Good to see bikes bedecked in tinsel and helmets adorned with antlers and baubles as we gathered under King Alfred. Hugo came to say hello and took a photo of us before we set off.

It was mild and fairly bright, although overcast, and the roads were quiet out to Faringdon and Clanfield. No refreshments to be had in Bampton so we pedalled on to Aston Pottery, passing several groups of riders also dressed for Christmas, getting there just after they opened.

As we were getting ready to leave a large group from Didcot Phoenix arrived and we wished each other Merry Christmas and chatted to friends for a few minutes before heading off.

Bizarrely the weather had changed completely whilst we were eating cake, it was much colder, duller, windier and there was some fine drizzle. But we made good progress on the regular route back to Wantage keeping together nicely as a group throughout. We got back to the Market Square just after midday as the roads were starting to get much busier.

Merry Christmas everyone