It was good to see all five of the riders (Andrew, Brett, Mike, Pete and Rob H) who braved the cold and wind arriving in club kit, and the group looked very “professional”.

It was decided to give the Chilterns a miss due to the recent weather and the risk of punctures.

Whilst finalising the route we were soon reduced to four as Andrew was not feeling well and had to head for home. It was decided to take a course that headed towards Twyford and then take a roundabout route to Ascot. This allowed us to cut across to Windlesham and then on to Chobham Common, which we criss crossed making our way via Lyne, Virginia Water, Thorpe and Egham, to the traditional three hills of Prune, Tite and Crimp. It was then through the Great Park and make our way on to Drift Rd (where we saw new club members Ange and Gillian going the opposite way) and back the BH for a well-deserved hot chocolate.

The four of us worked well together keeping a close formation throughout, with no one being dropped (not even on the hills). The Average speed was 17.5mph and including getting to and from BH we all covered about 65mls. This is a surprisingly undulating ride with 2200ft of climbing with the three hills coming right near the end.