After four impressive years “in the saddle” Easywheelers Cycle Group leader Jim Spray took to the lanes one last time in his official role, guiding the team in his usual position as the back marker on a relaxed and good humoured farewell ride.
Starting from Hucknall Leisure Centre, we headed out along the Newstead Trail, enjoying familiar stretches of woodland and open views as we headed towards Newstead Abbey.
From there, the group continued through to Blidworth and on towards Calverton.
Jim had chosen the route to have a well earned coffee stop at his favourite café in the small Calverton shopping precinct. However, we were in for a surprise – it was closed.
Decision time – Greggs in the precinct or riding on to Springwater Golf Club a new venue for the group to a café that didn’t disappoint.
At Springwater Jim was presented with a card, chocolates and gift voucher by the Easywheelers route masters John Saunders and Brian Carr.
The return leg was via Burntstump with the long climb up Gravelly Hollow .
Jim may be handing over the reins, but hopefully his legacy of safe, sociable cycling will keep rolling on.
David Rose