it happens is this Sunday the 23rd March.
Bring on the suffering!!
Words: Matt Gray Pictures: Mrs Matt Gray

Dragos’s armchair ride

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 11:35:55 +0000

We started as a group of 13 riders heading out through the unusually hilly opener of South Oxhey, Northwood Hills, Harefield, Chalfont St Peter and Hedgerley, Bourne End and over The Thames at Cookham bridge.
In no time at all we were climbing the three steps to the summit of Winter Hill, then down the North side of Winter Hill, the nearest thing we have to an Alpine hairpin bend, and across The Thames again at Marlow bridge. This is where “Tony The Loop’s” first loop would begin climbing gradually on small lanes to the high plateau of Freith, and then heading back with a couple more loops thrown in for good measure, before finally landing at the excellent Cedars Café in Marlow for a quick snack attack.

The helpful staff unfortunately managed to completely forget about debut rider Aussie Johnny2’s food requirement, so the tough antipodian took a couple of bites out of a table leg and announced he was “good to go”. The four mile climb to Freith was taken at tempo, then dropping steeply down from Lane End to West Wycombe we started the feared climb of Lacey Green. Once on the Rignall Road this is where Dragos the Transylvanian rocket was given an armchair ride (see picture). Once Dragos had rested sufficiently we headed into Great Missenden, and from there a swift bash home down the main road for an après ride coffee at Hatch End Fellini’s.

Hardriding Gregarios... and Route33.

Sun, 26 Feb 2012 08:17:15 +0000

As a sunny spring morning broke over the fields of Potters Bar, four men appeared on their two wheel beasts, clad in dazzling blue from the Gregarios Superclub. Their aim, to conquer the famous North Road Hardriders 25m TT.
The line up consisted of around 85 riders who would start off the line at one minute intervals. Representing the Gregarios were Chris Shepherd, Mark Ambury, Matt Gray and David Shannon. The car park was a hive of activity with contenders sizing each other up, spectators salivating over unattended time trial machines and the drone of turbo trainers made all for a very daunting task ahead.
The route would take us from Potters Bar through Epping green, Brickendon Green, north towards Hertford, kicking back south, homeward bound past Essendon and back to HQ. The course was unrelenting and we were faced with hill after hill. Knowing that you could be over taken any minute was quite disheartening. I can only convey my experiences (CS) but I thought I was doing well when I passed a competitor 2.5 miles into the race only 3 minutes later
to be rudely overtaken by another contender. I knew then that my chances of winning were futile. Further around the course, I managed to pass two more riders struggling on the hills. As I reached the final five miles, my legs were starting to seize up and I was reduced to using the smaller chainring. The final hill climb through Essendon was lined with spectators at the crest of the hill. As they spotted the blue jersey, a voice cried out ‘DO IT FOR DANNY’ Immediately out of my saddle I dug in deep and rode over strong towards the finish line two miles ahead.

The Gregarios put in an impressive show with respectable times as follows:
Chris Shepherd     (S)     1hr 12’ 49’’
Mark Ambury       (V)     1hr 14’ 00’’
Matt Gray              (V)     1 hr 22’00’’
David Shannon    (V)      D.N.F – due to a mechanical failure on the head set (Bad luck Dave)

Times for the Veteran riders were not including Handicap times.
The winner put in a top time of around 57 minutes which was unbelievable considering the amount of climbing there was to do. As we stood around and discussed our personal accounts with a coffee in the hand at H.Q, a huge feeling of achievement filled us all and we hobbled off back home with smiles on our faces.
For the full results check out the website at www.northroadcc.org.uk
Words: Cris Shepherd

Editor’s footnote:
Calm down, calm down, “Cris The Kick” has already been reprimanded for inappropriate attire in the armwear department. The Kick has promised me that he will never put speed before style again. Well done guys, and bad luck Dave.

And the Club Run... Route33?
Well it all seems a bit tame now after that report from the racing lads. On a sparking day we rode the first half of the famous Route66 Course. First climbing up to Potten End only to find Ross The Boss had taken a day off and was nowhere to be found. We then composed ourselves and headed up the Bridens Camp climb and wiggled about on lovely quiet lanes bypassing Harpenden for a short but very scenic loop with great vistas, which eventually brought us back into Harpenden. After negotiating the French Market we found our way to the newly discovered and delightfully airy Bluebelle Cafe. After hooking up with BB Paolo and the training group fine fare and coffee was consumed and banter was flying. Most of Paolo’s gang deserted him and opted for an easy ride back while Paolo escorted Laurie & TG who were also keen to trim 3 miles from the return leg. The Club riders enjoyed a final and quite early leisurely coffee back at Bushey Deli.

Gradients, inclines and adversely sloping tarmac.

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 20:01:10 +0000

Another great turnout for the Blue Train at the Ickenham Guide Hut for the Willesden Reliability Ride today. Around 12 Blue Train jerseys were joined by various assorted, wannabes, triathletes, and banditos for the tough route around Bucks, totalling close to 73 miles. It was a pretty cold start but nevertheless a beautiful day greeted us as we rolled away from the line in our Gregarios’ peloton.

It was really a ride of two halves; the first being mostly rolling with a few longer drags taking us out past Wendover to the start of the tougher second half. This was regularly punctuated with some pretty tough climbs up onto the Ridgeway and the Chiltern Hills. Passing through Chesham we picked up a Quest groupetto and they were latched on the back limpet like from Chesham until Butlers Cross where one of their riders punctured just as they were about to come through and give us a hand.

Our group were riding really well together and I seem to remember Danny mentioning our tactics on a couple of occasions, it was something like "easy on the climbs and tempo on the flats". In fairness to our Musical Maestro, Troubadour and 'King of the Road” (sung by Roger Miller in 1964 but Danny would know that) without his guidance we would never have stayed together and the group would have exploded much earlier, good work Danny!

Unfortunately, the ride was held up a number of times due to punctures, but the group waited patiently and continued to ride Gruppo Compatto. First category Bledlow Ridge came and went, a flooded road passed under wheel, the dreaded Hors category Smalldean Lane was conquered, and the Col du Speen with entertainment provided by an apres pee Ian Curran falling and somersaulting out of a hedge, and then the first category Cryers Hill. The only exception to this was when your poor author punctured at the bottom of a descent and was promptly left behind! Clearly having created many friends in the peloton.......

Fortunately I rejoined when there was a regrouping in Speen.
A further split in the group occurred due to the shout of “right turn” being confused with “puncture”. The steadier part of our group headed homeward, while we waited for them to mend their “imagined” puncture.
Well done everyone who rode today.
Words: Ross Cunliffe

Editor’s notes:
The tranquillo group headed through Penn Street and Winchmore Hill riding gently so that the other part of the group could catch us after they missed the right turn, not realising they were waiting several minutes for us to fix an imagined puncture. Never mind, it looked like they were intent on trying to sting our legs in the closing kilometres anyway.

At the back end of the ride we were going so well that we floated up the penultimate climb of Bottrell’s Lane, and had a super smooth chaingang from Chalfort St G to Gerrard’s Cross. Luvely jubbly.

