Sunday January 7 2018

Aided by a brisk and chilly northeaster and on roads thick with cyclists I was an early arrival at Addlestone's Golden Cafe. Soon there were a baker's dozen though five (Bill, Bob, Caroline, Joe and Stephanie) would go no further.

Within 100 yards of our start the Xmas Eve newcomers (Ian and Penny) were fortunate to join making ten. Liberty Lane took us over the M25 and past the Bourne Valley to Woodham Lock. Pyrfords Green and Village came next and I stretched by turning right at The Seven Stars to Send Marsh. Three more rights after The Jovial Sailor brought us to Sussex Farm and that bouncy concrete road to Jury Farm. The final climb up Ripley Lane split the bunch but the leaders reached The William IV by 1230.

We sat cramped round the table prepared for 6 to 8 with the diners outscored the soupers 6 to 4.There was much discussion: Where next? The concensus was home so just three continued to Ockham and Martyr's Green. My final companions departed at Chilbrook Lane and I was left to struggle on occasionally at sub ten speed!

Home just after three and 45 miles door to door. We'd been lucky with temperatures above zero all day and in bright sun so the copious run-off had presented no real problems.

At lunch : Graham Brian Ed Irene Lillian Pam Terry Vic Ian and Penny