A good day for a barbecue? No, a great day for a BBR!
Drop the tongs, lose the sauce, and save the salad for later; now is the time to ride! It’s a magnificent day, and it just happens to have 10 magnificent friends, old and new, riding out for June’s Baroudeur Big Ride (BBR)
This June’s BBR rolled out of Richmond with the sun on our backs. A gentle climb out and we’re onto the road to Kingston. As we swoop through the neighbourhood it’s as if summer has officially arrived. Within moments the temperature rises, and so too have many locals; leaving behind the stuffy-indoors for the freedom of the outdoors. It’s going to be a lovely day for everyone.
We take a leisurely respite at Hampton Court, waiting for Crazy Legs to join us. Unfortunately, he’s taken a tumble to get here.
Feeling a bit bruised, Crazy Legs hasn’t lost any of his magic. He soldiers on and pulls the team up and through to Cobham. The ride is conversationally paced. We pair up as we make our way to Box Hill.
Before we get there, there’s still a matter of some gentle climbs to wrestle with. The conversations take a short break, whilst we fill our lungs with the extra air needed to propel us upwards. It’s where our Captain excels. Yet, not far behind is Big Chase and Mike; happy to keep things running smoothly and join in as we bank right and enjoy the rewards of descending.
The roads begin to narrow and the shadows of the trees in full bloom channel us towards Ranmore. As the fields open up again, a group of racers and their support vehicle join us. Rather than hinder their rhythm, we make room for them and let them enjoy their day.
The ride splits a little as we make for Box. One of the Baroudeurs takes on 3 members from another club, and leads them up. Loses to one, but drops two. All on a fixed. Well it would be rude not to!
We take our time on the Hill. After all, there’s not much left to do, when a group decide to do a recce for a loop. Unfortunately, it isn’t the fast pace they hope for. The much narrower roads are taken up by runners and traffic for this morning. At least the view is good: stone walls; country homes; and the lambs grazing in the fields. There’s even the scent of summer in the air.
We regroup in time for tea and cake. The time simply flies by before we realise there are homes and families to return to. As we return to Richmond, we realise we get back earlier then planned. One great aspect of riding in a group is working together, with the reward of having a moment to lie down in the grass for moment or two.
Thank you for another very good Big Baroudeur Ride!
