Stubbington Green Runners & AC

13 Stubbies ventured to Dieppe to take part in the three valley’s tour, an annual cycling event, organised by Caroline Street in conjunction CDC Dieppe. Some of the group had been before, some were seasoned veterans but for many of us, including myself, Kathy McCain, Richard Sims, Kev and Matt Ashman, this was our first experience of this kind of event.

We set off early on Saturday morning, 13th June, to catch the ferry from Newhaven where we abandoned our 4 wheel vehicles for our two wheeled ones. This was my first hurdle, limiting my luggage to carry on my bike! On arrival in Dieppe, we cycled through the town to our hotel. After a few relaxing beers we went to the greet meeting with the France organisers where Caroline did us proud with a speech in both French and English! Then it was off for some food, a stroll around the seafront and a reasonable early night with anticipation of the gloriously sunny day that was forecast for the next day’s cycle.

The morning dawned bleak; we woke to the sound of heavy rain. A little disheartened but non-the less determined we headed to breakfast. Luckily, the rain held off for the start and the weather improved through the day. We cycled some of the route together as a large group but broke into smaller groups at different times.

After 3 punctures and a roadside puncture repair that later reverted to a slow puncture which had to be pumped up every 3 miles or so for the last 25 miles (big respect to Sian Munday who pedalled up many big hills with a semi deflated tyre!), the day had its share of technical glitches. The route was challenging, ‘hilly’ just doesn’t seem to cover it! But the scenery was picturesque, the atmosphere was great and the countryside roads a pleasure to enjoy with the French drivers very considerate of us cyclists. The camaraderie in the SGR team was fab and we all managed to conquer every summit even the hairpin bend hill to finish with! We were all in awe of our youngest member, 12 year old Matt Ashman who pedalled his heart out, led on every hill and never once moaned over the whole of the 74 mile course! Well done Matt, man of the tour!!

The SGR team finished tired but delighted with the day and were awarded a cup for being the 3rd largest team to enter the event! Caroline and I ended the day in A&E with Ted, an 87 year old who had come off his bike on the last hill. A little bruised and shaken but delighted with his cup for oldest cyclist, Ted was later discharged.

This was a brilliant event to be involved in and young and old alike thoroughly enjoyed it! I’d like to thank Caroline, Glen and Ian Lewis for their care and support of our group throughout the day. You were brill! Can’t wait for next year!