This ride had one more sting in the tail, the Col du Harefield tackled from the Southside. Once at the summit a further chaingang, and from the foot of Icy Hill a big tow from 2nd claim Gregario Sean B who was clearly just scratching the surface.
Taking the descent of Swakeley’s Road in our stride we were soon tucking into tea and goodies back at race HQ. Ross The Boss greeted us on arrival, after somehow overtaking us without being seen, how does that work?

Footnote: If you’re a rider that missed this event in favour of reconnoitring The Hardriders’ course... you gotta be kiddin’ me dude!

The stats:
3,501 feet of climbing
72.7 miles.
4:28 riding time.
16.3mph

Ride Minus Zero

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 20:38:30 +0000

Well almost. On a cold cold morning a tad above zero, but not much, a dozen assorted Gregarios opted for “the alternative ride” as suggested by Big Bad Paolo. This being the ride that was an alternative to “no ride at all”. We assembled outside London Zoo on Regent’s Park outer circle at the civilised hour of 10am. Just as we were about to depart BB Paolo gave us a period of grace by announcing a deflation. After some energetic pumping and a certain amount of banter from the many passing pelotons we were eventually off.

A brisk but civilised pace ensued, certainly fast enough to keep warm. Balaclavas and face hankerchiefs gave us the ciclo-bandito look, and kept us one step ahead of the men in blue. Considering the temperature perhaps it should have been the men in white.

For several laps we cruised the circuit in two neat stylish blue lines, with short changes on the front. Your author had the prized start position of L2 which mean that it was just coming up to my turn on the front after 11 changes when Paolo announced a right turn out of Regent’s Park in the direction of Hampstead. In the jostle for the exit I managed to drop back a few places so as to attack the West Heath Road climb from the back of the group, and that’s where I almost stayed. After a regroupment (thank goodness) at Hampstead Pond we headed for The Spaniards and Highgate, down Highgate Hill, and hanging a left we then hit the fearsome climb of Swains Lane.

This was a bad climb from every aspect, a) climbing past a cemetery when you’re on your last legs, b) climbing at the back when the front of the group is moving faster than you are, and all you can do is examine a widening gap,
c). looking for that extra lower gear when you’re already on the bottom cog.

Once we crested this obstacle it was all downhill through Archway, Crouch End (I think), and into the City where we stopped at the very excellent Look Mum No Hands, probably the best cyclists’ cafe around. It was really busy, locks were provided for customers (how’s that for service), and soon we were tucking into very hot beans on toast and particularly good-egg of the scrambled variety. Also, it was unanimously agreed that the coffee was well above average.

We all went our different ways on the way back with a small groupetto heading for the hills of Hampstead, where your author’s limo was parked. Two and a half hours quality riding in effervescent company on a bloody cold day, plus a quality snack n coffee, what more could you want?!

A Sunday quest

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:18:37 +0000

As the cycling throng assembled at the Ickenham Guide Hut
for the local season-opener the Quest Reliability Ride, it was decided that Cris The Kick was to ride with the fast group, kitmeister James was going in the intermediate group, and the remaining nine Gregarios and second claim Gregario Sean B were to form our own exclusive peloton with the accent on “riding on effort”. The plan was to throttle back on the climbs and up the pace on the flats with regular changes, but overall... style rather than speed..

Off we went up Swakeleys Road with Si and new Gregario John Mitchell on the front and ripping our legs off! They were soon calmed down and a steady pace then ensued. Good progress was made with the group working well together. Bourne End and Cookham went by and soon we were standing on the side of the road to watch Ian C mend the first puncture while several large packs of riders blasted past us. What could we do but wait. And wait. And wait. Fifteen minutes later we were off again. Dropping down the hairpins into Marlow and on to the four mile climb to Freith.

Phill H and Brian J set a steady pace up the climb with Sandra the Eagle of Sarratt taking over for the final bumps to Lane End. A speedy drop down to the A.40, and then we were upping the pace in the direction of Bradenham while mopping up 2nd claim Gregario Martin Fry as we approached the climb. Martin’s old lady Julie had apparently gone on ahead and left him to the vultures.

The pace on the 2nd category climb of Bradenham was very civilised and we all crested the summit in good shape mopping up yet another 2nd claim Gregario Marianne H on the way. We were then ready to go full-gas on the flatter roads to Great Missenden. Actually the next three miles to Lacy Green were deceptively tough on a slight incline. It was a struggle trying to coax more speed out of the peloton, several cries of “we’re all up” to no avail, but we eventually started driving along the Rignall Road with a decent chaingang with everyone tapping through until the next obstacle, the climb up to Holmer Green. The scenic Penn Bottom road provided the usual obstacles of potholes and poor surface, but nevertheless an exhilarating blast mopping more riders up as we started the Knotty Green climb to Beaconsfield. The chaingang was at times compromised a bit by random riders that had joined our group but didn’t know what they were doing. A polite request to “ride at the back please” was heeded and The Order Of The Chaingang was restored.

The group knitted together better and better as the ride progressed. On through The Chalfonts... St Giles and St Peter and in two flicks of a gear lever we’d mopped up a mini-Quest remnant pack. After a bit of heckling by a fizzing Paul Dodd we were rolling through Denham for the final few miles to the Ickenham finish and a well earned cuppa.

Sean B was the outright winner of the “most pee stops” jersey, and showed his true class by getting across to the group after each stop.

During the apres-ride debriefing it was agreed that this was a good event; well organised starting format, sign posted throughout, a scenic yet tough course, and a spacious event HQ with top scoff at the end. What else d‘ya want?

Riding times:
Our group 3 hr 59
Kitmeister James 3 hr 52
Cris The Kick excelled himself in the fast group with mentoring from 2nd claim Gregario Graham Owen. Time 3.40... now that’s what I call motoring.

We’re still waiting for the blog report on The Club Ride from Bushey. Come on, let’s be ‘avving one!

Can I get out of this headwind now?

