The only dawdler on this ride was the leader, who thought it started at 9.30. Sorry for the late start guys! Good weather throughout. A stiff south-easterly made progress tough when it was head-on, particularly climbing to Ipsden and the final stretches back to Benson. We made it back before the promised rain.

A well-balanced peloton: everyone had a go on the front at some stage and minimal separation on the climbs, although the Turville Tunnel exerted its usual selection process - thanks for waiting for me. Bluebells were much in evidence, particularly in the woods after Turville.

We have coffee at Velolife which was rammed with cyclist and lots of carbon bling parked outside. Lunch at Jenner's kept us fuelled for the return leg. Louis and I took tea by the river before he set-off to cycle back to Wantage.

A really enjoyable ride - no mechanicals or nasty drivers - and excellent company!