Shaking off the Christmas Pud

The snow had just about cleared and five Ragstones started from Ruth's to head for Ramsgate. Jane has a new bike and was on holiday, so it was a good opportunity for her to demonstrate her new-found speed Wow, what a difference a new bike makes - and also the regular taining.

On the way through Sandwich a misunderstood request to visit the loos at the Coop resulted in the Ragstones being faced with a 'Road Closed' sign - a challenge. Of course, they rode down it to see where it led - unfortunately not to Ramsgate! By the time the Ragstones had reached Woodnesborough it seemed sensible to abandon the original objective and adopt Plan B.

Plan B is a fail-safe system. The plan is that, if all else fails, the Ragstones will head for a known and trusted pub and forget about venturing into distant territories. So, the question was, where should they go? After due consideration, it was off to Shepherdswell.

Considering this was in completely the opposite direction to the one originally intended, it wasn't too surprising that this was quite a long ride. But nevermind, it was very enjoyable. Judith ran true to form - or should it be cycled true to form? Entering Shepherdswell her front tyre deflated. Oh Judith, have you remembered that new tube I gave you to carry at all times? And where is that pump you are supposed to carry. And what about some tyre leavers? Of course, all these were answered in the negative! Fortunately Peter had a spare tube, albeit too narrow, and a pump and some tyre leavers. In future the Ragstones are going to implement a kit check before riders are allowed to join a ride!

The lunch at the pub by Shepherdswell church was excellent. Robert joined the Ragstones by car - and there was much merriment.

That was the last ride in 2010. It had been a good year for the Ragstones and the consensus was that they will continue as before in 2011