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 08:49:24 +0000

The “Club Section” set off with 8 members in a northerly direction for “a moderate loop with lunch in Chipperfield” on what turned out to be a bit of a TT Special. Keeping a nice ordered group we set our faces to the lively North Westerly wind and wound our way through Radlett, the western edge of St Albans, Gaddesdon Row and Kensworth. Your author, on his first full day outing since the Christmas Pudding season was by this stage already hoping for a left turn that was not followed by a right one, and for an announcement that we were due for the lunch stop in half an hour. Innocently asking the day’s Navigation Officer Tony T where Chipperfield was, and finding out that it is actually only 10 miles from home and that Lunch wasn’t for another 2 hours, teeth were gritted, (mainly by the wind whipping dirt off the ground) and we were rewarded by the amazing view at the top of Dunstable Downs. This was quickly forgotten as we struggled to stay on the correct side of the road in a fierce crosswind. Twenty miles later and the tough (in that wind anyway) flatlands near Leighton Buzzard behind us, we finally turned homewards at Wingrave. A modicum of sideways wind assistance, and we soon rolled through Tring. The “Gruppo Compacto” look suffered slightly on Hastoe Hill and your author and the Navigation Officer went right, while the remaining 4 went left in a cunning move which placed them second up the hill, yet in the lead...
At this point, being kitmeister, I thought that as we had road tested the winter kit, we should also carry out an unscheduled tarmac test on it. I am pleased to report that although I sustained minor road rash and a couple of bruises, the winter jacket and bib longs are still in excellent condition.
The two fragments of the club ride rejoined just before Bovingdon, and rolled to the attractive village of Chipperfield where at a late lunch at Blackwells, we discovered that the Training Section group had already arrived (two hours earlier) and departed. Fortified by the knowledge that we’d suffered for longer for our dinner, a variety of tasty meals were consumed, including a first outing for a cheese sandwich and chips for yours truly and the “lunch of Champions” (two snickers Bars and some coffee) by David L.
The group remounted and rolled back (with a few aggressive tea fueled attacks from TT and BJ) towards Watford where three took the high road to Bushey Heath and three took the low road via Old Redding. I have a feeling that given the tired legs, the three on the low road got home first.
A tough but satisfying day....
Route here: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/143739808
Words: James McRae

Bayford bound

Sun, 8 Jan 2012 16:43:02 +0000

In spite of the dull drab day that greeted us, there were over 20 Gregarios chomping at the bit at The Alpine waiting for the starter’s gun.

We split into the formatted two groups. The Training Group comprised of five super-badasses, and apprentice badass former L’Etape du Tour gold medallist Ian Curran. Ian gave us a confident knowing wink, so it looked like the Teeside hardman and veteran of multiple wasp incidents with multiple wasps was going to kick ass on his steel mudguarded machine.

Off they went followed by your author in the Club Ride group of fifteen or so stylish riders. It was good to see last week’s heroic new guy Jeremy back for more, and new new guy Edward ready for a ride with North London’s finest. Under the guidance of Tony “The Loop” we headed out through Radlett. Unfortunately no sign of any Radlett Princesses today. Out through Shenley, South Mimms, Brookmans Park, plummeting down Essendon, onward to Panshanger, Tewin, and I don’t know where. The loops kept coming and we kept riding ever onwards, I know not where. Our pack of finely trained riders maintained a compact formation taking every undulation twist and turn in our stride. Eventually after another scenic loop or three we were in Hertford and heading out in Bayford direction. There was a mini-selection on the climb as the compassionate half of the group awaited back-markers, as the rest of the riders launched a futile escape bid which was quickly foiled when they discovered that they didn’t know where they were going. In truth they were going nowhere, and were soon back on The Train.

The Col du Newgate Street signalled that we were almost in Potters Bar, and before long we were piling the bikes up outside The Cafe Brunch. Teeside hardman Ian Curran was already in situ having hammered and dropped the Training Group. Well... it would be nice to think of that fairy tale ending, but in fact all the rufty tuftys were in the cafe together scoffing their brunch. They had in fact covered a few more miles than us, but nothing of any consequence at all, and certainly not as stylishly. The Cafe Brunch got a unanimous thumbs up and triple “G” award for no-nonsense good quality fair.
The trip home was via Elstree, and uneventful. Distance approximately 55 miles.

ROAD TESTED: Deboyo Flask
With the chilly winds blowing ‘cross the frozen lake it was time to test my new purchase, the particularly bling Elite Deboyo Thermal Bike Flask. The purpose of this item is to give you a nice toasty drink instead of an ice cold one.
The standard bidon style mouthpiece meant you could drink on the go, it had a hygienic cover cap, the bottle needed to be tilted as the stainless steel case could not be squeezed.
A pre-ride indoor test the day before indicated that it could keep beverages scalding hot for hours. So not wishing to scald myself during the ride I played it safe and added 15% cold water to my hot hot hot 500ml drink of Jasmine & Green Tea plus electrolyte and a dash of honey. Yummy. The drink stayed hot and warm throughout the ride even though I could have made it hotter. So, I can now confirm in a nutshell the Deboyo does what it says on the tin, a nice warm drink on a cold ride.

Happy New Year

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 10:21:06 +0000

As half expected for the New Year’s Day ride, being party animals most of the club hadn’t even surfaced in spite of the especially late 10 am start.

However and nevertheless nine bushy tailed Gregarios and guest rider Jeremy did strike out through South Oxhey, Moor Park and Maple Cross moving smoothly along direction Chalfont St Giles, with regular changes on the front until recent Gregario David W announced the first deflation of the day after hitting a pothole. David was timed on his repair and scored a “6” but was only awarded a “4” on packing his bits n pieces back into his saddle pouch. Room for a little improvement in the packing category, and hoping for faster times on the next occasion.

Up through the Col du Chalfont (St Giles) with Phillipetto and Geordie Mark hitting a helpful workmanlike tempo on the climb. On through the top end of Beaconsfield. The scenic Penn Bottom road, marred only by the poor road surface took us eventually across the great divide of the Hazlemere - Amersham Road to Holmer Green continuing with slick changes at the front.

From there it was fast roads to Prestwood, dropping down to Great Missenden and up ever upwards on the feared climb of the day, Frith Hill. Puncture victim David now found himself stuck in the big ring but managed to lumber up the climb with Gregarios mobile mechanical support Ian C in close attendance. Once over this obstacle we were zipping downhill into Chesham for a welcome coffee n’ tasty pastry at Caffe Nero, joined by Tony “The Loop”. Tony had been out since 8.45 enjoying the deserted roads and getting as far as Waddesdon... that’s total badass.

The short return ride was straight back along the Chess Valley road, which is sadly and badly in need of a fresh coating of nice black silk tarmac. Marianne and Phill(ipetto) skilfully avoided this by heading Hemelbound and homeward. As expected, the bump at Chenies got some of the riders over-excited, but after a regrouping at the top we proceeded back in orderly fashion just catching a bit of rain in the last mile.

50 enjoyable miles covered, just about right for the day, no end of ride coffee stop due to the fact that open cafes were nowhere to be found, and we were all damp.

Bravo to new guy Jeremy who was on the pace throughout on his first club ride.

A day for the bravehearts

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 11:24:48 +0000

As it happened 10 brave men and true braved the sub zero starting temperatures for a pretty straight out and back to Ivinghoe Beacon.
There was a real multinational feel to the group with a French, Italian, Anglo-Asian, Geordie mix. Sticking to the main roads to avoid the ice. We set a steady pace through Watford Kings Langley and the Magic roundabout at Hemel. Big Paul resplendent on his lurid green single speed hit the front with Amit on the Leighton Buzzard Road and the pace inevitably lifted a notch or two causing a bit of pain for some of our guests. The left turn at Edlesborough saw us start the climb up to the Beacon into the teeth of an icy headwind.A regroup at the snow dappled summit was followed by a fast run into Berko for a much anticipated coffee stop, with Costas providing warming beverages but no well done toast and beans!!! The speed was really up on the way home as we smashed down the A41 a right at Bedmond saw us take the second climb of the day up to Bovingdon with Geordie Mark pushing a huge gear up the long drag (part of his winter strength training apparently). Chipperfield and Chandlers Cross were negotiated as the thermometer soared to 4 degrees1 just like a Late August evening in Whitley Bay according to Mark.
Your author left the boys at Watford and was back home for 1.30pm......... very civilised for a winter ride!
Words: Paul Lincoln

Xmas comes early for The Gregarios...

