KVK Defy the Weather Forecasters Once Again!!

Ride Out
Rain and lightening hanging around early in the morning threatened the latest assault on Col de Coldharbour but with faith in the forecast that promised it would dry up Hope, Ellen, Calvin, Sophia and Hannah took on the challenge.  A brisk ascent of  the Col left the riders needing to strip off layers as the temperature rose.  The rain may have gone, but it meant that the previously dry dusty trials were now muddy (although the "muddy field" was still relatively firm; its epic, bog-like mud no doubt awaits us later in the year), leaving Hannah wondering about the choice of a white jersey.  However everyone coped well with the tougher conditions and we were back at Westwood in no time, helped it has to be said by the fact that for the first time in what seems to be ages, we escaped without any punctures.




Go Ride In the afternoon, the Go-Ride and Quick Starter sessions went ahead; a terrific downpour just before the start threatened to make it a miserable session but again the weather was with us and the rain stopped and the sun came out.

With Kary away on a MTB coaching course (we look forward to exciting new MTB sessions in the near future)  Katy and Claire took the Quick Starter session and Young Volunteer, Jacob led the regular Go-Ride session (with Damian assisting).  This session concentrated on practicing picking up items (of diminishing size) from the crates (and the floor) and requires the riders to move about on their bikes, retaining balance and control.  There was a noticeable improvement from everyone during the session as confidence grew which made the relay races at the end of the session very keenly fought both between the rival teams and within each team as riders battled to see who could pick up  the smallest items.

Well done everyone, great riding but keep practicing; the challenge is to pick up a dust cap from the floor!

Quick Start Session with Katy & Claire
Six riders braved the showers on Saturday to come and learn about riding in a group. They made a good start in riding around an oval in pairs. However, they were reluctant to talk to each other so we set them the challenge of finding out a little about their partners. Soon there was lots of communication and gradually the riders were getting closer to each other too. The sun came out,  jackets were stripped off and before the end of the session, the riders were looking happy and confident riding closely together. Great progress so well done!

Next Week:

Saturday 18th October
Ride Out - Col de Penshurst.  Meet at the wooden bridge, park side, Tonbridge Park.  Ready to ride 9.45am Please bring jacket, drink, pocket snack & packable waterproof.  This is a trail ride, be prepared for muddy puddles :-)

Go Ride - Regular & Quick Start. Sign on from 1.45pm for a 2pm start. Finish at 3pm.  Suitable for MTB and hybrids only