Sunday 14th August - Grafham, 61 miles @ 17-18mph

Martin L

I'm probably unlikely to hold Trahern's medium-fast group speed at the mo, so might be looking for a ride a little less pacey... medium-lite??

This Grafham run is 61 miles. Probably in the seventeens av speed.

http://tiny.cc/graf61

Martin L

Might have been 18 out on this ride. Whittled down to 16 soon after. A big group: but the Grafham ride is very low traffic and generally on wide roads. Good mix of efforts: and the group happy to let a few horses do long stretches on the front - everyone getting what they wanted from the ride. Very lucky with wind direction: more cross than head-on going north, and kicking us back on the return.

The group neatly divided at the Grafham cafe. That's if 'neatly' was a word to describe the Keystone Cops in bumper cars wearing blindfolds. But no grief caused. The need-for-speeders motoring on back. Meanwhile 9 of us felt like brew. Soon after sipping our cappapoopoos, St Ives CC turned up, looking as though we were on their turf [big Grafham Cycling logo sponsor I noted on their new shirts]. It was like the bloods and the crips... separated by eight OAPS tucking into their great value pig roast. Anyway, we retreated soon after.

No punctures or mechanicals. Touching 18.5mph av - more than advertised - for the tea group. But a speed the group could manage together. Skelders got the sprint. Mark C wins the Most Aggressive Rider gong. Back 12.45 - early enough for a quick pint at the 3 Tuns. Saw James: he's getting back to form by accounts.

skelders

Damn, missed out on the beer!

a very enjoyable ride, a great effort from Mark C & Martin on the front setting a thumping pace for the last 15 miles. and Mark... the perfect lead out... thank you ;-)

Martin L

I feel obliged to point out it wasn't me doing any pacing! T'other Martin.

Aye Skelders: Marco was cursing you big time, pacing up and down the beer garden - fuming, spilling beer.... mumbling something about slipped chains... sportsmanship... honor...

PeterG

You did your fair turn Martin, early on and post tea-break. Looks to me that you haven't lost to much form.
A great route and enjoyable company, the fickle weather was kind enough for a change.
I'm definitely enjoying your planned comeback rides Martin, keep them coming please.

skelders

LOL.... Sprinters 'honor' differs some what from all others.... isn't that right James? ;-)

but it really was a perfect lead out :-)

CayoPro

Hi, can anyone tell me if I can upload this route ? gpx file or on to my Garmin ? Many Thanks

Forum Admin [Martin]

Here you go - there's a 'GPS Export' button on this Bikemap version;

http://www.bikemap.net/route/802053

CayoPro

Many Thanks :-)