I really have forgotten almost all about this ride. I will do my best. There were two groups. Nick was our route finder for the B run. We went to the Shire horse centre and the weather was OK until we got there when it absolutely tipped it down.. The roads were wet and everyone got covered in muck. Welcome visitors were Paul Kilborne and Pic. Congrats to Pic on impending fatherhood.
The children were out almost on mass (no Ozzie) for the first time this winter. All seemed well. There was a huge queue at the cafe as there were about 4 different clubs there.
We gained a couple on the way back as Humpy and Baywatch returned with us. Humpy had gear problems and was stuck in the same sprocket. Back up Ullenhall and it all went ballistic as usual. Children and Pic up the front, the older members at the back and me in the middle. Off the top and there was no way I would see the front again. I plodded on until the seniors caught me on the 435 before the motorway.
Todgers A run report
written at the time and probably more accurate than my recollections.
Seven started from Becketts. Bobbie, Linda, Beans, Pet Shop, Tom Kirk, Baywatch, Humpy, Todger. Joined at Henley by Duffers who was late. Nice pace, but I'm not climbing at all well at the moment. Tamworth in Arden, Henley, Wootom Wowen, Cantlow, Billesley, Blue Boar, Temple Grafton, Bidford, Welford to the Shires.
Humpy and Baywatch decided to return with the 'B' group. Leaving the Shires it was well throwing down, so capes were called for. Through Stratford, back to Billesley, Cantlow then up and over to Wooton Wowen. I went off the back here but they eased and I was still there at Ullenhall, just to go way, way off the back on the climb. A nice potter back up the dual carriageway calling off to look at the classic cars on the way past.
Nice run, good brisk pace. Sore legs. Yummy.