I’ve had a hectic week researching Tea Rooms, but have found a good one for tomorrow. Not to be missed, well worth getting the bike out for.

Sally

Well you might find 3 in this weeks post as I try to explain last weeks lack of ride information. As you will see a mixture of human error and technological failure conspired against us. So much like the chicken and egg, which came first?

 Human error! Anyone surprised? At around 8.00pm on Saturday whilst sniffing the top of a fine wine Andrew realised no rides were out and immediately issued a text SOS to his fellow organisers. His request was simple, could either Hegs or myself put out a ride? Andrew advised that he was at a Bunga Bunga party, and that much like one of his cycle rides, it was likely to over run by some hours and result in excessive alcohol consumption.

I replied immediately that if John was unable to oblige by 9.00pm then I would put out the rides. I felt confident that our technology guru, Hegs, would simply speak to his computer and hey presto, a couple of nice paragraphs and a route would mystically appear. Here however, technology failed me, my text message did not leave my phone. This was compounded by Human error as I failed to notice until Monday.

As for John, well he was California Dreaming, presumably in silicone valley. His excuse, Jet lag, though frankly if he’s nesting his head between Pamela Anderson’s finest I cannot see how this can be true. Whatever the truth our man at the forefront of communications was un-contactable. I think I’m now up to 4 excuses.

Still, and despite of these failings, an excellent turn out still ensued, and for the first time in Vinghoe Velo history the Jazz plan was implemented. As you may imagine this takes its form from the improvised music of the same name, whereby much like the musicians, the cyclist makes it up as he goes along. We must be thankful that some of the more obscure principles of Jazz music were not applied as this would  have resulted in everyone cycling in a different direction!

So too make up for this sack load of poor excuses I am pleased to issue this weeks rides well in advance. If you find time, in between shooting striking public servants, then please take a look and print them off for Sunday. I will now do some work.

Long Route

Short Route

We had a lovely ride last week with 10 people out, some familiar faces and some new faces. The sun shone and after some lovely cycling, we sat outside for tea and cakes. More cycling, then more tea/beer back at the Rose and Crown.

Another ride is planned this Saturday, meeting as usual at just before 10 at the Rose and Crown. All welcome.

For many this time of year represents the gradual wind down to the christmas festivities. Some may already be drafting their letters to the fat bearded bloke in the red suit, others perhaps preparing slow gin and mince pies. But here at Vinghoe Central we know that now is the time to step up our training regime, and reinforce our healthy living ethic. So tonight we give you a few thoughts for the coming weeks.

During these times you will be expected to increase your food intake. Turkey, mince pies, christmas pudding and all other fancy foods will be pushed in front of you. Of course many will say that everything in moderation is acceptable, but this is like having a ferrari with only four cylinders. It will look good but only have half the fun. No, as Fatletes we must remember to eat all that is put in front of us. The winter months will be long and arduous, and we must be prepared.

Fear not that you may put on a little weight, this is to be expected and indeed desired. So eat until your hearts content. Now you will have seen some horror pictures of those that have over indulged, the problem is not the eating but the lack of physical training, and this is where being part of the Vinghoe Veloes can really help. Thanks to our physio guru, Dave “Hill” Howe, we have the perfect cycle training programme to keep those legs and bodies in top condition. A classic combination of gentle climbs and steep descends provides the perfect antidote to a fine feast.

Over recent years, thanks to George Best and his like, there has been much negative publicity regarding the consumption of Alcohol. Binge drinking is not acceptable, more than two or three units a day is too much. So what is the average fatlete to do in the face of such contrary advise. Well as you’d expect here at the veloes we have the solution, the turnover digger units calculator. I know this is starting to sound complicated, and maths and drink are not best bed buddies, but this is really simple. We are going to introduce a units per venue measure. So you may enjoy a couple of glasses of fine barollo before venturing out of an evening. Two units done, and well within your limit. Then of course you will take a short walk to your favourite drinking establishment, the Rose and Crown. This is where the plan really works. New venue, new points. A clean slate and well within safe limits, so crack open a few tonight while you study this sundays rides.

Long Ride

for those that are under 5 foot here’s the

Short route

Meeting outside the Rose and Crown, all welcome. The weather looks favourable, the cycling will be a gentle 10-15 miles with the usual tea stop during and after.
Sally

After what was the most eventful ride ever on Sunday, a few members are planning a (mainly) off-road ride around Ashridge and Tring Park this Thursday evening (17/11/11). We are meeting at Ivinghoe Library at 6:40pm so good lights are required. We will be taking it easy pace wise, but there are  a couple of hills involved (The Beacon and up to Wiggington). As always, no one gets left behind so please feel free to join us.

Thursday off-road route

As many of you are aware a gathering has been arranged to celebrate Christmas on 9th December and I am sure we would all like to thank Jayne for organising it.

Many people may not realise what effort is put into arranging rides, shirts, socials, the website etc.  One thing  is sure that without the input from all those who contribute none of what we share together would be possible.

Please remember that whilst we may enjoy the change of scenery at another local hostelry, the Rose & Crown, Ivinghoe remains the birthplace of the glorious Vinghoe Velos and I am sure we will all continue to eat, drink and make merry in there.  Details of their great Christmas Fayre can be found here.

Thank you to Alistair and all of the team for your hospitality and continuing to put up with the motley crew of ‘athletes’ that descend on you several times a week.

Keep cycling and be careful out there!

It always seems a shame when cycling may hinder the wine intake on a Saturday night and remaining inclusive and try to encourage as many out of your beds in the morning here is a shorter ride!  Please remember to try and memorise the route and bring a copy with you!

Have fun and be careful out there!

Many thanks to everyone who came out on last week’s ride. There were 28 of you which is a great turnout especially considering we are now in the winter season.

This week we are privileged to see ride planner Dave “l’alpe d’huez” Howe take a break from planning the route for the 2013 Tour de France to draw up a new route for us. The weather is forecast to be fabulous tomorrow so we look forward to a ride that includes a trip around the Pednor Loop together with a climb up Herberts Hole.

It is a 30 mile trek and we hope to get of to a prompt start so please try an aim to arrive at the R&C by 9:45am if you can. As is the norm these days we will divide up into two main groups with two paces.

As always, we welcome riders of all abilities. Sometimes the groups can become fragmented so please print out a copy of the route for any emergency navigation that is required.

Herberts Hole Route – 30 miles

Safe Cycling everyone !

Just a note to remind you all about the new Saturday morning Tea Rides that are now running. These take place EVERY Saturday starting at The Rose and Crown at 10 am. We will be doing an easy 10- 15 miles with a sociable tea stop half way, aiming to be back at the Rose and Crown by about midday for further refreshment. The ride will go at the pace of the slowest rider, so all are welcome. Get that bike out of the garage, pump up the tyres and come and join us this week.

Please pass this message on to anyone that you feel might be interested.