There were four riders out today (would have been five but one missed the start), and again all four of us (Andrew, Brett, Mike and Rob H) were in club kit.

We again decided to give the Chilterns a miss, due to last night’s weather, and headed off on one of the “traditional” routes to Pangbourne, with some small deviations.

Heading off down Drift Rd and Howe Lane towards Shurlock Row we were greeted by a strong and bitingly cold head wind (which we had all the way until the turn at Theale). This however, did not deter Andrew who went straight to the front and stayed there for 95% of the ride!

We made our way to Winnersh and on to Aborfield Cross, and then with a slight deviation from normal took in Farley Hill. It was then onto Swallowfield, Grazeley Green, and Theale. The turn twards Pangbourne was greeted with a bit of relief, as for the first time we got some respite from the wind.

Out of Pangbourne we took on Whitchurch Hill (which according to Strava exceeds 20% in a couple of places) rather than the usual “Larmer Hills”. The group momentarily split on the hill but soon re-grouped, before heading to Cane End. We then picked up the usual route to Goring Heath, but took the faster loop that skirts Reading, and back via Sonning Eye and Twyford.

A review of the “stats” over hot chocolates at BH revealed, an average speed of 18.0mph, which we all agreed, due to the wind, felt more like 20mph effort. Andrew was applauded for all his efforts, and taking in getting to and from BH we all covered about 63mls.