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 22:35:29 +0000

The Gregarios Superclub Ciclista Xmas Ride n Lunch was greeted with a damp squid of a day. Nevertheless our intrepid group of 22 left Hatch End for a civilised journey through Chalfont St Peter, Jordans, Seer Green, and Chalfont St Giles before winding through the lanes to Pamela’s excellent “Eat Inn” at Little Chalfont. A warm glow awaited us at this most excellent eatery. The tables were graced with nibbles which were immediately devoured. Soon we were onto the first round of coffees to be followed after some deliberation by a round of cakes, followed by the second round of coffees. In the cake department it was certainly a world class cupcake, that I can personally vouch for.

After a leisurley ride back via Moor Park we soon were ensconced in Fellini Cafe enjoying a fine Xmas Lunch together with The Jimster, Gourmet Pete, Geordie Mark, and Johnny Edwards all of whom had for one reason or another swerved the ride. The Fellini fare proved to be totally tasty yet inexpensive. A good time was had by all and great future plans were hatched.

The assembled gathering toasted King Of The Mountains winner Tony Taylor, and runners up Dragos the Transylvanian Express, and Tim the Mountain Diesel were also acknowledged by the assembled throng for their fine performances.

A ride to the end of the world...

Sun, 4 Dec 2011 20:56:17 +0000

On a grey and dismal day a fine array of Gregarios, prospective Gregarios, and soon-to-be Gregarios assembled at The Alpine for a jaunt to end of the world. Well that’s not entirely true, the destination was The World’s End Garden Centre near Wendover.

The rufty tufty fast group consisted of Ian 2, Geordie Mark, Chris The Kick, and Ross the Boss. Major badasses the like of Big Bad Paolo, and Johnny the Highland Axeman were absent. It also appeared that former badass Richard may have relegated himself to the club run, with his other half Katherine being under strict instructions from him to hold her line and ride directly behind him on the back of his rather exotic tandem, while Richard was himself under further instructions to ride behind the club run – with riders being allowed to drop back and collect any words of wisdom should they require.

The Training group set off towards Bushey while we headed West down Old Redding, Moor Park, and Maple Cross ‘gruppo compacto’ with turns being swapped and surprisingly TG appearing at the head of the peloton as we started the climb up towards Chalfont St Giles. Through C-St-G and new guys Glen and David started the climb immediately showing daylight between themselves and the pack, and had to be urged to “calm down, calm down” as we started the 3rd category climb of Coleshill.

Richard and Katherine had by this time headed off for a flatter more tandem-friendly route. Onwards we pressed waiting for the temperature to rise but still no sign of that. Through Penn Street, and then down into Penn Bottom only to be faced with the steep ramp of the Col du Penn up to the main Amersham-Wycombe road. New guys David and Mitchell headed for an early coffee in Amersham while the diminishing pack chipped on through Holmer Green, down into the depths of the Hughenden Valley and hit the feared inclines of Bryants Bottom where many dreams have been crushed on previous adventures.

An under trained TG was psyched out at the very mention of “The Bottom” and immediately relegated himself to a yo-yoing roll on the climb, only making contact at the summit.  
Whiteleaf was taken in the best way possible… downwards. Then it was across to Caddesden and onto the flatlands where a smooth chaingang ensued – more style that speed – eventually reaching The World’s End Garden Centre at around 12.15 with 37 miles on the clock.

The training group had beaten us to it once again in spite of covering 44 miles to our 37. We can only deduce that our route must have much harder than theirs.

The World’s End Café was cavernous but was nevertheless absolutely mobbed out with pre Xmas civilians on grotto visits or shopping outings. We decided to roll on to somewhere where we could both eat and sit…. The Deep Mill Diner!

Another 20 minutes riding with Tony “The Loop” at fine tempo heading the paceline down the main road, and we were parking our bikes at The ‘Mill. Phil and Marianne showed us what true badasses they are by heading home without even stopping. Wha? Anyway, it was decided that our refreshment rest was well earned and a varied selection from the menu was ordered. Your author requested the “special” of well-toasted toast garnished with particularly hot beans, which was provided without incident. In fact the only incident came when TG’s B-O-T hadn’t arrived quickly enough for him. Incandescent with rage he launched into the waitress, and at one point during his tirade it looked like she was about to deck the moody Gregario. Fortunately he was spared a good battering and his B-O-T was delivered to him without further skirmish.

Setting off in one group we turned off the main road to climb up to Hyde Heath. Chris The Kick, Glen, Amit and TG with a last minute change of resolve, headed directly back to Amersham as they didn’t want anything to do with Tony’s “long” route back. Funny that, because after a quiet return ride through Little Chalfont, The Skillets, and Moor Park we emerged at the top of Watford Town just as TG came through the lights. The end of ride coffee was at the Bushey Deli. Job done. 64 miles.

And.... The Training Ride:
Having responded to Danny's impassioned plea for a volunteer to lead the training group and having beaten off stiff competition, I got the nod. Hours were spent with pieces of string and OS maps before I discovered trailzilla and together with ETAs, way points, average speeds and a good dose of guesswork our route was planned. On the day I was in select bad-ass company with just Ironman Ross, Geordie Mark and Chris the Kick taking up the challenge - clearly there was going to be nowhere to hide. We set off at a brisk pace past the arches and on to Croxley Green, through Chipperfield and Bovingdon and via Ashley Green to Berkhamsted. We descended fast into the town and, just to keep everyone on their toes, out the other side up White Hill - let's say it's steeper than it looks on trailzilla. As usual Mark was strong all day on the hills, Chris put in some awesome gravity defying attacks out of nowhere and you wouldn't have known Ross was under the weather from his performance. At this point we were heading directly for Ross's front door and the pressure was on to invite us all in for coffee but he was to breathe a sigh of relief when we veered off north just in time over Ivinghoe Beacon and round to Aldbury. Having turned South West through the village and on towards Wigginton we hit the headwind and the grind up Hemp Lane (this was a training ride after all). With all present and correct at the top we continued through Cholesbury with the gradual ascent all the way to the top of Aston Hill. Eager for our appointment at Santa's Grotto we made the steep descent down to Wendover and arrived at The World’s End just a few minutes ahead of the club ride. Not bad timing after 44+ miles.
words: Ian N

Reluctant hero

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 20:42:13 +0000

Heading his very first routemeistering expedition Laurie G confirmed a ride to The Deep Mill Diner would not be direct, and that the added-value of the ride would be an early return. This event was much awaited, long awaited really… about fifteen years to be exact. Anyway with an air of assured confidence Laurie announced that we would set off “that way” pointing in the direction of Watford. In no time at all he had us on country roads enjoying the scenic lanes to Flaunden. Skillfully he bypassed Bovingdon, we then chugged through Chesham, and on towards Cholesbury. “Watch out for The Lee” he instructed us, and eventually we hung a left following a by now signposted route to The Lee. Onto the newly surfaced “black silk” tarmac, and we were soon at Little Heath crossroads. At this point Richard started pedalling air as his freewheel gave way under his immense power. “This can’t be right” he said, but unfortunately it was. The former badass was now relegated to shamefully being pushed by The Slow Group. Fortunately we were only one downhill mile to the station at Great Missenden. The mole of this sub-story is that although it’s the slow group, there may be some fast riders in the slow group who are merely riding slowly. Once Richard was duly delivered to centreville Gt Missenden it was a mere two miles to The ‘Mill” where we had a long wait for the Training Group who has suffered mechanical incidents, punctures, and many hills on their 52 mile journey.

