Despite a weather warning 15 hardy (foolhardy?) riders signed on for Round 2 of the Bournemouth Jubilee Winter Series. ‘Not a great day for a bike ride’ shouted a passer-by ….always a great day for a bike ride.
A short delay to allow the Chairman to lock up, can’t leave a man behind, at least not at the start! Down through Merley Lane, plenty of standing water was an indication of what was to come. Already soaked, wet feet but at least it is not cold. The pace quickened as we approached Lychett Matravers, a group of 6 became 4. Grit between the teeth, literally and metaphorically, as we headed into Morden (aka little Belgium). A brisk tailwind was most welcome through Arne after the blustery cross winds of Wareham Forest. The sight of Corfe Castle shrouded in mist looming in the distance never tires, Church Knowle and then it is the first test up the steep slopes past Cocknowle. We survive passing some early starters and in no time back into the headwinds through the ‘ranges’ undulating road. Attrition continues to bite as 4 become 3, fast drop into Wool, the rain is finally relenting or is it? Pushing north, Bovington, Briantspuddle (aptly named today) climbing again through Milbourne St Andrew lanes are flooded – still dry? Not anymore.
Milton Abbas, one last squeeze of the thigh before it’s all downhill (except the uphills!) . Fast down into Blandford, one lost to a puncture, it’s a 2up to the finish, we push on through the flooding on Cowgrove. Last climb up to Colehill, Chris Moody takes the well deserved honours in 3 hours 30 minutes. 100k advertised, 107k ridden.
Back at the Reef a warm welcome from the president, Eamonn Deane, and the ever helpful Bruce and Maggie where hot drinks, cake and bacon baps were all available.
Congratulations to all that managed to turn up and complete the ride in difficult conditions, even the two who cut a sizeable corner – some would say a sensible choice. It is appreciated that people come to support the ride even on such a testing day. In particular well done to the club secretary who not only completed the ride after attending a works party the night before but was the last to leave Chris and JO’B who rolled back to the finish having completed the course on a trike just before we had to close.
Finishers: Chris Humphries, Darren Harris, Louisa Cooper, John O’Brien, Rupert Silman, Robert Pilato, Mark Westcott, Mark Hitchcott, Any Brown, Simon Meadwell, Fareed Azimee, Chris Moody, Roland Tilley along with Sean Conway Braiden and Shane from the Bournemouth Arrows (sorry I can’t read your surname ). Six still on to complete the set.