With the frost clearing from the fields 4 riders turned up at Bird Hills golf club for today’s around the classic route.  Brett was first to arrive and hoped for some company unlike last week, when he turned up for solo soaking and gave up after 15miles.  Danuta turned up leaving Robert at home to recovery from a 4^th place in his first CAT 3 race at Hillingdon.  That just left me and Mike completing the party.

Today, most of the pace making was done by Brett who was the undisputed KOM and sprinter with a clean sweep in both competitions.  The others all had various reasons for attempting to take it steady.

At the top of Pishill we had a discussion about removing some layers.  We were all in full winter dress, but with the temperature was now nearer 8 deg and having completed a climb we were feeling over dressed.   

As we approached Sonning Common we cross the clock tower group looking equally well dressed.  Shortly followed by a large convoy of vintage tractors all out on a rally causing major hold up.  I believe the clock tower group had put the hammer down and overtaken the tractors to demonstrate who was responsible for the hold ups.

On the way to Nettlebed a car got cross as it couldn’t pass as we were riding 2 abreast with a car coming from the other direction.  It also wasn’t safe if we were in single file.  On the plus side a car gave myself and Brett a friendly toot and thumbs up while two abreast approaching Holyport. 

Today the club ride was completed at 19.2mph.  So we do take it easy during the winter compared to the summer at 20+mph.