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.
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.