The beginners' ride on Saturday saw two young faces out enjoying their cycling. Chris's son joined us on the tandem - shame about the view but your legs looked strong enough, young man! - and his daughter, Katherine faring exceptionally well for her first ride on a new road bike. No slacking, just smiles - exactly what we like to see.
We were also joined by Richard on his second ride out with the beginners and three new faces including Brad - usually an MTB'er but looking to build some endurance on the road. He 'loves' hills and showed it with some great form and fitness. A definite quick intermediate candidate in coming weeks watch him when he hits the climbs!
The group out through Leigh and up Parkgate Road, swinging left to tackle the long drag of Partridge Lane. There was a hunger for some speed so we split into two groups, one heading left a half mile to Rusper so we could turn back and get some speed on the way to Tanhouse Farm Shop for a cuppa in the sunshine. The 'faster group' then set off back at a cracking pace averaging over 18mph for 10 of the last 12 miles where we met up again on Flanchford Road with Richard who had either taken a good short cut or produced a Mark Cavendish impression to get ahead of us!
Given the quality of the riders, we racked up more miles than the 20 billed. Half of the group arrived at the Angel with 26 miles on the clock and an average boosted by the second section up to a whisker under 15mph. Some real prospects for future rides.