Laurie announced that he was heading back early, still owing us “half a ride”, while we all eventually rode back en mass directly to Bushey.

Laurie G excelled himself on his adventure, and buoyed with success vowed to never ever again be daunted at the prospect of routemeistering. Result!
Who’s next???

Mice n Men

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 21:07:00 +0000

The best laid plans of mice n men often go amiss. There were no mice involved today, no mice were harmed on the ride, but the ride schedule certainly went amiss.

Sixteen Gregarios lined up for the start with Matty G gamefully routemeistering the Training group in the absence of Big Bad Paolo.

The Club Ride pack of 12 set out in a cold and spooky mist out through Letchmore Heath, and Radlett where Simon provided the first break with an early puncture. Soon we were continuing through Park Street, Chizwell Green, Sandridge, and through the ford at Waters End which was fortunately bone dry. Over the ford and up the 3rd category Water End climb where your author went backwards, and on through Ayot St Peter where we started the first of Tony “The Loop” Taylor’s loops. As if we hadn’t had enough Ayots this loop took us to Ayot St Lawrence past Shaw’s Corner – but George Bernard was nowhere to be found – down Bride Hall Lane and right at the T junction. Big mistake! We should have turned left, so 3 miles down the road we about turned and retraced back on through to Codicote where the rufty tufty Training Group had only just beaten us to the café by a matter of seconds – for the third successive week! Bah!.

After a leisurely coffee stop we’re just about to go when Andrew of Ealing provided us with an extended stop by announcing a puncture. As he was a-mending we were all admiring Chris The Kick’s stunning Pinnarello when he pointed out that his headset was a bit loose. Big mistake! After we started fettling with his steering column various parts disappeared down the head tube stubbornly refusing to be coaxed back out! Eventually after a 30 minute wrestling match with Chris’s bike we rolled out.

This time it was one big group with the rufty tufty boys insisting on joining the club ride. Another big mistake… for the club riders anyway. Half the group were left behind over the early climbs junctions and roundabouts. There was a re grouping, but not before the unsuspecting club riders had chased at full gas for several miles through Whitwell, Kimpton and Wheathampstead attempting to get back on. It was only due to Simon dropping back at the foot of the Kimpton hill that we saw which way they had gone. Into St Albans and Simon decided it was time for another break, and punctured again. By this time the sun was low in the sky so off we set at an urgent pace only to be halted by Simon’s tyre deflating once again. More fettling with Simon’s bike and we restarted again, finally arriving at Bushey around 3.45 after losing an hour and a half through mishaps and misadventures. Never mind, over the après ride coffee and heated apple strudel at Bushey Deli it was still decided that there were no bad days when you’re out on a Gregarios Club Ride.
Our route below:
http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/5ad8/e5dd/4e67/82c1/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20111120-0859.kml

The Training Ride:
Sixteen Gregarios turned up in a cold Pea Soup of a mist at the Alpine on Sunday morning. Only 3 others and myself took the challenge of the Training Ride . 12 others took the Club Ride . Another good turn out .
Myself , Mark , John ,and new boy Chris with the spangly new bike took off Hertfordshire bound, out through Aldenham , Radlett and onward to Colney Heath. Sandridge came and went in a blur and the first upward direction, over the hill to
Wheathamstead gruppo compacto. Then the steady climb up Lammer lane that kicks up at the top done at pace which saw yours truly hanging off the back. The quite village of
Kimpton at the bottom of a particularly slippery Coopers Hill shot by in a flash only to be met by the early slopes of The Hitchin Rd over Horn Hill - again i was dropped by Mark and Chris. This time I had John for company. We regrouped at the top and descended into Whitwell with Mark reminiscing that he had been here before. We was early so I took a leaf out of Tony T's book and put a loop in and headed north. Another Hill beckoned up to Kings Walden and onward to Preston and Gosmore . DAMN A PUNCTURE , a piece of flint the size of my finger dug out my tyre, puncture fixed and its time to head south. We arrived just before the Club ride and a decision made by us all to join the said ride on the way back to catch up on the gossip.
You all know the story after this so i will say no more .
Words: Matt Gray

Prime Coaching Race Training Day

Sat, 19 Nov 2011 22:19:36 +0000

Hillingdon Circuit hosted the Prime Coaching Race Preparation Day designed for 4th Cat road racers.

The session comprised of working on various race and riding techniques from echelon riding in side winds to sprint training, team time trial riding. The session concluded with group road race acclimatization riding in a peloton that got tighter and tighter, giving all the riders the skills for close proximity riding.

I think everyone enjoyed the four hour session and found it really useful. The Gregarios had one sole representative, Sandra Levet who put herself in the frame and excelled. Bravo Sandra, Forza!

No rufty tuftys at Fellini’s

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 18:32:24 +0000

Club Ride report:
A team of 14 crack Gregarios lined up at The Alpine quickly forming into a training group of 6 and a Club Ride group of 8. As I was physically unable to be in both groups I can only tell you that The Club Ride enjoyed a fantastic day in bright sunshine on quiet scenic roads guided by today’s routemeister Tony “The Loop” Taylor.

So we struck out via Radlet looking for those Radlet Princesses, but they were nowhere to be found. On the NW side of St.Albans we chipped through the Gorehambury Estate, and onto the Redbourne Road. From there it was Gaddesden Row where at 11am under the precision timekeeping of Brian J we took a 2 minute Remembrance Sunday pause.

It was noted that this was a particularly stylish group of mainly Blue Train riders. New girl Marianne did a solid workwomanlike turn on the front with TT, and showed the peloton how to eat an environmentally friendly banana snack on the hoof without wavering from her line. Top girl. From there it was down to Dagnall, and just as we started the 3rd category Ashridge climb to Ringshall Tony G decided that he would have a puncture. To ensure he didn’t get too stressed all hands were immediately on deck finding Tony’s puncture and generously assisting him with tyre fitting, inflation duties, and packing his saddle pouch. Eventually fifteen minutes later we were off again, and climbing “gruppo compacto” for a mile to the right hander for Ivinghoe Beacon - where Tony G and a time conscious Laurie G left us for a direct route home.

