Eight Jags assembled this week after a few dropouts due to unforeseen chores etc. and welcomed newbie Chris D. Everyone was looking forward to the legendary cakes and the roaring open fire at The Frog. Without further ado the group set off, collecting Sarah H at the top of Quarry Wood.
The ride proceeded smoothly enough, although lots of standing water after several days of near constant rainfall - more about puddles later. Now 9 and a bit of an unruly mob, at Twyford the faster boys (Michael, David, Peter and Chris) were sent up the road, with the rest (Harriet, Sarah, Bob, Jay and Andi) holding back, so as to give the traffic a chance to get by. On to the bridge at Sonning, and up the long draggy hill to Dunsden Green. At the top the second group paused to regroup and have a natter about the intricacies and benefits of a good bike fit (Harriet is not actually on commission from Adam White - but probably should be!).
On to Stoke Row, and back via the Nettlebed Estate and then the glorious run down the Fair Mile. Along the Henley road with some girl power, Sarah on the front, then Harriet and Andi, leading out Jay and Bob in what surely looked like the Jumbo Visma team time trial!
It was all going so well…Henley Management College hove into view, and there were the first group. We were pleased to see them, although they were a bit quiet and ashen looking - they had just witnessed a near head on collision, from a bit too close for comfort. Luckily everyone OK. However, Sarah had a puncture - so near and yet so far. And boy did the tyre fight back.
At one point both Bob and Jay were trying to get the tyre off the rim. Having removed the inner tube, Bob proceeded to trot along to the other end of the lay-by - to test the tube in a puddle. Now to get the tyre back on. Once again Andi’s ‘Hermione’s Handbag’ to the rescue again, this week and a special getting the tyre back on gizmo (see photo below)! The first group gallantly went on to the Frog to let them know of the delay.
[VAR tyre lever - as recommended by ex-Captain Ken]
As the group pulled back into the road, just a few meters along and a wail of anguish. Now Andi had a puncture and this one was every bit as tricksy as Sarah’s. Luckily, Paul R, who by his own admission, had intended to ride but then couldn’t be arsed and had driven to Henley for a coffee instead, spotted us on his way back. A fresh set of hands was very welcome. From here, Sarah departed for Leeds and the rest decided that by this time it was way too late for cake.
So no cake, no coffee and no warming log fire for these sorry Jags. But great camaraderie and team work, and what was a good ride, right until the very end. Thanks to all for keeping your senses for humour!