Derby Mercury 79th Birthday Social Extravaganza

One of the real success stories of this cycling season at Derby Mercury has been the popularity of the Social Rides and the way they have attracted the less ' racing condition cyclists ' in the Club.  Starting off with a surprising turnout of over 35 riders on a cold, damp January Sunday morning, the rides have steadily increased their reach, and yesterday ' The Birthday Ride' attracted over 100 participants.
To make these rides truly inclusive there are 3 options

a)  a 79 mile  ride for the fit and fast

b) a 79 km ride for those who like to chat and eat cake

c) a 79 furlong ride for the Mercury Future Stars

The whole experience is topped off by a BBQ back at ride HQ, and, for those lucky enough to have chosen a seat at John's table, a slice of the most sumptuous Orange Chocolate Cake

The Fast Boys left early and blasted off into the Peak District and I did not see them again until they stormed past me in a blur of blue and the whirring sound of deep rimmed wheels through Sudbury on their return journey.

The Social Group comprised riders covering an age range from 10 years to 70+ years with an equally wide range of fitness and capability and snaked their way to the coffee stop at Denstone Hall

 where we turned the place into a sea of blue.

Refuelling is a serious business and a lot of thought needs to be given to the correct nutritionally food

Though the cyclists around the tables seemed highly satisfied with their choices

Meanwhile the Mercury Future Stars , along with their support staff,  had made their way to Elvaston

but with the excess energy of youth, burned some of it off on an assault course

before returning for burgers and cake.

It was a great day in the saddle, the weather was kind and the organization great

Thank you to all.