Another beautifully sunny day for Shrove Tuesday, a day for making confessions prior to the commencement of Lent. Enough of the religious origins of Shrove Tuesday. “Gravel man” Pete, suggested rather than go along the A417 from East Hendred to Rowstock we continue along the Icknield Way to Harwell so he could enjoy the virtues of his gravel bike, there was a majority agreement to this change of route. All was going well until we arrived in Harwell and before we knew it we were split into three groups. Four of us re-grouped just before the Chilton interchange and waited for Pete and Phil – no sign of either of them, had they decided to continue along the gravel track to Hagbourne Hill so Pete could continue to enjoy the delights of his gravel bike? No – may be it was divine intervention, but “Gravel Man” Pete had a puncture! It was repaired quickly and we continued the ride to Wallingford, stopping at the Wallingford and Cholsey Railway Café. Refreshments were enjoyed in the warm sunshine and no confessions were shared. The route back to Wantage was without incident and we managed to keep in tight formation. Louise, headed back home via Grove, while the remainder of the group went up “Benchworth Hill” aka King Alfred Way and through Kingsgrove Estate back into Wantage. A great ride and a lovely day to celebrate Shrove Tuesday.