The first Wednesday ride of the winter season. Dull and cool to start but conditions steadily improved with warm sunshine by the end. Some of the route was new even to this experienced group of riders (including a short piece of off-road single-track through a wood), which is always pleasing for the leader. We were making good time but some dissent in the peloton forced a coffee stop at the Lamb Inn, Crawley: the coffee was excellent but the food was a bit pricey, so we pushed on to Aston Pottery for sandwiches. We chatted to Richard Preece there who hopes to be riding with us again soon. Fueled-up, we made short work of the return and were back at the Market Square for the traditional KAH rehydration by 2.30: 100% attendance on this occasion.