From there it was a quick five minutes to the top of The Beacon, an exhilarating descent in brilliant sunshine, big views on all sides. Through Ivinghoe village we soon polished off the 3 miles to the Buebell Tearooms on the canal. The cafe was mobbed with Sunday punters and the Training Group who had just made the counter before us. Big Bad Paolo and his crew somehow managed to nab the last official “breakfasts” leaving us the option of the “Lunch Menu” or the “Cake Menu”. The usual banter was exchanged over a leisurely stop, then we were off past the reservoirs, over the rolling terrain to Aldbury. There was a quick “them lads that has got the’s gilets on...” pause, giving everyone a chance to de-gilet, then onwards up hill and down dale bypassing Berkhampsted on through Ashley Green. Just before Bovingdon it was “hasta la vista Marianne and Phil”, as we took a quiet little lane that continued almost to Croxley Green.

Out of Rickmansworth TT was heckled by some of the riders as he insisted on taking us up the feared slopes of the end-of-ride Col du Moor Park just so that we could rendezvous at the Cafe Fellini with the rufty tufty boys - who were a “no-show” for the rendezvous anyway! Pah!
All good fun, and a great day out.

Training Group Ride Report
A cosmopolitan hardcore Training group enjoyed another glorious autumnal day. A slightly different outbound route taking in the delights of North Watford Abbots and Hemel. A sharp left at Redbourn followed by long drag up to Gaddesden row got the heart pumping. A fast decent into Dagnall then the 2nd Cat climb up to Ashridge kept the boys honest. Another glorious drop from the Beacon saw Ross puncture thankfully in the rear tyre. A quick change then onto the arrow straight pan flat road into Slapton where the "through and off" saw us reach an impressive 29mph (anything to beat the clubbies to the cafe). Mandatory loop complete we hit Bluebells bang on schedule just minutes before Tony's tyros. The route home saw Geordie Mark's thirst for Southern hills sated with the ascent of the 1st cat Toms Lane out of Aldbury, taken in the big ring with your author and Amit on his stunning new steed spinning a small gear in his wake. A loop around the Ashridge Estate took 'Ross the boss" tantalisingly close to his abode in Potten end. The Magic roundabout was negotiated safely and the speed was lifted again through Nash Mills and Hunton Bridge. I left the lads at Watford with the climb back to Bushey Heath still on the parcours. Well done to Ian who continues to live in such heady company and Johnny who once again dug in with true Aussie grit.
75 miles give or take at around 19mph average......ALL GOOD!!

Editor’s footnote:
It is noted that The Club Ride group only rated the Ashridge climb as a 3rd category... that must tell you sumptin’.

Red Kites ready to rumble!

Sun, 6 Nov 2011 18:47:29 +0000

The Club Ride Group:
Another Sunday and another opportunity to test out the two ride format. 12 riders lined up for a trundle through the autumn tints of the Chilterns, neatly splitting into two groups of 6 with Brian Jacobs manfully stepping in to control the Training Group while your author led the more relaxed Club Group. A traditional start via Watford, Rickmansworth and the Swillets saw the riders demonstrating tight formation riding with regular changing of personnel at the front. With Laurie returning for an early bath on reaching Amersham, the group adjusted seamlessly to the loss of a key rider. Once through Gt Missenden we climbed steadily towards Lacey Green, admiring the subtle variations of amber and bronze along the tree-lined roads illuminated by cloud-filtered sunlight. A few Red Kites could be seen gracefully circling over the valley looking for a tasty Gregario to peck on our descent towards Bledlow and our lunch destination at Chinnor - reached in just over 2 hours. Excellent coordinated timing from Brian was only marred by a puncture in the Training Group, which arrived 15 minutes later.

The return journey led to tackling the south-west slopes of the deceptive Loosely Row climb, with its sudden increase in gradient near the summit. A swoop down to the Rignall road gave a chance for a higher pace that put us ahead of the game as we continued to Gt Missenden and an onward line out to Amersham. Quiet lanes to Harefield saw the tempo relax and on the run in to the Hatch End coffee stop the Training Group displayed more impeccable timing by overtaking us about 1/2 mile before the cafe. A round of coffees, a swapping of route details and we were off home after a civilised 70 miles.

Full marks to BJ for leading the Training Group at such short notice. See blog below for Training Group report...
Words: Tony Taylor

The Compassionate Training Ride:
Having enjoyed a wheeled saunter to the Alpine, arriving at his usual 09.29.59, your author was confronted with the sad faces of those riders being informed that there was nobody to lead the Training Group. The truly evil badasses were absent, but it was heartbreaking to see these aspiring naughtyasses crestfallen at the news of having to go without their Sunday endorphins. What could a once badass OAP do but volunteer to lead these boys! I admit to being encouraged by Tony T's observation that they would have to wait for me as I was the only person with knowledge of the route.

So four Gregarios and two prospective Gregarios set off for Chinnor, having been told by Tony T not to arrive at the lunch stop too early. No fear of that happening as I knew only the long route.

Out through Watford by the usual roads to Sarratt then on to Flaunden and Chesham at a brisk pace with turns on the front being swapped regularly. This could have been one of the last opportunities this year to enjoy the lanes, so we detoured through Pednor, with the first gaps in the group appearing on the hill before Pednor Manor. Having regrouped we travelled on to South Heath where Amit took pity on us and punctured to give us a rest. He was so considerate that he replaced his punctured inner tube with another which was already holed. The first one was soon patched and we were on our way whizzing through Great Missenden and turning left on to Rignal Road towards Wendover into a headwind. Still maintaining a good formation and regularly swapping turns on the front, we turned left and climbed over Cadsden where our formation came apart necessitating a regrouping on the descent. On to Princes Risborough where a command was issued to look for signs pointing towards Chinnor. Happily, a sign was soon spotted and we raised our endorphin levels by riding in chain gang formation. This was painful - very painful! The pace was controlled at a level causing maximum suffering but below the speed at which one could be dropped with honour. So we all hung together until our destination.

When we arrived at the Chinnor Garden Centre, we were welcomed by the Club Run members who were already tucking in, having been puncture free and guided more expertly! During an enjoyable lunch, there was debate as to whether we should return in one group, or continue with the pain. The consensus was to continue with the pain - but not too much of it!

The Club Run departed first after Tony T provided directions for the return. Needless to say, I missed the turn off for the direct route to Lacey Green and we went on to Princes Risborough, approaching Lacey Green via Wardrobes - after declining the shorter return home over the dreaded Kop Hill. Then down the long descent to Bryants Bottom through forests resplendent in sumptuous Autumn colours - probably gone by next weekend. On through the lanes, and up the hills, to Little Missenden and Hyde Heath then on to Amersham from where Geordie Mark did a massive turn on the front taking us, almost single handedly, to Fellinis at Hatch End, and linking up with the Club Run with about a mile to go. A few of us went straight home from Hatch End while about half a dozen survivors from both groups recovered over coffees and milk shakes at Fellinis.

Hope everyone enjoyed the day as much as the author.
Words: Brian Jacobs

A Tale Of Two Rides

Sun, 30 Oct 2011 22:49:44 +0000

Twenty One Gregarios! Holy mackerel that’s almost a record!
We formed into two groups The Training Group, and The Clubride Group with riders choosing their group by anticipated pace.

