Well, a ride without rain or strong wind made a pleasant change - we even had some sunny intervals before lunch (it's rumoured that Chris may have taken off his over-gloves).

Five set out and five returned (Lyn currently in dispute with British Cycling over his membership!) and no punctures despite hedge clippings, many potholes and a brief field adventure to avoid a closed road. Working our way up through North Oxfordshire and into Northamptonshire, small birds were very much more in evidence than motorists and the vote for an early coffee stop at Limes Tree Farm at Farthinghoe was narrow (1 for, 4 whatevers) but it seemed a popular move in the event. A large contingent from Wellesbourne Wheelers were leaving the National Herb Centre as we arrived and lunch was, as ever there, tasty and the service efficient. The hills of the return leg were particularly appreciated by John after 9 hours of table tennis the day before, and we rolled into Woodstock bang on 1500.

Thank you all for your convivial company and a brownie point for Louis who converted the ride into an Imperial Century by riding to the start and back!