Ten of us, including two newcomers left the club house in cool sunshine to ride to Manton, where we caught the Rutland Melton Classic (Rutland's answer to Paris-Roubaix) on its first circuit to Rutland Water - photo 1. We picked up another new member and went on to Launde via Brooke and Belton. Alas, I hadn't realised that this was only his second time out on the bike, so it was something of a baptism of fire!
After having refuelled at Launde, everyone seemed to want to turn for home so I went on alone to Owston, where I caught the race coming through again (photo 2 - this is what you missed folks). By now the sun was shining warmly and the atmosphere was buzzing- well worth going again, perhaps next year. I now headed back via Cafe Ventoux, which by 3:30 was nearly empty and got home having covered 60 miles.

A select group of 6 set off into a brisk head wind toward Kibworth. Alas, we had one drop-out (no names mentioned) at Tur Langton. We carried on through Saddington, Shearsby and Gilmorton to Walcote, where we turned toward home and were blessed with a tail wind. This took us through South Kilworth, Welford and Sibbertoft and then on past Clipston to Great Oxendon. On arriving at Waterloo Farm we met Eileen and Norman, who were about to set of for 'points East'. Cake and coffee were very welcome before we set off for home, completing a ride of 52 miles in total. According to the BBC rain was forecast but this held off and we remained dry.

What a lovely day! Warm sun and everyone in shorts - almost like summer. Lots of other cyclists about on the route around Kings Cliffe and Fotheringhay. Here's a photo of Julian in 'reflective mood'

I think about 20 of us started out for Venoux in two groups. We all arrived there eventually, anyway. Weather was good and a  pleasant, though rolling  route through Billesdon, Hungarton, Baggrave Park and Owston. A couple of people developed slow punctures but no mishaps otherwise. Here's a photo of the last ones to leave.