Quite a hard ride on a windy day, particularly later on coming up Seven Barrows. The off-ride track into Marlborough was in much the same state as when I last rode it a few years ago i.e. uncomfortable but not too much risk of punctures, and its flatness and wind cover were very welcome. Mercer's in Marlborough was full of customers but a table for 5 was vacated just as we arrived at The Food Gallery and their hot food, coffees and £1 refills went down well. Louis turned a few heads there with his strip-down but we weren't thrown out! Most of the return ride was wind-assisted. Louis left us at the bottom of the Blowingstone and still no enthusiasm for post-ride refreshment - dry January moves into February!