Paris – Roubaix Weekend

This weekend was all about the build up to Paris – Roubaix. Two great rides on Saturday and Sunday finishing at Velo! on Sunday afternoon for plenty of Belgian Beer and the Queen of the Classics. Paris – Roubaix!

Saturday took a few members by surprise, lulled into a false sense of security by the wonderful weather enjoyed in the week, a few of us had forgotten to check the forecast. The wind was howling from the start, and we were met at the halfway stage by some torrential rain showers. Where did spring go?! The wind was particularly brutal and it felt like we were riding into it for the majority of the ride. The tail wind that was eventually enjoyed arrived hand in hand with some overdue sunshine. As the showers departed we not only had the wind, but the warmth of the sun on our backs. A grimy ride for the most part, but befitting of the weekend. It hasn’t rained at Paris – Roubaix since 2002, we were hopeful this may signify an end to that ‘dry’ run and some inclement weather may be on the way to liven up the cobbles of Northern France.

As we woke Sunday morning we were greeted by glorious conditions. Warm sun, a bit breezy, but a return to form and a return of spring. A large group assembled with yet more new faces. The pace was quick from the off and rarely let up for the duration of the ride. We had the pleasure of welcoming our youngest rider to date. At fourteen, Silas Warren mixed it up at the front with some really strong riding. Having spent the winter on the track he’s starting of the spring/summer in fine form. Hopefully he’ll join us again as the year rolls on.

Once back at Velo! it was all about the Belgian beers and cycling on the big screen. An impromptu Sweep stake organised by one of the collective added an extra level of interest in the race, if not only for the large amount of unpronounceable 400 and 500 to 1 riders that made it into the hat?!  A fantastic afternoon and a great time had by all. We’ll be enjoying more social events in the near future. We’ll be letting you know about our plans for the first May bank holiday very soon. Watch this space.