A cold but bright morning welcomed 7 riders to the Clock tower this week: Dave D, Gurpal, Magnus, me, my brother Ian, Anastasia and new member Michael. Anastasia wanted to try a long hill so we decided to go up Pishill. Starting along the A4, my saddle slipped and I was riding with my knees round my ears, so our first stop was in the Shire Horse car park to sort that out and get Anastasia's speedo to work. Turning right off the A4 we saw a marshall and a watch out for cyclists sign, a British Heart Foundation Sportive....a group caught us up and that was red rag to a bull as most of the group picked up the pace along the Wargrave-Henley road to keep up with them. Through Henley and it was time to make our way up Pishill. A good pace was set (apart from me and Gurpal who stayed at the back chatting!) and despite getting a puncture near the top Anastasia whipped off her shoes and ran the last bit - still beating me although my brother who is more used to the hills of North Wales managed to beat them all.

It took a while to get the puncture sorted, and whilst we were sorting it out Dave B, Dan and Rob past us doing a 90 mile Evans Sportive. Then it was an attempt at some through and off along the road to Christmas Common and Stokenchurch. Then Gurpal took over the directions, and we went through West Wycombe, High Wycombe and down past Clivedon to the A4. Gurpal and Magnus were keen for more, Ian and I decided to tag along and Dave and Michael went right to Maidenhead whilst the rest of us turned left to Dorney and Eton. Anastasia left us at Windsor whilst the rest of us battled the wind past Windsor Great Park, along Drift Road and home... 61 miles, average speed 15.8mph. A good ride!

So, its a bank holiday weekend coming up. Some people thought it might be nice to go out on Monday instead of Sunday this week (or both!) I dont know if I can make Sunday as it is my sons 10th birthday...but can probably make a Monday ride. Thoughts?