Saturday 10th December - Col de Coldharbour & Youth Ride (To Be A Pilgrim)

Today was an experiment, we decided to run an off-site ride for Go-Riders
as well as a Youth Ride for our older riders.  The day dawned, miserable, damp and grey but this didn't affect the KVK's enthusiasm for bike riding.

We all ended up together at the exit of the bumpy field, ideal for a quick group photo

Our minis at the top of Col de Coldharbour, won't be long before none of the adults can keep up with them.

Betsy and Gareth after a successful ascent of the Col de Coldharbour

 Eighteen young riders met up at West Wood; four of them headed off "To Be A Pilgrim" (they were heading towards the Pilgrim's Way), and I split the remaining fourteen into four groups.  Malcolm and Christophe headed out with Luke, Dan, Eloise and Hope with strict instructions to do at least two laps this week.  Previously, they had 'convinced' Calvin that they were tired after just one and returned to play on the pump track.  Michele and Claire took the youngest riders; Betsy, Franklin, Ivo and Serena helped by Sarah, Gary & Cas.  They met up with Ewan and James in the lane, some early morning puncture repair had delayed them.  Finally, Joel, Joshua, Albert and Oliver rode out with myself, Jez, Gareth, Andrew and Ella.  All my group made it non stop to the top of the Col de Coldharbour.  All went well, and we were just thinking about an extra climb up the Chestnut Walk when Joel got the first of two punctures.  The kids took time out for some snacking and we did a few mini races while the puncture was repaired before setting off again.  When Joel's back tyre deflated for the second time, I sent the group on and launched a van resuce.  On the plus side, Joel was finally convinced it was time to upgrade his bike.  Everyone met back a the pump track, no sign of the Pilgrims though..............so I headed home wondering where they had got to.



Damian texted soon after to let me know all was well but that he'd had a series of punctures that had slowed them down.  Time for some new tyres or better road sweeping by KCC???

Next week is our final session and is our popular Pimp My Bike ride.  Decorate yourself and your bike in festive fashion and join us for a short ride before returning to Coldharbour Lane for hot chocolate and cakes.  Suitable for all our riders, adults riders welcome (and needed for our youngest members).