The lovely, mild day brought out 8 riders and Andy kindly offered to lead Bubble A.

Bubble B started out shortly after but progress soon faltered due to a couple of punctures amongst the Stokell household, after a rather rough track through Savernake Forest (routing error - sorry!). Once we had these out of the way the route followed small quiet lanes with a splendid view of Martinsell Hill, then headed South West through Pewsey and Woodborough. At Chirton we were delayed by a Christmas tractor convoy on its way to Marlborough. After skirting around the edge of Salisbury Plain for a few miles we struck North West from Market Lavington towards Seend, reached by the hardest climb of the day. Progress along the Kennet and Avon canal towpath was scenic but slow, having to avoid the many pedestrians and muddy holes in the rough path. Near the top of the Caen Hill flight of locks is the cafe, beautifully situated with splendid view to the West. It was rather busy but pleasantly warm to sit outside eating baps and mince pies. No temptation to mix with Bubble A as they were long gone!

The centre of Devizes seemed very attractive in the sun due to its rough and muddy, and progress was slow. The Eastward leg through Horton, Alton Barnes and Pewsey is undulating but with a tailwind and great views of the line of hills to the North, was particularly enjoyable and we arrived back at Gt Bedwyn about 1500.

A good day out - thanks to all!

ps Informed later that Bubble A also suffered a coupe of punctures.