Sheffield FridayNightRide

we have nothing to lose but our chains

2010/12/17 Xmas Lights

Xmas Lights – Draft Ride Report; will update with photos when I have time!

Really really cold but crisp and dry so cycling was pleasant – except for the ice.
About 25 of us, two nightriders waiting at Meersbrook another nightrider at Dore.
A quick sortie through Barkers Pool and the Moor to catch the lights there and then a ride out to Meersbrook with the bystanders gawping at the lit-up bikes, the tinsel, the santa hats and even a santa riding along through London Rd, Chesterfield Rd and then up Albert Rd as the lights of Darren’s and Claire’s came into view we rang our bells and they cheered us in and it was brilliant.
The entire family had put on a spread for us with excellent punch, flapjack, pies and even a fire pit in the graden so people could warm up – a profound experience and it was literally jolly
Some of us sang Our Carol (Thanks Chris) and Darren and Claire’s family sang to us “We wish you a merry Xmas” (as Claire said we’re all through to boot camp!)
Waving and ringing our goodbyes we headed off to Dore and a long steady haul out to Abbeydale Park Rise which was as fab as last time but just got too icy as we climbed up so we called it a day and went to the Waggon and Horses at a sprint. The pub was exceptionally quiet and we all drank, chatted, wished each other Seasons Greetings and went our ways
So Season’s Greetings to you all and have a cool Yule
See you in the New Year
PS if you have photos, movies etc of this ride then please email them to me. It willl help me do a proper report.

Next Sheffield FridayNightRide
Friday 17 December 2010
Christmas Lights
Start 6.30
Meeting Place Tudor Square

A ride out to Christmas Lights as on New Year’s Day this year.
If you know of lights worth viewing and not on our list then please get back to me with locations – thanks

Badge Design for next ride – Cool Yule!

Enjoy the ride and see the decorations some of which are really spectacular – see the ride report of 1/1/2010

Decorate your bike (Wilkos has neat LED battery operated lights at £3.50 – check they work first) and/or yourself, bring some flapjack or somesuch and we may have some singing. We nightriders have been invited to Claire and Darren’s in Meersbrook to see their lights and share a mince pie and some non-alcoholic punch so come and spread some cheer and wish each other season’s greetings. Pub stop at Bradway

It may well be really cold so wrap up warm! If the snow has not gone we’ll meet up and decide on final route anyway

Heads up: Virtually all roads with some paths – should suit any bike. We do climb up through Meersbrook to Norton and get over to Bradway, stop there for a drink then plummet down to Dore for the ‘fairy grotto’ and head back to town. It will be about 15 miles

Route up at


View Sheffield FNR Christmas Lights (www.sheffieldfridaynightride.org.uk) in a larger map

We have been invited back to one house with lights we visited last time for some pies and punch
and Richard has written, what I now think of as, ‘Our Carol’ for us to sing in thanks and best wishes of the Season
– perhaps we can repeat it as we go round – and practise at the start in Tudor Square?

The FridayNightRiders Carol
The Holly and the ivy
When they are both full grown
Of all the trees that are in the wood
The Holly bears the crown

Your Santa and his reindeer(Your Seasonal light show)
All flashing on your walls
Make a lovely Christmas vista
Even grander than St Pauls.

All wired for electric
They light up the heavens
Lets hope that for your sake
They are on Economy 7

The holly bears a prickle
As sharp as any thorn
Lets hope we don’t run over it
It’ll leave us all forlorn

All this cycling is murder
We’re chilled to the bone
Please spare us a mince pie
And we’ll leave you alone

Maybe just a small Sherry
To go with the pie
But we shouldn’t get too merry
We might crash out and cry

We can tarry here no longer
There’s more up the road
So we’ll pedal off over yonder
To cop another load

The Holly and the ivy
When they are both full grown
Of all the trees that are in the wood
The Holly bears the crown
© Richard.

and if you can’t remember the tune of this pagan winter song then click on the link below and exercise your voice
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24AtFiB9MhU&feature=related

Cool Yule!