Hi, hope everything is well with all our members and your family and friends.
For those that follow my blogs, you may remember, last weeks headlines focused on donations from individuals and Sponsors, coffee stops during the unpredictable British weather, Rugby activities returning to the club and my bike going for a well earned service.
This week has been very similar, starting with Saturday and having to ditch the 20 mile outdoor plan due to the weather to an indoor spin session and a visit to the Club with the brother for a few refreshments!!
On Monday, I went to collect the bike following its service and as I started off the heavens opened. I pushed on towards Northampton and then Market Harborough and was pleased that the bike performed as well as ever.
For those that remember as far back as Wednesday, more rain and wind. Again, a move indoors to the trainer for an hours Spinning. I take my hat off to those that go to spin classes, it is brutal. It did give me a few minutes of distraction to remember the view from my old office in London, watched by my 3 supportive girls in their comedy outfits. This was followed by a tearful moment as my daughter Emily, who returned to Nottingham for University, had arranged a Funky pigeon post card and message.
On the Spin bike and a supportive message from his daughter Emily.
On Thursday I attended the Club AGM, it was great to see a healthy number of players and members who gave some cash donations. I was further encouraged with a number of members who want to join us on the day and ride out for a few miles or longer. So far they include ; our Club Captain Connor Fleming, juniors coaches, ex players and today a call from one of our club legends Ken Beattie (surely that is worth a donation or taking responsibility for raising funds for the improvements??) looking to join us.
Torrential rain during Tom's stop at Foxton Locks
I woke up on Saturday to the strong Westerly wind, perfect to ride into for 35 miles towards Maidwell the then back home via Foxton Locks narrowly avoiding the rain to complete the final 60 mile session. We stopped for a couple of photos en route, can anyone guess the name of the monument and the year it relates to? There’s a free drink at the bar for the first correct guess on the Clubs Facebook post for this blog. Saturday ended with a visit to the club to see the second half of Saints win.
Can you guess the name of the monument in the background and Tom stops for a photo op at a church in Maidwell
The Big Day
Coach Andy’s advice for this week.... short distances or spin sessions, prepare my kit and ensure we have everything ready for the support vehicle that will meet us at Kings Lynn for lunch and drinks replacement.
We leave the club at 7am on Thursday 27th August 2020 and anyone is welcome to join us for a few miles or be at the start to wish us luck. I only ask that you let me know by 5pm on Wednesday 26th August 2020 and either before hand or on the day speak to a buddy and agree when you decide to return back to Corby to travel in a minimum of 2 for safety. A few have asked about cycling all the way but I am staying over for the weekend so cant offer transport.
We hope to arrive at Cromer Pier for fish and chips between 4pm and 5pm, then perhaps a refreshment at the Wellington Pub.
Fundraising
I make no apology in continuing to encourage everyone, to consider how you might be able to support the appeal. A Cycle challenge to Cromer is a great foundation but at this stage will only raise 10% of what we need. A recent suggestion is to run the Joker card draw at the club every Saturday. With the potential to have significant prize winners, it not only has the potential to raise significant funds, it encourages more members to visit the club for the draw, sport on the TV and benefit from food and drink discounts.
Any Volunteers to help run this on a Saturday??
Finally, thanks again to everyone who has supported us so far, it really does make a difference to the pain during training and helps me get through the challenge. With the help of Matt Fleming, Northants Telegraph and Corby Radio, we will keep you updated on the day, so please keep sharing the posts and updates.
