Well it looks like The Bard is busy so allow me to sum up yesterday evening ... wet. But there's a bit more to tell.
This being my first MEMWNS for a few weeks and bearing in mind I have had more than a few drinks since my last ride not to mention some sleeps and a visit to a foreign country it transpired I was unconsciously incompetent yesterday evening. I was convinced we set off at 7pm from the Spa Road roundabout so had to forego my tea as I didn't want to be late. At 1905hrs I was still standing alone by the roundabout so set off into the downpour hoping there would be some friendly faces when I arrived at The Compasses.
At approximately 1935hrs my phone began ringing, it was Andy C33333333333333333333333333333. I answered the call but couldn't make myself heard although I could hear Andy. Eventually two way conversation took place and my error became apparent
I suggested we meet at Fairstead church after which myself, Andy and Gavin proceeded through the floods to Littley Green. Gavin was on top form with brakes that didn't work and surprise expressed when he spotted a race course in the distance ("It's been there about 10 years and we've ridden past it on numerous occasions" "Have we?!?"
) The pub also caught him unawares ("It's a pub!" "Yes, the one we're cycling to!" "Oh, how nice!"
)
Once inside we discovered the place was packed but thankfully huggy, jibers and Mrs jibers had bagged a table in the Green Room. As time past we were joined by Tomsk (wet) and ted (dry). As you'd expect talk was mainly of LEL both from a riders' and volunteers' standpoint - both roles sounded equally heroic.
huggy mentioned that the Team Van could be used to transport riders and their machines back to Witham and once I got outside the sense of his suggestion was all too obvious (still wet). It should be noted that Gavin and Andy rode home in the rain.
I learned that Seal Skinz waterproof socks aren't after approximately 60 minutes when worn with SPD sandals. When taking into account the amount of standing water we rode through I can't bring myself to be disappointed.
All in all an enjoyable evening.
Oh, I did get dinner in the end. I had a burger and melted cheese huffer with chips on the side. Burp.
Oh and ted fell off his bike in Dorset injuring himself. It seems unconscious (he banged his head so nearly was
) incompetence is spreading.