Look Back at September

The summer continued to be kind with some great riding weather throughout the month which leaves us looking back at what has been a great summer for riding which we have all been grateful for and enjoyed.  The month saw us hold 19 training sessions involving 15 Associates, which is particularly impressive as there were only 4 training weekends and one of those was taken out by the ARNY Social weekend.  We welcomed another three new members, Ewan, Sharon and Neil and, as always, we wish them all every success in their future training and meeting their goals, whatever they may be.

The month started with a typically busy Saturday training morning at Strawberry Fields with three new members having their first training along with a taster ride.  It was great to see so many new faces and, along with a well-attended post-test ride it was a great Saturday morning enjoyed by all. 

Andy Warburton, one of the new Social Ride Leader team, led the final Wednesday Wobble of the year.  Despite the threat of some heavy showers, the ride itself turned out to be fairly dry with the downpours holding off for the ride home for some! Wednesday Wobbles end in September as the daylight hours reduce making an evening ride less feasible and enjoyable.  The creation of the Social Ride Leader team seems to have been a great success with the Ride Leaders enjoying their new roles and doing a great job of leading this part of the ARNY activity.  We thank them all for stepping up and taking some workload off the Tutor team.

The major event for the month was the annual ARNY Social weekend in South Wales.  It was the best attended yet with 33 attendees in all.  The various bikes made their way to the Talardy in South Wales via a selection routes, arriving at different times throughout the Friday.  The weekend is a relaxed affair with people free to do whatever they want throughout.  On the Saturday there were some who rode to Anglesey, others joined a larger group for a ride on some other great roads.  For the majority the weather was great and gradually improved throughout the day with only a select few getting a little wet!

On the Saturday afternoon, several of the group convened in a local pub to watch the Red Roses bring home the Women’s Rugby World Cup with the group growing as people joined after their ride out.  An excellent evening meal was then enjoyed by all with everybody agreeing that it had been a great day, whichever activity they had chosen. 

Sunday started with another blue sky and people joined up with others, or made their own way home after, what all agreed, was a really enjoyable time.  Thanks to all who made the effort to come along with a special thanks to Phill Bates for his excellent organisation.  We all know that events like this just don’t happen, and Phill’s efforts are much appreciated in organising what was another great ARNY Social weekend.

Whilst it is a little early to be talking about it, Phill has also done something that we have failed to do over the last few years and organised an ARNY Christmas Event.  Again, without a bit of forethought and effort events like this do not happen so thanks to Phill for taking the lead.  A vote for the venue of choice was circulated and the majority voted for the Ambiente Tapas in Fossgate, York on Sat December 13^th.  The event is open to all paid up ARNY Members, and guests, but there are only 30 places available with many having already put their names down and paid up.  If you are interested in going along, the information is pinned to the top of the Members WhatsApp group.

As we all start to get the linings into our riding gear, and dig out those heated garments, whilst at the time of writing October is offering some great riding weather, we are all starting to think about the colder weather on the way.  At the end of the October the Winter Training Calendar will be launched.  The format will be the same as the current Summer Calendar so look out for the new link through the normal channels and on the website.  As always, we will continue to train throughout the winter period, with training being cancelled if the conditions are unsafe, but it is optional for all and a personal choice as to whether you want to train or not. 

With the cold weather, and Christmas(!), on our minds, as stated above, we begin to reflect on, and be grateful for, what has been a great summer for riding at ARNY and for all.

Until next time…..