Border100 - A view from the Chair/Saddle 16Nov2003

(A brief) Chairman's report on a Grand Day Out.

It was a grand day out too. Lurvley weather, and a full day's tour of many of the local lanes, even one or two I've not ridden before. I even spent more than my customary 10mins treasure hunt preparation for this and spent a couple of hours plotting the grid refs, working out a route and even ensuring I wouldn't run out of petrol!

I think I was a few minutes late starting. The dog had to be walked before I left, and that morning he decided to go and play with some deer in the woods - obviously a lot more interesting than chasing any stick I might be throwing.

This was the first occasion when I had been out riding on my own, although I knew there were going to be others out on the same lanes, and I did spend some time in the company of Tony and Ben Falconer for a few lanes. I stuck to my route and left them, only to meet up again around a bend at the end of another lane which I think was "interesting" for both of us. Riding alone certainly makes you more aware of the potential dangers!

(Soap box on)

During the day in various places, I came across maybe a dozen horse riders. On every occasion I stopped, said "Hello" and all responded with a friendly wave or "Thank you", proof maybe that it is possible to share the lanes if we take just a little care.

(Soap box off)

Lunch at the "Trekkers" was a welcome but brief break. Time was running a little short by then so I had to cut out a couple of the more difficult lanes, but that didn't leave me short of clues in total. As it happened I was one of the first to return to the "Orepool", but I stuck to my route and may even have got a reasonable score!! (That's what you think! Bish had been back home, showered, and washed the bike before walking into the Orepool! ed.)

Many thanks to Colin and Matt for putting a considerable amount of effort into organising this event. All who rode thoroughly enjoyed their day out which may be encouragement enough for another next year?