I missed most of this one. First the weather report. It was very cold and there was lots of fog. When we dropped down from Gorcott it was like entering a different world. Ice was forming on peoples bikes and limbs. The fog showed no signs of lifting. I had to turn back, could not keep up and was frozen to the core. I left somewhere on the road between Bidford and Honeybourne. That road back on your own not being able to see was not pleasant. As I missed the full ride, Mr Todd has obliged with a report.
The ride? Ah yes. Eleven started and two finished.
Not long after Meg turned. Nicole and Pikachu also turned off - for reasons unknown. Then there were 8. (Eds note, they actually turned before me at the bridge in Bidford.)
We continued the through and off at a goodly pace down to Willersley, them Childswickham up to the A435. Certain people were detected indulging in kicking their turn through - namely China, Ozzie and Sven. Brian sensibly sat in from about Honeybourne. Sensible pace through Evesham then a long line-out to Dunnington along the old road. (The Warwicks chap had continued straight on up the Evesham by-pass then there were 7).
We stopped just after the corner for a comfort break and we all chipped the ice off our clothes. Then up Cook Hill onto the Ridgeway. More line-outs along to Crabbs Cross including a suicide attack from China. Smithy turned off for home, Brian found his legs to drive a big-ring chase down past the hospital. Baywatch turned off for the warmth of the sauna at Ventura and then there were 5.
Ozzie and China lost touch on the near Hemmings Road two-day circuit and we waited at the island. Brian turned off leaving four and Sven and I waited at the next island. They weren't making up ground so Sven and I just rode in up the back of the old road race course.
Home at 12:45 and my legs were knackered.
Certainly this winter is taking its toll on quality and quantity of training.
Todger