A glorious day to be riding! The blustery conditions from 24 hours earlier had completely disappeared, but it was still nippy enough at the start for conversations about what to wear. Wardrobes sorted, we cracked on and made good time to Beaulieu for coffee - we enjoyed excellent coffee and pastries and a very warm welcome from the cafe staff - top notch.

A few lumps in the next stretch as we rode the Ornamental Drives of Rheinfield and Bolderwood, and then past the Canadian war memorial, before enjoying the swoop down to lunch at the Red Shoot Inn. Sunday roasts, fish and chips, and other delights were consumed, washed down with a pint for most.

After lunch, we broke away from the classic route and headed further north along some delightful lanes, including a view to die for atop Castle Hill looking down over the River Avon and its flood plain. Constantly undulating on good lanes and roads, it was a nice addition to the regular route.

I was really impressed with the group riding standards today - well done everyone!