Another sunny day for the eighth session, but a bit breezier with wind from the west, there were fewer riders taking part in this penultimate training ride at Sproatley.

A number had gone off to sunnier climes to do their training, although I gather the forecast was to have a rainy period in Mallorca.

We started with three groups, six off in the first one, four in the second, and eight in the third with a minute gap between each.

The second group apparently were unaware that the first lap of the sessions is supposed to be an easier one, what I call a ‘chat lap’, meaning that you still have breath to talk, and they were quicker by a minute over the 2.7 miles.

From then on we had two groups only and a couple more joined in so that we had twenty riders altogether.

Lap times:

[table id=57 /]

Certainly some lapping consistency in group one, I hope everyone was having a turn at the front – I like to limit the group to six or seven riders, everybody gets a good work-out then.

I gather there were some ragged changes in group three; the wind means you have to be more careful and these sessions give you the opportunity to learn best how to do it.

I’m afraid we were the shortest we’ve ever been for marshalling and thanks to Terry Grainger for his help. Haven’t any of you riders got a fan club, someone to come and help and watch your progress?

Next week is the last one for this year, so see you there at Sproatley, 2:00 o’clock on the dot, please.

Photos of session #8 available from Flickr

Jim Sampson
Club Coach