Nine riders for the last club ride of 2018 on a dull day. Several had cycled from Wantage and all were waiting at Culham when I turned up!

A quick pace initially along the A415 to Berinsfield and onwards to Stadhampton. We used one of my favourite roads to Cuddesdon and Wheatley. Then a flat section through the delightfully named Worminghall and Shabbington to Long Crendon. Nick suffered a front wheel puncture just after Chearsley and a few km from the refreshment stop.

That was soon dealt with and we were soon tucking into sausage sandwiches, full Englishes and various dishes with eggs at the wonderful Orchard View farmshop. Jez was in his element petting the pigs and a farm dog!

After refreshment we had the long climb up to Bledlow Ridge and the down and up through Radnage. The draggy climb up through Stokenchurch was made harder with an annoying headwind and I for one was starting to flag. The road through Christmas Common on top of the Chiltern ridge was particularly misty.

We were soon descending again and we decided to push on through Wallingford. At Crowmarsh we encountered one of the worst incidences of impatient driving I have ever witnessed on a club ride and all for absolutely nothing as of course we caught them up twice at the lights. Through Wallingford there were some crazy close passes too. Drivers just need to slow down and have a little patience.

Nick unfortunately suffered a second puncture at Sires Hill but this was quickly dealt with and the riders split at Sutton Courtenay with some heading back to the car park and some heading back to Wantage. An unfortunate touching of back wheels as Louis and Dave were saying goodbye to me at Sutton Courtenay triangle meant Dave took a tumble but no damage to body or bike thankfully.

Thanks for coming out to ride today and dragging me round. New Year's resolution for me is to not leave it three weeks between rides!!