The now annual Saltdean Seaswim Fitness/Virgin Active collaboration that is the Christmas bike ride took a bizzare twist this year when Pete the Bike decided that his strategy for keeping the pace down was to lead the pack on his Penny Farthing AKA the Ordinary.
We met at the Phoenix Brewery car park in Lewes: SSF regulars Hildi, Domino, Pete and Ollie, plus tropical water specialists Sharon, Nick and Theresa, sometime swimmer Clive, Alison, and the enthusiastic James with Paul and Helen. Theresa’s dad, coach Brian, also joined us, giving his new bike an outing and not looking anywhere near his new pensionable age. Have I left anyone out? Oh, Anita was there and not late for once, and Anneka came to see us all off.
It was a planned 25km route, taking in some off-road walking in order to keep to a nice route, but the temperatures conspired against us. Even those who had chosen the mountain bike option (rather than the Ordinary or the traditional road bike) found their wheels unsteady underneath them, and after Alison and Hildi had taken tumbles, it seemed sensible to make a return to Lewes and the mulled wine/mince pies on offer at Pete and Alison’s via the main road. It was still enjoyable and lovely to have a little more respect from motorists than is usual on a group ride. The Penny Farthing definately having something to do with this!!
All finished strongly. James in particular deserves a mention for completing the ride. Back to Lewes, a bit of surgery on Hildi’s overshoes so she could get them off after getting the zip stuck, some mince pies, Terry’s chocolate orange (have they changed the recipe? It was delish!), hot drinks and a lot of giggling while we warmed up.
Many thanks to Pete for organising and for keeping the mentalness quotient high. Back to the water on Wednesday. Santa has gifts for the regulars and Sarah has one of her famous lucky dips.
Blog by Hildi