The Cheetahs opted for a Watlington start this week as no-one was able to commit to a full day away at the IOW. Our route a slightly longer 100+km flattish affair out west with coffee at Aston Potteries. A number cycled to the start, so had that return leg to look forward to, so rising to a 130-140km day.
Short sleeves the order of the day, (full Rapha restored for Joff) and no jackets required after 2 wettings on consecutive Saturdays.
Pace was steady as we passed through Wallingford and villages beyond. Mark P, a former trainee pilot, was sporting some new wheels, fresh tyres and shiny rotors, all on of a tubeless set up. He was enjoying their feel and easy rotation. What happened next was not the rotation he had hoped for.
As we through and offed, he was on the inside a few wheels back when his front was violently twisted a full 90degrees in rough potholed patch throwing him over the handlebars onto the hard verge and picket fence. Unbelievably everyone else missed him, but then quickly stopped to ‘pick up the pieces’.
Two local residents heard it all and came to offer assistance. Mark had a ‘odd lump’ on his shin and road rash to the opposite elbow, which we dressed and used frozen peas on the former (carried on every ride just in case). His bike was checked over too. (New wheels survived). With no other injuries, but naturally shaken, he called for a lift home and was collected by his wife.
The group carried on their way, subdued and quiet. It was still an hour to coffee, and we were perked up by the cake offerings, their bakewell a favourite.
Pace home was lifted, largely uneventful and should have been tailwind assisted. Fraser was heard checking (or goading) where a sprint finish may be (the Watlington sign), and within striking distance started to pick up speed before a few crunched gears halted his momentum, no-one sniggering internally.
A quick liquid stop at the Spire and Spoke, cars for some and a dozen pedal strokes for our route author. Others left for Watlington hill, not at the point we were rested, but as the conversation had degenerated to kit wash temperatures and what fragrance was used. Think some had been in the sun a tad long. 🤷🏼♂️🤦♂️☀️
Great to be out on dry and sunny roads. So glad that our cartwheeling ride buddy wasn’t damaged more seriously, and hope to see you back out soonest.
He rode again on Wed Wobblers💪
Let me add… I’m fine - as Al notes, I rode today without any further incident. Let me also say the support from the Cheetahs team and Ken, my Good Samaritan whose garden I nearly landed in, was second to none. It is in adversity you find out the true nature of people and these are all up there with the best. I’ve been with the club nearly a year now and hope for many more.