Cyclewight Mince Pie Ride

Held annuallly on the 27th of December the Cyclewight Mince Pie Ride was once listed by the Daily Telegraph as one of the ten best things to do after Christmas. Unfortunately icy conditions have meant the turn out has been very low in recent years but this year’s mild weather led to a record number of around 40 riders.

Last Minute Instructions

This year also saw a change of venue as Bembridge Wheelers, a small club of ‘mature’ riders on the east side of the island, offered to supply the refreshments. It was a slendid cavalcade that left the parish hall – hybrids, mountain bikes, tourers, Moultons, Bromptons and the odd racing bike all headed off for a mostly off road route around local tracks and bridleways. It was billed as a family ride but unfortunately families were in short supply with most of the riders being well past pensionable age! There was however one notable exception – this splendid Trident pedalled by Martin, Mary and Emma. How they managed this on some of the rougher tracks I really don’t know and they even managed to make it to the top of this steep hill which had reduced the Brompton rider to a walk!

Family Cycling

I had taken Why? bike for this ride which was a wise choice as I discovered quite a few muddy tracks that I had never ridden before. To be honest though, the main attraction wasn’t the ride it was the mince pies and mulled wine in the hall afterwards. A couple of hot mince pies went down a treat and the mulled wine was pretty good too! The wine was actually non alcoholic but a few Wayfarers soon remedied this with the help of a hip flask or two! A good time was had by all.