The six of us set off into a stiff, cool headwind arriving at the lumpiness of the Astons where cyclists warned us that the route through Somerton was blocked. The resulting diversion took us up the busy A4260 to Deddington from where the much more pleasant road Eastwards returned us to the original route via Aynho.

At Limes Farm Cafe (re-branded as "The Foxes"?) the unlikely looking proprietor seemed very keen that we should sit outside, but the coffee and cake seemed fine and Pete extolled the virtues of the bacon bap for many subsequent miles.

After Williamscot we were overtaken by a succession of vintage motorbikes. Pete decided to race one and kept up with it for a while before his interest (or stamina?) ran out.

After the grind up Warmington hill, lunch in the garden of National Herb Centre went down well, particularly the brunch option. With quieter roads, a tailwind and flatter terrain, quick progress was made down as far as Barford St John where Jez failed to negotiate a RH bend. It turned out that he had punctured just prior to the corner!

After playing "gatey - gatey" through the Worton Estate we continued through lumpy North Oxfordshire villages to arrive back at Woodstock at 1515., where Louis, happily restored to full physical (if not mental!) health, headed off to ride home.

Great company and an enjoyable ride!