12. December 2024

Findon Gentlemen’s cycling club rides in December 2024

Saturday 7th December 08.00am ride

Four gathered at OPG, sheltered from the worst of the wind by Findon’s location in a natural hollow. Strong winds from the west, which had just blown MA (blue) over from Angmering, were noted and a westerly outward leg was mooted, to be blown back along the coast. The rain held off as the peleton of three (PT, MA and CB, in red) headed up Church Hill and down Cote Street, while ZA (green) on road bike (his spanking new e-bike not being online yet) headed down the valley.

The pelethree then passed Tesco Durrington, climbed Highdown against the wind, and enjoyed the westerley blast at the summit. After a wind-assisted lie-down by CB, down Hangleton Lane and on to rv with ZA at the Ferring Country Park for a modest brek. Departing FCP in the rain, MA returned home from Ferring, while the pelethree took to the coast to be blown east, turning north up Grand Avenue for a road route home. ZA made a brief detour in Tarring to visit a fete, but the weather had already caused its cancellation. About 15 miles and 750 feet climbed.

STOP PRESS!!

MrRoche reports:

“Basically those darn flies meant my ride started too late and, if I’m honest, the realisation (sponsored by a view expressed by the club nurse), that a 70 year old on an analogue bike should know better.
So 7.10 miles as far as (the Gurka at) Thomas-a-Beckett and back, with practically zero elevation, probably doesn’t count for the bling, which I have long since given up all hope of winning. Especially so as MUA duties are likely to be the cause of my absence Tuesday and Saturday next week – but of course do not dampen my enthusiasm for the ’cause’ that is the FGCC.”

Editor’s Note:

Subsequently Mr Roche has confirmed that both his start time and his finish time fell within the “Qualifying Regulations (Members Resident at least partially abroad) Post-Covid Supplementary Rules 2023 Amendment Rule”, which allows for any ride starting before 13:00 local time on a Saturday to qualify for the Bulldog Bling standings. The 2024 Bulldog Bling table now includes this latest foray from WHQ.

Saturday 14th December 08.00am ride

Saturday 21st December 08.00am ride

Saturday 28th December 08.00am ride