There’s something about pulling on brand new kit for the second time that hits different to the first. That slightly nervous ‘does it look alright’ feeling has gone and what’s left is just… pride, really. That’s exactly the mood at Red Lion Square, Sunday 5th July as the club rolled out for our second outing in the new Lightspeed kit – and this time we picked our fastest route yet to do it justice: the LightSpeed Rollout.
Quick out of the blocks
You could tell early on this wasn’t going to be a gentle spin. The pace up front was lively from the off and with two brand new segments dropped into the route – both properly labelled with Stamford Cycling so they’re easy to spot if you’re hunting them down on Strava – there was an edge to the ride that you don’t always get on a regular club run.
The LightSpeed Rollout route
The plan was a 45km loop taking in the best of what we have on the doorstep. Out of town, then dropping through Tinwell and Ketton before the lumpy, lovely run down to Barrowden, Wakerley and Harringworth – with the viaduct doing its usual trick of making everyone slow down and gawp no matter how many times they’ve seen it. Then back north through Ketton and home for coffee at Fika.
Two new segments, one club speed challenge created
The big draw this week was the debut of two brand new club segments we’ve created to mark the kit launch: Stamford Cycling x LightSpeed #1 and Stamford Cycling x LightSpeed #2. Both are flat (slightly downhill), fast and about a mile long apiece – pure drag-race territory. No hiding behind climbing ability here; it’s all about who can hold a wheel and time their push.
The bridge (and flat tyre) at Ketton quarry
Cycling being cycling, though, it wasn’t all smooth tarmac and PBs. Crossing the bridge over Ketton quarry, Will picked up a puncture (he now holds the record for most punctures in a year) – and not the kind that’s sorted in five minutes with a quick plug and a top-up of air either. We stopped, had a proper go at getting the tyre to hold, but it just wouldn’t stay inflated no matter what we tried.
With time getting on and coffee calling, we made a collective call was to cut the ride short to avoid any loss in cake and caffeine. It’s the sort of thing that happens to all of us eventually – a good reminder to check your tyres and sealant levels before you head out and to always carry a spare tube and a pump or CO2 canister, even on routes you know well. Will took it on the chin, had a great laugh in the process and was in good spirits about it by the time we finished up, which is really all you can ask for.
Coffee at Fika, as always
Shortened ride or not, we still made it back in good time to grab a well earned coffee at Fika, courtesy of LightSpeed – and if anything, the shorter route meant we had a bit more time to sit, natter and rib Mike about his newly won segment times. That’s the bit of club riding that never changes, whatever the kit or the route: the ride might be the reason you’re out, but the coffee afterwards is very often the best part.
Come and join us
If you’ve been thinking about riding with us, this is exactly the sort of morning we do: a sociable pace with a few flat-out bursts for those who want them, proper scenery, the occasional mechanical mishap, and coffee at Fika at the end. All the details for our next ride are on our join Stamford Cycling club page.
And if you’re chasing those LightSpeed segment crowns – see you on the leaderboard. ⚡️
