The low ambient temp with added strong wind-chill no doubt put a few off, so five riders is not a bad turnout considering. Actually the first half of the ride, with the wind at our backs, the sun shining and with my best vest on, didn't feel too bad to me.

The route took us past acres and acres of flooded fields creating some striking landscapes, but the road itself was mostly dry. At Mill View garden centre cafe hearty breakfasts were polished off in style, thus showing the Phoenix expresso ride what we're made of.

The cafe is at the ride high point and the route is quite exposed into the wind for a while after, so it took a little time to get warmed up again. Most were relieved that it was only a further 18km to the finish and I was glad to have planned a shorter route.

Nice, straightforward ride, no dramas. Cheers everyone.