Well I was amazed! I thought that not many people would turn up for the ride today, I mean heaven knows how much everybody ate yesterday. But then perhaps they felt that a gentle ride would do them good, and for most of us that is just what it was - a gentle ride.

Helmets off then to Sheila and John Henderson and Jan Garvey who cycled all the way from Aberafan and Port Talbot respectively. The rest of us had a much shorter ride. So it was David Naylor, Martin, David and myself who met at the Railway Inn. Four riders with just two Brains!!

Come on, keep up! If you don't understand the jokes you really have to read more of these stories and generally pay more attention.

We rolled down the cycle track to meet John, Sheila and Lynda at the Junction. No sign of Jan so we thought she must have changed her mind and off we went along a relatively quiet track along the sea front, very relaxing. We passed Ripples where we could have sat outside and enjoyed an ice cream but decided against it - such a difficult decision. At Oystermouth the track got busier and here we came across John White and his daughter Lisa walking along to meet us at Verdi's, we were now looking forward to hot chocolate or coffee. Sadly Verdi's was not open. There has to be somehere we thought and slowly made our way back. From the other side of the road we peered at The George, the lights were on but the door was closed, not much sign of life inside either. A familiar cyclist appears, it was Jan - better late than never. Onwards, onwards. The Village Inn would be open I reassured everyone, I knew this because I had checked some weeks earlier. We arrived outside and locked our bikes up then watched as two Silcox coaches disgorged their human loads straight through the front door. We reckoned that had to be at least a hundred people in front of us at the bar and that had to mean we would be served just before closing time. David Brain had managed to get in with the first surge but we now had to get him out. I joined the human funnel

"Push yourself in, son" said a jolly, white haired lady.

"I'm just trying to rescue one of our lads," I said "I think he's been kidnapped by a group of your ladies."

"Don't worry" said another "they probably won't keep him long."

"I can see him" said another helpfully "he's just on his way out."

And with that David reappeared wearing a curious smile.

We unlocked our bikes and it was clear that we were going elsewhere.

"Are you not coming in with us?" they enquired disappointedly.

"We're going to a better place," we said "just round the corner"

There followed a chorus of "Can we come with you?" "Will you give us a crossie?" This was getting out of hand so we had to make our excuses and leave. Such a shame - so many disappointed ladies!

We found the White Rose and piled in, there was a table big enough for us all to sit round so we sat and chatted. Ron Shuker made a brief guest appearance.

It was all very pleasant.

Happy New Year to you all when it arrives and don't forget the new, improved and whiter than white programme starts next week with a trip to Seven Sisters led by Colin, meet at ASDA Llansamlet at 10.00. See you there!!

Happy pedalling

Lew Spokes

PS. For the complete Wednesday and Sunday rides programme click on the link at the top of this page, or if that is too much trouble then click here.

Naughty Sheila giggles while David says grace		Lynda and John
David wins by a short nose (?)		Jan and Sheila
John listens intently