Blog by Mike Moody, Ride Lead.
After lots of rainy days the promise of a dry day brought out 12 bikes for a ride to Cafe Ventoux at Tugby, meeting at our usual spot at Haddon Services, where a ride briefing was carried out, to ensure that all riders were aware of any potential issues and a reminder of the 2nd man drop off system, to ensure everyone would be able to follow the ride.
At a previous Observer meeting we were introduced to an App called Bikecrumbs
Bikecrumbs is a simple app designed for motorbike groups who want to ride together, the app works by sharing each rider’s live location with the group. This means you can always see where the lead bike is—and where your fellow riders are—right from your phone. No more worrying about whether someone’s fallen behind or taken a wrong turn.
Heading out for the days ride, Mike lead everyone on a route staying off the main roads taking the group through Oundle and South into Northamptonshire, where the muddy roads were joined with potholes, plenty of opportunity for Advanced riders to practice their skills.
Cafe Ventoux had a fine selection of food, which with a warm drink gave the opportunity for a good chat and catch up.
Reviewing the Bikecrumbs app we found that some had been able to see all the riders except for the Leader, so adjustments were made to the phone settings.
With a few riders opting to return separately, we set off for a shorter route back to Peterborough, as luck would have it, a flooded road at Harrington Viaduct gave us the opportunity to practice our U turns, not wanting to risk the unknown below the water.
The diversion took us along the A47, avoiding the temptation to stop at Two Flags Cafe and down the A43 to re-join the planned route, but with an expected flood at Elton Bridge we opted for the route through Wansford and on to Starbucks for a warm drink to finish.
A good chat and a review of the Bikecrumbs app, where it was decided it worked well but needed some better understanding for the next ride.
A good dry days riding with good company, a perfect PECAM day.
Blog by Mike Moody.