Here’s the story of The Club Ride Group:
After giving the Training Group a five minute start - otherwise we’d probably have caught them, we headed downhill into Watford immediately losing “Mr Smith” who got stuck at the start and had the totally futile mission of trying to catch us for five minutes. That’ll teach him to say “Go on I’ll catch you”.
Anyway we’d drawn the larger portion of the assembled Blue Train, probably around 14, all attracted by the prospect of an easy sociable ride, and that’s what we got. Nice steady pace, and on fairly quiet roads once we’d got past Denham.

The climbs of Col du Redhill and Winter Hill were both taken without "machoism" as of course “there’s nothing to prove” if you’re riding in The Club Run Group. Skirting through Fulmer and the edge of Burnham Beeches, and Bourne End where we passed the Training Group doing their loop in the other direction. We were soon crossing the Thames at Cookham and enjoying the view from Winter Hill. The front of the group was rotating constantly with everyone stepping up to the mark to take a turn, and looking professional too which was even more important. Back over the Thames again at Marlow and out onto an interesting and scenic circuit that wiggled around taking us up to Frieth and then back down to the Cedars Cafe in Marlow where the Training Group was already ensconced.

There was a great buzz in the cafe as the two groups traded banter, and after a few coffees and snackettes we were off again after swopping a rider with the Training Group. We got Matty G and we transferred Aussie Johnny over to them. There was no cash involved and everyone seemed happy with the deal. Matty gave us the inside story on the Training Group while we headed up the climb to Flackwell Heath, and Tony T managed to discover all possible hills available for the run back.
A final coffee at Fellini’s was had by the last four riders standing, as people gradually peeled off and headed back to their homes.

71 miles was on the clock which was probably more than we had intended to do at this time of year. It will be interesting to receive all the feedback from both groups of riders, but I think a positive exercise.

Here’s the story of The Training Group:
Fast but not too furious.
The split group experiment got off to a good start as a large group of deadly keen roulers assembled at the Alpine on Sunday. Your author had the dubious honour of leading the 'faster' Training group,which numbered 6 badass hombres including Ironman Ross and Johnny the mad Axeman Haygarth.

With strict instructions from Group Captain Pollock to complete compulsory loops around our designated cafe stop in Marlow ringing in our ears we headed West into a keen breeze. We stuck to the main byways until we hit the Fulmer turn off. Enjoying the glorious Autumnal hues through Burnham we then headed South through Taplow then traced the Thames back towards Cookham where we passed the Club Ride Gregarios going in the opposite direction. A sharp left took us up the deceptively steep harvest hill to Hedsor, where Geordie Mark showed his climbing prowess to full effect. The pace picked up on the flat run into Marlow and the offer of a second loop up to Frieth was politely declined in favour off beating the 'clubbies' to the Cedar cafe.

The ride back took in Winter Hill and the drag up to Beaconsfield a fast sweep into Amersham before Ross and Johnny hit the turbo into Ricky! All very enjoyable. Average speed about 19. Special mention to new guy Ian..... who was very strong all day and Aussie Johnny who was brave enough to swap groups on the return home.

A Belgian flavour

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 19:01:05 +0100

It was time for another ride in the flatlands, and eleven Gregarios lined up for the event. After the opening parade through South Oxhey it was Moor Park and through into Rickmansworth where Andrew T turned for an alltime record early-bath, although it was later established that this was an injured man, so he was excused.

Turning right for a change at Maple Cross we were soon heading up through Chalfont St Giles and over to Beaconsfield where Peter Ward and Tony G headed homeward. This left eight badasses to plough on down Harvest Hill to Bourne End. Johnny H the wild Scottish axeman took over the front and paced us admirably to Marlow. Once across the bridge instead of turning left for the regulation Winter Hill climb we headed straight on for the feared and newly introduced Bradnam Hill. A few people feigned mechanical mishaps here but it cut no ice. Further on Ian Curran was reduced to putting a tack in his tyre in order to get a rest.

After all-hands on deck changing Ian’s tube we were off again, and soon batting along the famous “Museeuw Lane” named thus by cyclists because of it’s Belgian aspect, but known locally as Bottle Lane. Either way Brian J headed the peloton at an eyewateringly brisk pace and was relieved of duties halfway along by the race-fit Tartan Terror Johnny H. Before long we were on the legendary Drift Road, one of the very few roads in the UK constructed especially for cyclists to practice chaingang and paceline techniques. No, honestly! We didn’t disappoint, and as there was a strong sidewind from the right we were soon cruising through changing left-to-right with everyone on the wheel and on the money. Nice!

From the Drift Road we hung a left to Fifield and on into Windsor to the excellent Chocolate Theatre Cafe, extremely nice! This has to be one of our better stops, and there are always lots of cyclists there sampling their pastries and coffees. Examples of their wares pictured right.

Average speed to Windsor was around 17.4 which was about right for one of our flattest rides.

From there back through Datchet, Langley, and Denham where some went right to Ruislip, thus swerving Harefield the last big climb of the day before the end of ride coffee, milk shakes, and cake at Cafe Fellini.
Highly commendable rides by new-guy Johnny and new Gregario Ian N !
Total distance 69 miles.

Sympathy for The Devil

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 23:06:22 +0100

I wouldn’t normally put a non-club event on The Gregarios’ blog, however…

Majorca October 2011.

I’m heading back down the Waterpipe Road from Santa Maria with my pal Johnny Morrish. We’d just done “The Big Ride” - Luc, Puig Major, and Col du Soller, and I’d managed to fall off in the tunnel at the top of The Puig – but that’s another story. Anyway with 30 miles still to go John and I are batting along big ringing it and swapping turns at steady 22s, when I hear a gear click behind me. it sounds like Campag, and I notice another shadow on the road. Obviously I’m too cool to look back, so when I’ve done my turn and flicked the elbow a local dude comes through all kitted out and looking very pro… and the three of us continue swapping turns although by now the Mallorcan guy has taken the pace up to 23’s. On we go for another 12 miles then after a brief chat in English we bid him farewell, and by that time we’re quite glad to wind it down a bit. Back to the hotel, bish-bosh-bash.

The next day is our last on the Island and we’d organized a short easy morning ride with the three other top riders in our party, and back for lunch for an afternoon on the beach.

After getting lost in Sa Pobla we eventually ended up in the picturesque but unfortunately named Buger. A local fair was in full swing with the main street full of people, music, and stalls selling snacks and locally produced goods.

A spectacular sight greeted us at the top of the main street as we headed for a coffee – a host of people dressed up in truly amazing outfits presumably characters from local folk lore. The paper mache heads on the characters as well as being works or art, were huge, making many of them over seven feet tall. They all lined up at the top of the street and we took a few snaps.

One character in particular on the right stole the show, The Red Devil probably the tallest of the group. His head bore an impressive set of horns and huge spooky ears. Totally spectacular so we aimed our cameras at the impressive sight. I must admit we were a little uneasy when he started to stride directly over towards us. Blimey guv, we don’t want any trouble with The Devil!

