UPDATE - John had a wasp (see photo) removed from his ear at Abingdon Hospital yesterday afternoon. I understand he has it in a jam jar next to his bed!

One bubble of six this week and a dry day of about average temperature for time of year. The hills came thick and fast and good progress was made, without incident except for a "punishment pass" from a black Golf driver just before Letcombe Regis. I hadn't ridden Peasemore Hill for several years, steep and greasy at this time of year - it's probably best avoided!

When five us stopped at Stanmore to wait for John, Paul told us that he had stopped due to a bee flying into his ear. Quarter of a mile further back we found John in some pain by the side of the road. The bee couldn't be seen and couldn't be flushed out with water. After exploring local GP surgery options, John decided to head back to Wantage to seek medical attention. Paul and Pete kindly offered to accompany him back, while the three remaining riders continued onto Hampstead Norreys. The cafe was quiet and leisurely coffees were enjoyed in the sunshine at the rear. The return was via Hermitage and Chieveley, where Pete rejoined us having climbed up Chain Hill after leaving John and Paul. The ride back was quite fast despite the fresh wind and I was flagging by the end (Note to self - this was a little too hilly for a half-day Blue Ride!).

I hope that John got his ear sorted out quickly, and thanks in particular to Paul and Pete for helping him back to Wantage. Apart from John's freek misfortune this was a very pleasant and sociable ride.