Version 1 of the day's events:
After making sure that the group 1 riders were nicely warmed up and settled into a steady pace, Steve R dropped back to make sure that Group 2 riders were equally comfortable.
Version 2 of the day's events:
Having begun the ride thinking that this Group 1 malarkey was nothing to get too worked up about, Steve suddenly found himself at 120% of his max heart rate and apparently going backwards after the drag up from Swineshead and it didn't take him long to decide that his Sunday morning might be a little more enjoyable in Group 2. Meanwhile, Group 2 leader for the day, Chris, was still feeling the effects of a bug he had been suffering from during the week and was spending a lot of the time "leading" the group by making sure that everyone was OK at the back.
After a quick confab, it was decided that Steve would lead the group back to St Neots and, in what appeared to be a rather elaborate ruse for a coffee and cake stop at Harrold, Jason Gadd stayed with an obviously off colour Chris. The group settled into a steady but fairly strong pace back from Felmersham and aside from a few sections of uphill and downhill where it got a little strung out, the group had obviously listened to Richard O's pre-ride pep talk because some good disciplined riding was in evidence with everyone riding together as a group all the way back through Thurleigh and on to the Bushmead crossroads.
Half the group went their various ways home from the crossroads leaving five riders to contest the sprint. This turned out to be a one horse race as Alasdair made an early break and maintained a strong pace all the way to the Eaton Socon signpost, with another new rider, Gareth following him home.
Some good steady riding in Group 2, evidenced by the good average for the 45 miles.
Group 3, aka Chris and Jason, refreshed from their carbs, caffeine and character building stroll around Harrold Country Park, finally decided to make their way back to St Neots and completed their ride at a respectable average.
Welcome to Alasdair and Gareth, first time out with us this Sunday.
Meanwhile Group 1 had a nice brisk ride (we assume).