Six riders congregated under King Alfred's statue.

We set off at a good pace along the spring line road into a westerly wind. The wind seemed to curl round to make Dragon Hill harder than usual, but we all made it to the top. We descended the hill cautiously and continued westwards to Bishopstone.

The flat run to Shrivenham was a relief. We found space in the new lounge at Bloomfields to sip coffee and chat. With a solid tailwind we raced to Gainfield before turning through Charney Basset back to Wantage.

Some of us ventured into the beer garden at Alfie's.

An enjoyable spin on a pleasantly warm December day.