A sociable ride through the Vale in what felt like balmy conditions after the recent cold and damp, although it was actually only 3 - 5 degC.

The only excitement was when, during the ride, the same riders who had originally proposed the Bampton Square coffee stop changed their minds and now recommended Aston Pottery instead. On arrival at Aston we were informed by the proprietor that the Thames Water crew digging up the road outside had just cut off his water and therefore no hot drinks. Oh how we appreciated the irony. Foregoing hot drinks we headed back home to put the kettle on.