As I waited alone in the rain at the market square it was looking hopeful for a ride abort until Nick showed up a 09:59. I considered hiding but my conscience wouldn't let me.
Off we went at a decent clip along the spring-line road in steady rain. As usual, once on the move and warmed up, it became much more enjoyable. We shot past Dragon Hill, and reached the home of the Komodo Dragon near Shrivenham in what seemed like no time. Pausing there to take photos we were joined by Louis who had suffered a puncture on his pre-ride ride and, having missed the start, had been chasing to catch up.
Coffee, sweet berry slices and flapjacks were scoffed at Bloomfield's - Nice.
The return was going smoothly until Louis punctured again within 2km of the finish. During the repair a failing front wheel skewer was discovered (stripped thread?) so the final stretch was completed gingerly.