As the imposing red figure got closer he said something which we couldn’t quite make out. We tried to lip read but the small amount of face hidden in the mask was also painted red – including teeth, the only white were his eyes. He spoke again and we stopped in our tracks… “Hello, I was riding with you yesterday!” A closer look confirmed the statement was correct. Ya just couldn’t make it up - and it made our day!

No room at the Eat Inn

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 21:07:33 +0100

Seventeen Gregarios lined up for the off at The Alpine. Heading out through the badlands of South Oxhey, Moor Park, and on through Rickmansworth and The Swilletts – the first climb of the day. An on form Phil Harding floated off the front with an attentive Brian Jacobs keeping him company while the peloton continued chatting.

Onwards through Little Chalfont towards Amersham, a disgraceful stretch of road even by Third World standards, whatever is the local council thinking about here? Well who knows, because they jolly well tried to better themselves with an equally bad stretch or tarmac, or was it concrete, out towards Hyde Heath.

Soon we’d dropped down to the Amersham-Wendover Road, then on through the exquisite Little Missenden, passing The Deep Mill Diner and totally refusing the option of an early coffee.
It was then onto the little known climb up to Prestwood with Kitmeister James and Matty G setting a professional tempo on the front that kept the group nicely compacto, but still made everyone work. Next it was a steep drop down into the scenic Hughenden Valley, and then a left taking us down the valley and a sharp right and onto the freshly resurfaced and unfortunately named Bryants Bottom. We went up Bryants Bottom (if you’ll pardon the expression) at a steady tempo enjoying the new “black-silk” finish.

The group was still perky at the top so we headed to Lacey Green dropping down to the main Princes Risborough road, over the Bledlow foothills and back round to the side of Wardrobes climb and up to Lacey Green again from a different direction. A cheeky little 4 mile loop indeed! There were a few “this looks familiars” at the top!
Soon we were tackling the hairpin up to Speen where there was a regrouping at the summit. I’m afraid to say your author attacked on the descent, as I was unable to offer anything on the climb. For a mo’ it looked like I’d got clean away until the tandem of BlueMark and Amit caught me. After letting me dangle for a short while they decided to work with me down to the valley floor. Another regrouping then back up the Hughenden Valley with an animated Brian Jacobs dangling off the front only to be swallowed up as the peloton played with him. Over the top and onto the Rignall Road where in a sprintfest there was a battle for glory at the Missenden sign, with Jacobs mopping up the sprint points. By this time there were a few tired legs in the bunch and Frith Hill was taken at a gentle pace (by some) before a smooth ride back through Hyde Heath to Little Chalfont.

Shock horror, Pamela’s Eat Inn was closed leaving around fifteen of us to try and cram into Filipetto’s which was like trying to get an elephant’s foot onto a ballet shoe, and about as successful. The ride fell apart there, with some opting for Ozzies across the road while others were unwilling to give up their seats in Filipetto’s and the promise of a great coffee. Once on the road again it was a civilized ride back with no-one trying to prove anything at all, and a nice après ride coffee at Fellini’s.

A special “Forza” to new-guy Ian who made it look easy on his debut ride, and demanded immediate entry into The Blue Train, which was granted.

A late Summer ride

Sun, 25 Sep 2011 22:40:51 +0100

Twelve bushy tailed Gregarios, one in disguise, left their lair at Bushey Heath and proceeded in an orderly fashion down Old Redding. A man in a white van seemed to object to this but we carried on regardless. Laurie G delivered the first mechanical on the approach to Moor Park and several individuals wrestled with Laurie’s jammed chain in order to get him going again. Up The Skillets and into Amersham, Hyde Heath, and on through to Great Missenden. The Rignall Road followed where Jason, Danny2, and Steve left us for a shorter ride back.
The rest of us were left to climb Cadsden and swoop down to Longwick with a steady paceline to the foot of the classified 1st category climb of Bledlow Ridge. The pace shot up on the foothills and soon there were four climbing specialists up the road in two groups, with the “peloton” chasing in dribs and drabs. After a mile or so of “soft climb” the road actually dropped down before rearing savagely up again at the start of the real climb.
Once the KOM standings had been agreed we dropped down to the Secret Valley where some merely enjoyed the stunning scenery while others were rushing for an appointment with a cafe.
After the tea break and much debate about long routes and short routes a truce was negotiated and we rolled out after a quick photo-call. One last climb up to Lacey Green and a nice tempo ride along the ridgeway, and then it was back onto the Rignall Road again for quite a smooth chaingang back into Great Missenden where sprint star Brian Jacobs reacted to an agitated cry of “sprint points” from Tony T, and majestically took the bunch sprint at Missenden. From there it was an orderly ride through Hyde Heath and Amersham before various riders took a longer route back while the peloton opted for a last coffee in Bushey and back home to watch Mark Cavenish the Manx Missile trying to emulate Brian J the Gregarios’ Edgware Exocet.

Drift Road drifters

Sun, 18 Sep 2011 21:58:19 +0100

All roads head to Windsor, or at least the ones we were on today, which was around a month after the last visit to the Royal Town.

After the warm up and once over the bumps to Chalfont St Peter a no nonsense pace was set by the group of 14 through Beaconsfield to Bourne End. Amit and his pal had gone for the early-bath option, hopefully not together, which left Laurie and Andy C to go for the early cowffee at Marlow Garden Centre. This left 10 badasses to complete the full compliment of kilometers as prescribed in the pre-ride handbook. New guy John was offered an early-stop but steadfastly asserted that he would complete the full distance.

So onward and upward up the fearsome slopes of the 1st category Winter Hill, where dreams are made and dashed. It was new-guy Mark who took the honours only to have all hopes of KOM points dashed when he had the news broken to him that guest riders don’t score in this prestigious competition. And so it was that the newly kitted-out Andrew Taylor scored his first win closely chased by yet another “guest-rider-Marc” who also didn’t count for any points (yay)... leaving your author surprised and over-the-moon-elated to place second (I think), with an on form Phil H and Dragos following closely.

An insistent pace was set to Knowle Hill and along the snaking Flandrian style “Museeuw Lane” with a cheeky attackette coming from an energetic Brian J, who was soon brought back into the fold and told not to do it again.

Next on the menu was the Drift Road chaingang. If ever a stretch of road was begging for a paceline or chaingang this was it, and it would have been rude not to... The Blue Train didn’t disappoint! It was like a well oiled machine, with each rider smoothly going through with an air of relaxed nonchalance. Congratulations all round?

Before we’d got over ourselves we were sat down once again in the bellissimo Theatre of Chocolate in Windsor stuffing our faces and quaffing coffees.

No hanging about, off again through Datchet, Langley, and before long Denham Village. The final climb of the day Le Col du Harefield loomed and all hell broke loose, with just about every man and his dog leaving your author for dead on the early slopes. Banditos!

Phil and top debut rider John headed straight to Rickmansworth, while the rest of us headed for one last coffee at the Cafe Fellini.

A nice easy but also quite brisk ride, and 71 miles in the bag.