A group of 10 strong left Birds Hill yesterday for Pangbourne. Like the Clock Tower group we didn't get very far before one of us punctured (Colin). Thankfully that was the only one and it was good going considering the recent rain.

It was clear wardrobe issues affected some as we had riders dressed for summer and others for winter. Everytime we stopped the latter could be seen taking something off. The Garmin said 20 degrees at one point and there was plenty of sun around - great stuff.

Blustery head and cross winds made it very challenging at times, plus the constant potholes, strewn stones and standing water but with a tail wind 50+kmph was a breeze (pun not intended) on the flats.

After we reached Pangbourne we headed over Larma Hill (because there's Larma's) and back towards home. Going down Dunsten Hill was hard. It's usually a great race but such was the head wind that you really had to stomp hard to maintain a decent pace. Colin lost part of his winter wardrobe going down so had to turn back. That plus the puncture meant a double fine at the end - he had to get the coffee's in.

As we headed back via Twyford the pace and sprints picked up with Rob A taking all the honours. Andy W tried a lone break as we neared Shurlock Row but we did a Team Sky and reeled him in. We all then throttled off and started to plan for the final sprint but Rob was too strong firing off the final roundabout and leaving us standing. Andy did try to chase him down but Rob held strong. 

When we got back poor Mike told us of a road rage incident just after Twyford he'd got involved in. We all felt bad for not realising but thankfully no one was hurt.  

77.5km at an average of 31.4 kmph.