A pretty tough ride in pretty tough conditions. Two bubbles today, thanks Louis for leading a bubble.

I'd designed the route with the strong forecast wind in mind and it was pretty tough cycling downhill to Lambourn. The road up to Ashbury was glorious in the autumn sunshine though.

The back road through Bourton was appreciated but we could see black clouds gathering and just after Shrivenham the heavens opened, hail and a very strong gusty wind made cycling nigh on impossible so both groups took shelter under some trees until the worst past.

We caught up with Louis' bubble at T T Linnet café in Highworth and cakes and coffee were consumed.

A cold descent out of Highworth followed but we soon warmed up climbing to Badbury Camp and the Sun came back out. A very pleasant mostly wind assisted ride back towards Wantage ensued. Louis was in our bubble at this point as he'd gone back to find a lost light and joined us for the remainder of the ride.

Just as we got to Grove more ominous black clouds appeared, and as we approached Wantage the heavens opened again. Riders scattered back to their homes/cars before they got too wet.

I enjoyed the ride despite the conditions. Apologies if this was a bit too ambitious for a Wednesday ride!