I am back from Uganda - and it was something of a shock this morning with temperatures at -3C in our back garden! But I wrapped up as much as I could (was late coz I couldnt find my thin second pair of socks....) and luckily there were 3 brave souls waiting at the Clock Tower debating where to go without Gurpal to lead our way! We decided to stick to main roads as much as possible, and not try any steep country roads (phew - 2 weeks off the bike and I am not sure I would have coped with steep country roads!).

So 4 of us set off to Drift Road into Windsor, and into Windsor Great Park for a circuit before heading out and off to Old Windsor and Datchet. The 2 weeks off and a slight cold meant I was not as comfortable as usual, and Dan was setting a good pace (watch out for him on the Birds Hill ride one day!). Through Slough and Eton and back towards Maidenhead and we lost Andy (who I think had possibly had one too many last night!). Dan, David (Booth) and I carried on along the river to Bourne End where David persuaded us (and bought for us) a coffee in Costa - we needed to warm up a bit and it was really pleasant to stop and chat in the warm for a bit. Fortified (thanks David!) we carried on to Marlow (past a few santas having a beer in the pub after doing the Marlow santa run) Henley, Wargrave and home. At the A404 roundabout David got a puncture - I left him with Dan as I had to get home. 52 miles today with an average speed of 16.1mph. A most enjoyable ride despite the cold.