Rapha Ride North
Posted on Friday 30 May 2008 by Nick Bloom
On shallow slates the pigeons shift together, backing against a thin rain from the west.
(Philip Larkin)
We gathered, huddled, under the cover of Smithfield Market, just chill, just damp. The pattern in the puddles constant. First a mere half dozen riders, then a in ones and twos our number grew. A good spread of ages, though almost entirely male, mainly roadies, a sprinkling of foolhardy fixies, a handful of hybrids, even a faired ‘bent. A short time to admire the machinery, as Rapha staffers casually modeled the latest Rapha kit to the hapless masses. A few minutes grace for latecomers, then just after 7.40 Linus lead us out – a string of 40-odd riders, including 9 Central London ‘marshalls’.
On such a night the roads were almost clear, and though we were soon broken into smaller bunches by traffic lights, this gave some breaks for other road users. Remarkably for a group of strangers, a quiet discipline prevailed, no-one flying off the front, no displays (other than some alarming skid-stops from the brakeless). A burble of chatter, broken by the occasional shout of direction, vague acquaintances and crossed-paths remembered.
With some relief I followed the tail into Regents Park. Home Turf. A few more wiggles, and on to Swain’s Lane – near all made it up the climb, despite the slippery surface. The Fixies knew it was all or bust, those on gears could mash or twiddle. And rest. Gathered in Pond Square, we waited for the walkers, then split as once more Linus led a group on via Alexandra Palace, whilst I ensured the slackers found the pub – a hard job, somebody had to do it.
This second sector featured a couple of spinning descents. which meant a couple more surprising climbs – a short and sharp local loop. In the pub yard we waited on the pack. A breakaway bunch came in, unable to resist a final sprint, steaming. And grinning. A pause, the group came in. Now to drinking, chatting, stories from the road, memories and moments.
It worked. Despite the rain, despite my reservations about evening traffic. Next month Herne Hill, Derny racing. And maybe a BBQ which can cater for veggies…