Spin for Smartworks - "40k of laughter"

Spring is definitely springing, and after a couple of quite turbulent weeks weatherwise (although no snow in Chester, of course!) and despite it pouring at 07:00 this morning, we had a very pleasant and mild day.

Possibly due to the rain, or maybe as tomorrow is Mother's day, we had 19 riders, split nicely into three groups.  This was our second charity ride; I had been approached by Lucy from Smartworks as they were holding a 'Spin for Smartworks' fundraising challenge.  Planned in the week including International Women's day, we were one day out with our planned ride, so we offered to collect a small donation per rider; Dani from Smartworks was due to meet us at Okells.

Ready to leave, we employed a young lad from the cafe to take our photo, as Mr Rosie is recovering from an operation (meaning Rosie had the adventure of catching the train from Frodsham!).








Alex led away the faster further group, with promises (threats) of the Yeld; noted in retrospect by one of her riders that a similar route was employed last year - also to include the Yeld!   (for those of you who do not know, The Yeld is a slightly brutal straight  line climb with an arrow - it rises in front of you a bit like a wall)


No-one had signed up to the slow and steady group, so we split remaining riders between the leaders; Cheryl had a 20 mile route in total planned, and I had an idea in my head.

It was even warm enough to take a layer off!

Recent rain meant lots of roadside water, and this final flood just before the cafe.

Okells had not been able to save us seats together, but we managed to commandeer enough spaces for bottoms, and a variety of snacks were obtained.  I'll say one thing for us, we know how to dine well!

We were joined by Dani Novick from Smartworks, to tell us a little bit about the project, and to hand over the money raised by riders (small donation to ride today); we raised £65 for the charity.

Smart Works is a UK charity that provides high quality interview clothes, styling advice and interview training to women in need.  We give women the confidence, the self-belief and the practical tools they require to succeed at interview and start a new chapter of their life.

We not only gave the donation, but offers of quality clothing and volunteer time I believe was also offered.  You can read more about the charity here.

Another flood, this time nearly home on the Greenway.  











Why the title '40k of laughter'?  Well, one lady riding was out for the first time, and just enjoyed the company and conversation so much, I could hear her laughing all morning.  She said it was 40k of laughter, so I thought that would be a good title for the blog!