roader”. As reasonable fitness levels returned I got drawn by friends towards “club rides”. An invitation around 1998 to “guest” on a Seamons weekend away in The Lakes, on an ad-hoc “proper bike”, proved too attractive. A baptism of fire awoke the realisation I could actually “hang on in” with the tourist section of a proper cycling club. Club membership soon followed. After 12 months riding in the club, I knew what bike to upgrade too.

Having “enjoyed life”, passed my peek (as if!), and not being naturally built for speed, serious competitive stuff was never likely. However there’s room for all to join in regular time trials, personal best’s to target, and if you’re mindful, marshalling duties and various essential fringe work around the club activities to get involved in. However I have proudly retained a club cup for three years, although I’ll admit it’s got little to do with speed.

“Club Life” brings camaraderie with like minded nutters. Opportunities to ride the velodrome, weekly time trials, weekends away, York National Cycle Rally, a week  in Spain on the bikes, occasional Audax and Off Road rides, are all regular features on my calendar. All things I wouldn’t have done without the club. Friday night – club night, kick starts the weekend. The Sunday run, going out 52 weeks a year, gets you out and about before the rest of the world is awake. No planning on your part, no arranging a partner to hit a ball back, no booking “tee off” time etc. Just turn up and partake! Of course there’s always a bit more to it if you choose to “get involved”. However the club is broad enough to accommodate all levels and interests, even non riders. There’s always another optional “challenge”. The real pleasure for me is getting out in the fresh air, exploring the lanes, finding new lunch stops, good company and de stressing the mind. Clocking up 3,000+ miles a year isn’t uncommon.  “Man and” – sorry – “Person and machine in perfect harmony”.