More training

Hi Guys,

Just to let you all know that the training for this years ride has started, we are meeting at the castle every Sunday at 10am.

You are still welcome to join us on Sundays even if you're not doing the big one, the more the merrier!

We have some new recruits for this years ride, one of which would like to know if any of you have a bike to sell? Could you please let me know, thanks.

Can I stress to you, to do as much training as possible, as this is the longest ride of all, 127 miles and we will need to get a move on, just think about John Bishop and it wont seem so bad!!

Hope to see you on Sunday.

Cheers Jackie x

The big ride training starts

Hi,

The first of the training rides is this Sunday, the 26th, and will be about 20 miles.

10 o'clock start at Stafford Castle.

Hope you can make it.

Meeting at The Swan

Hi, Me again,

We have had a bit of a re think about the meeting.

As you know we have had a change of venue, we are now at The Swan in The Coffee Shop.

Also, the plan now is.... for those that are eating, we will eat at 7pm, the meeting will then be at 8ish and then we can watch last years bike ride video after that.

The choices of pie's are as follows...
Steak and ale pie.
Butternut squash, spinach and goat's cheese pie.
Traditional fish pie, topped with coarse grain mustard mash.
Forest mushroom and ale pie.
Chicken, leek and ham pie.

All served with veg, salad or chips.
It will be £10 per head.

Can you let me know your choice by TUESDAY please.

Looking forward to seeing you all.

Cheers Jackie x

First 'Big ride' meeting

Hi Guys.

May I wish you all a very happy and healthy new year!

I am starting this years meeting off with a bang! I am giving you all plenty of notice for this first meeting, as, at the risk of sounding a bit bossy, (as if!) I would like as many of you that are interested in doing the ride this year, to attend please.

I am in the process of sorting it at the Pie and Ale pub, for Sat 18th Feb.

What I thought we could do, is, have the meeting at 7pm, then have a pie and possibly a little ale, and then we could watch last years bike ride dvd.

Obviously you can stay for just the meeting, or stay for the whole shebang if you want to make a night of it?

If anyone has any new recruits, please encourage them to come along, as I think it's important for them to know what they are letting themselves in for! :)

Could you please let me know if you are coming, I will give the choices of the pie's a bit closer to the date, so that we can pre order.

Cheers Jackie x

This year's big ride

Hi Guys.

I know that i'm being a bit previous here, but I know some of you need to book leave etc, far in advance, so this is to let you know that the date for next years ride will be July 7th, all being well.

We are going to Llandudno, which is mere 127 miles and I have already sorted a hotel, it's the same one as last time, for those that have done this one before, but hopefully without the mad old lady from next door shouting at us, although it was quite entertaining!!

I hope you are all fit and well.

Cheers jackie x

P.S. I hope your impressed!

Land's End - John o'Groats

Monday 26th September, 07.30, saw us in Jon o'Groats about to begin our marathon trek down the length of Britain. Fifteen Army cyclists and one Civvie – ME!!! @ age 47 the oldest by 8 years. Conditions were blustery, to say the least, not unlike many a Sunday training ride!

The next ten days would see us cycling through torrential rain, tackling some monstrous climbs and taking in some breathtaking views, in fact anything the challenge could chuck at us.

Stop over at home in Stafford for a night, halfway through. Bliss to sleep in a proper bed instead of camp cots in TA Centres, and under canvas for one night.

Wednesday 5th October, 15.00, saw us cycle into Lands End, 4 Army cyclists and one Civvie – ME!!!, having completed every inch of the 979 miles, but you know me, I couldn’t leave it at an odd number so went out the following morning and did the other 21 to make it all the way to 1000 miles!

Thoroughly enjoyed the experience, even though I have ended up with a rear end like a Rhino’s hide, and would do it all again tomorrow.

Thank you to everybody for your messages of support and congratulations.

Paul Davies

The social ride

The social and family ride took place on the 4th of September and the sun shone and the wind was light. We took the route along the old railway line to Gnosall, stooping for a very relaxed lunch in The Navigation Inn garden. A great day!