It’s that time of year again when GYCC supports various local fund raising rides.

Today we had a team of around 22 (in total) riders entered into the Beccles Cycle for Life ride, which supports local charities and organisations.

Leaving the Archers at 8:20am, a group of us pedaled our way over to Beccles, clocking up an extra 11 or 12 miles before the event started.

I arrived at the Archers in my shorts and short sleeved shirt, with arm warmers, but was soon regretting the decision. After the rather spiffing recent weather I was hoping for a warm day, sadly at 8am it was dull, cold and windy!

Thankfully, by the time we rolled into Beccles the sun began to break through and the riders began to assemble. Some 450 cyclists were to set off today, ranging from fast boys on shiny carbon to families taking a picnic and riding the 7 miles. It is truly a rather splendid social ride.

As we set off at 10am, the group had somewhat fragmented, I was busy chatting and suddenly noticed the guys were off. I eventually caught up to Clive, Louis, big Ray & Chris who had taken it upon themselves to set a fast pace from the outset.

With several hangers on from various other riders we began to gleefully see the miles disappear beneath our wheels. 15 miles in and the speed was not easing up. We left a couple of guys in BMC  jerseys to do a lot of the early work. It was quite nice having them sit up front, so we could sit and shelter a little and have a chat.

Big Ray was riding great up until the 18mile mark, when his tyre started to deflate. On instructions from the big man we continued leaving him to fix the tyre and wait for Paul too stroll on by. Arriving back at base (half way) in 1hr21 – time for a refill of water, quick adjustment to Lou’s seat and we were off again, hearing that Mark and Joe were a few mins ahead of us.

Chris and I set a good pace from the outset of this second lap, working perfectly together, splitting ourselves from Clive & Lou and gaining a few hangers on, who it seemed didn’t fancy coming to the front. A quick glance and we continued riding hard, eventually, at the 35mile mark dropping them completely. Steve, one of the guys in BMC shirts tagged on and it was only right that we let him sit in for most of the remaining miles (given he was out front the first lap), as Chris & I continued to take turns on the front.
With the final two miles to go, I felt my legs cramping up, but thankfully the end was here!

We rolled in, a few mins behind the other  pair of Mark & Joe (first to cross the line!) in a time 5mins quicker than the first lap (no wonder my legs ache!) to the smell of cakes and hot dogs  After the obligatory 2 pieces of cake and several cups of tea it was time to greet the other members of GYCC before heading the 10miles home.

All in all, a great day out. Some hard but really enjoyable riding with a group of great folks.

Jules