September was a relatively quiet month weather wise with some warm periods and the weather only breaking for the worse towards the end of the month. The good conditions tempted people out and about which resulted in it being relatively quiet month from a training perspective with 10 Associate training sessions.
September 2021 was however very significant for ARNY in another way because we welcomed Jon and Chris who are the 200th and 201st new members since formation of the group! ARNY was formed in August 2012 with Ged Poppleton being Chairman, Mo Poppleton, Ged’s wife, as Treasurer and Tony Brunskill as Secretary. Not all of the 200 members ARNY has welcomed over the years will have ended their training with a test assessment, but there is little doubt that they all will have benefitted from the membership, and training, and will have become safer riders following their time with the group. This is great credit to those that formed the group, but also to all of those who have helped with training, or in any other way, to support ARNY over the years.
One member who has ended his training with a RoSPA test is Andy who waited until the weather broke at the end of the month before taking his test in the pouring rain! Andy achieved a well deserved Gold pass which is of particular note in view of the fact that Andy is a relatively inexperienced rider. His achievement really does highlight what ARNY is about, and what we try and achieve, so congrats to Andy and to all those who supported him along the way.
Several ARNY members reported back on their riding exploits throughout the month. Simon Wilson set off for a ride with his wife and ended up in Lands End and posted some cracking photos to prove the point.
Andy Esmond kept us all up to date about his latest challenge with reports of his participation in the Wales 500 which is a road, and off road, 500km, two day challenge. Keep an eye out for more posts from Andy as we can be sure there will be more to come.
Martin Dougherty volunteered to organise the final formal social ride of the season and having done all of the organisation, Martin and members of his family recorded positive Covid tests (all well now) so that Martin could not join the ride as planned. Simon Wilson kindly stepped in and after a bit of a wobble as the café planned for the first coffee stop was closed(!), an alternative was found, the sun came out, so that lunch and the rest of the day proved a great success. The ride ended in Masham where the Masham Sheep Fair was in full swing.
Geoff Hale has organised post-test rides on several Saturdays throughout the month so keep an eye out for any new social activities.
October is the last month of the Summer Training calendar and we will then move on to the Winter training plan. Let’s all enjoy the final warm weather of 2021.
Until next time….