Hi everyone, I hope you are all in good health and getting excited on the news that Live Premiership Rugby is back. Where else would you want to watch games than on the big screen, with your favourite refreshment in our air-conditioned and Covid compliant clubhouse. If you cant find time to visit for live games, hopefully you will be returning to the club following the news, that, in addition to our Senior Players, our Minis & Juniors can start training again.
On the theme of training, I have had a mixed week of terrain and weather. On Tuesday I set off on a 50 mile cycle to Stamford, traveling through some challenging hills near North Luffenham and Ketton in over 30 degrees heat. After a quick pitstop at the Stamford Post where not only was my lunch on the Eat out to Help out deal, I noted 2 of the Guest Ales were £1.89 (I was tempted).
Pitstop at The Stamford Post
I returned home via a cold drink refill at mums and a quick security check at the club. It helped remind myself why I have taken on the challenge and from the photos I am sure you will agree Malc is maintaining the high standard he has set with the pitch. So what did I learn from this session?.... I can only pray we don’t get the same temperature on Thursday 27th August.
Wednesday was awesome, on top of the incredible individual donations so far, Coby Steel, our amazing Club Sponsors donated £500, taking the total so far to £1870 (just another £30k to go for the lift and toilets).
Ester and the gangs generous donation clearly deserved personal thanks and some photos. So a very easy decision was made to drop in during Thursdays training, yes rain day!! I set off in favourable conditions with coach Andy towards Oundle via Geddington and Brigstock. We were making good time so decided we would travel out towards Kingscliffe before the planned stop at the Laxton Farm and coffee shop. Everything went well until we reached Laxton, the heavens opened and the lightening started. After an hours delay and extra coffee we made our way to thank Ester at, Corby Steel. Always the diplomat, and knowing that Ester is a Tiger fanatic (Why ??) I decided not to wear my Saints cycle top.
Massive thank you Ester and everyone at Corby Steel for their generous donation.
This weeks training will conclude with a short 20 miles on Saturday morning before dropping the bike off for a well earned service. I might have my cool down at the club and watch the Rugby, cant remember if I have any brownie points to spend 🤔.
I am still keen to hear any ideas you have to help us raise the money, or if you could share our ambition and this challenge with others. You can also donate at the just giving page or contact me direct at tomsm.b66@gmail.comto arrange alternative ways to donate.
Tom taking some shelter from the storm.
Finally, I have heard a rumour that a few of our members may join me for the first few miles of the challenge. I would be delighted for anyone to join us when we set off from the club at 7am on Thursday 27th August 2020. So keeping to the current slogan trend.
‘Cycle out to Help out’
