Dougie Mac Bike Ride 2013

Dad is taking part again this year - well he has to, he's managed to get his photo on the entry form again !  Here is the entry form 

Anyone fancy having a go, details are below.  Dad will be doing the 50 mile and I'll probably be hanging around Wrinehill with my camera.

Event:	Ruby Bike Ride
When:	Sunday 19th May 2013
Where:	Michelin Athletic Club

Challenge yourself - if you have joined us before why not try a different route!
Whether you are a beginner or seasoned rider there is a route to suit all abilities from 10 -110 miles! Riding through Stoke-on-Trent, Cheshire and Wales.

• Llangollen - 110 miles
• Nantwich - 50 miles
• Local - 10 miles

In our 40th anniversary year every entrant will receive a commemorative medal and t-shirt!

Dougie Mac Cycle ride 2012

Dad has done the Dougie Mac cycle ride today. Must remember to ask how many times he's done it now. He did the 50 mile route out to Nantwich and back. Just found the route and it says it's 45 mile ! Set off at 9.00 and were back by 2.00, so five hour in total. Had a couple of stops en route and stopped for a chat with me at Wrinehill. Not much of a "challenge" for Dad as he usually does around 45 miles with the Wednesday Wheelers.

It didn't seem as busy this year on the road. I sat and waited for Dad for about half an hour and there were a steady flow of cyclist coming past but it didn't seem as busy as last year. Perhaps they were all either really fast and come through earlier, or were much slower!  There were no entries on the day this year and everyone had to enter online (not everyone has a computer!) so I don't know whether that affected the number of entrants.

At least this year he saw me (last year he went riding past!). He did know I would be there though.

Dad and Cath

Dad with John Dunn - A combined age of 160 and they still have the energy to laugh

Dad and John Dunn

A quick photo with the flag

and then they were off ...

Dougie Mac cycle ride

Dad took part in the Dougie Mac cycle ride today. He was on the 50 mile to Nantwich. He managed to get off by 9.30 ... it took an hour to "check-in". A bit of a blustery day out on the road but the rain that threatened most held off.

I headed out to met him on the way back. However Dad had given me duff instructions as to which road they were heading down so I decided to wait at the drink station in Wrinehill - at around the 38 mile point. I text Dad to tell him I would be there.

I had around half an hour wait, chatting to the cyclists as they stopped off for a drink. I then spotted Dad heading down the road.

I gave him a shout and he waved at me. Shouted again and that's when he noticed me, so he pulled in for a drink.

Had a quick chat, a drink and he had his photo taken.

and then he was back on the road again.

 He was back at Michelin by 1.30 pm. It had taken him 4 hours with a 15 minute puncture repair.