I’ve always thought that one day I would become a leader of men. What I didn’t take into account was that I wouldn’t be approached to do so until I was pushing 80 years old. Well, it’s happened. A man of great humour and dubious taste, accepted my offer of help with a bike run he had created but was unable to lead. Yes, the curiously talented Mr. Steve Wynne chose ME to lead the evening ride on September 9th 2025.
Thrilled to death until the thought of having 15 to 20 seasoned riders relying on me to keep them on track eventually hit home.
I was going to have to learn to read a map. More to the point, I was going to have to read one of Steve’s maps. I was going to have to learn to move his map from the club calendar to my new-fangled telephone device. Something I only learned to switch on the other day (and have forgotten how to do since). Sincere thanks to Mike Kennedy here by the way, for his I.T. know how.
How was I going to be able to look where I was going, read a map and point to where a marker man had to stand? I mean, it would mean I’d have to let go of the handlebar and go around a corner at the same time with 20 people watching!!
Oh Heaven. What had I done? My cheese was sliding off my cracker.
I seem to have strayed a bit with this story because (ahem), the purpose of this article is to ask the membership if they would consider joining the ranks of those that lead our club runs. The likes of Steve Wynne, Nigel Stevens, Trevor Fleming and lain Moss etc. do an amazing job of planning routes. Not an easy task and very time consuming for them. The least we can do to show our appreciation is to give them a hand when they need it. A reserve of leaders would do just that.
It turns out I needn’t have worried by the way, or lost three nights sleep. The job of leading was a breeze. At first, one worries about all those poor souls behind you trusting you to keep them safe. But then you realize that you are unaware of the chaos going on behind you. You Just leave that for the T.E.C’s to sort out. And the riders are very forgiving, a great bunch of good humored folk. Nobody bought a noose as far as I’m aware……..
All you have to do is point at corners. Simple.
Fancy a go?
Talk to Steve Wynne our
He’s a smashin bloke and will make you feel very welcome. But be quick or he might choose somebody else.
Ride safely you lot.
Your Faithfull Servant & Membership Secretary.
Phil
