TonyS

Went out today instead. Super day. Might see you Tuesday if forecast improves 🤞

Pleased to meet up and ride with the group for a few miles. Even more pleased to get home just as it started to rain quite heavily! Hope the rest of you managed to avoid it 🤔

Taken from local news, can't find lanes mentioned but might well affect Defford run on Tuesday "Temporary closure from Dunhampstead to Himbleton Road begins on Tuesday, October 18. The closure will be from the junction with Cottage Lane to the junction with Flash Lane." Another closure planned for Himbleton for later this month, main route past the pub. House builders work so may be able to navigate on bike.

Would have been with you today but went out yesterday. So doing today what I would have done yesterday, if I hadn't gone out yesterday before I saw where you were going today. If you see what I mean 🤔

With regret, I have to report that John Franks passed away on Sunday 25th. Those of you who frequent Defford will remember him as 'Mocha' John for his love of coffee. Others may remember him for his life long cycling and his love of music. Pauline has asked me to convey the news to Saracen friends.

Oh, sad news. A very long time ago, when I moved back to Brum, Mike lived close by (Minden Grove). Last time I saw and chatted with him was outside Cadbury, pre-Covid 😏 Condolences to Val and family. TonyS

Out at 8, back by 10 before the temp & UV got too much. Saw quite a few riders out. Now back in hibernation 😴 Best wishes to you and your wife, Barry 👍

Thanks folks. Been a bit busy recently! Pumped the tyres up on Monday then spent rest of the day recovering 🥴

Good to meet up today, even if I didn't speak to everyone. Sorry I didn't stop, too close to home.

Sparrows figure skating round the bird bath here ⛸️

Happy and safe New Year to you too, John, and all other clubmates. Get well soon, Moira 🙂 Be aware that Croome is still warning that, due to recent weather, car park spaces are limited and visitors may also have to be limited. I guess that's owing to saturated ground in overflow car park, but thought you ought to be aware.

Sincere condolences to Gordon and all family.

Happy Christmas everyone. Here's wishing you all a safe and healthy 2022. Special greetings to Eric, last time I saw him was in a pub/cafe somewhere near Ewyas Harold, when he was riding with the Cheltenham (or was it Gloucester)?

Sorry Ivor, extracting Christmas Tree from depths of garage - I can confirm it's cold and quite breezy!

It wasn't much warmer inside, Chris!

What's the dress code, Ivor? Ties, club tops, by bike?

Sad news, a fine gentleman and stalwart of the Club who will be much missed. Sincere condolences to Judy and family.

Thank you all. At the moment John, I doubt I could keep on your wheel, let alone catch up with you!

Dave & I took a view on wind direction and speed, then decided that a hedge-sheltered trip to Tardebigge with largely wind assisted return loop was better than a trip through the Lenches followed by a headwind return from Evesham. Main Clubrun acknowledged at Priest's Bridge, Leigh shouted at a bit further beyond, then Ivor seen near Bentley. Finally Ivor spotted on way back in Flying Horse Lane, with time to stop and chew the fat with Superman before we went our separate ways again. Finally a detour for us past Philpott Towers, but no sighting of the residents, then home for a cuppa.

"group rides of more than six are allowed from 29 March onwards under the organised sport and activity exemption" "Organised outdoor sport and physical activity must be formally organised by a qualified instructor, club, national governing body, company or charity and follow sport-specific guidance where appropriate" "If the sport is not formally organised, or the sport-specific guidance is not being followed, this is considered to be informal or self-organised sport and will need to follow the guidance on outdoor legal gathering limits." "Informal group rides – such as groups of friends meeting to ride together – will continue to be subject to the Rule of Six at this time, along with all other general Government guidance on social distancing and interaction" All the above taken from Government, Cycling UK and BC websites. Other than formal organised clubruns, with a clear leader and acceptable C-19 control structures in place, my opinion is that we are still restricted to a maximum of six, especially if a cafe stop is involved.

Heard about Pete via ChrisK. So sad. A strong, classy and always neat & tidy rider. Just like Paul. Both instantly recognisable when approaching from the opposite direction. R. I. P. Peter.

Sad times. Condolences to Pauline & family from myself and also from Dave & Mandy (from whom I heard the news).

This just received from Steve Tonry 😒 Hi all, you may already be aware but Kim Cope rang last night, to let me know that Dave is very ill with pancreatic cancer and the prognosis appears to be terminal. Very sad news indeed, following Granny Thomas’s recent passing. Apparently, Alan Lloyd had spoken to Dave, Alan subsequently letting Kim know. I’m making further enquiries via Chris Moseley and Tim Crumpton, who live not too far from Dave, so will update you if I hear any more. I don’t have Dave’s contact details but I’m sure you chaps will have, if you’re able to contact him directly. Please pass on my best wishes, if you do so. I’m sure you’ll also wish to advise other colleagues, who know Dave. A sad end to a challenging year. Best Steve

I can see the family resemblances!

Just heard about Grant via Steve Tonry ☹️ (his email below). Thanks for the other info provided above. Very sad news. I trained and raced with Granny and John Varley in VC Central 1964-67 when I was at university. He was also friends with Alan Richards so occasionally I'd also see him in the shop when I moved back to Brum in the mid-70s. Lovely guy, so smart and tidy on a bike and very punctilious about equipment and position. Tony On 18 November 2020 21:46:09 Steve Tonry wrote: