It all started with the biggest sausage baps anyone had ever seen at The Cotswold Barn in Morton in Marsh - I will return.
The next task after filling our bellies was choosing our riding groups and the FT’s consisted of 11 men and one little old lady!! What a choice! I’m not sure who choose who but It ended up with, obviously, 2 groups of 6. I was with the 3 Steve’s (Steve B, Steve O and Steve W) along with Mike and Matt.
With 6 Garmins showing 6 differing routes and poor eyesight there were a few wrong turns and a lot of shouting from Mel ‘left, left, left’ or ‘right, right, right! But otherwise an event free ride.
The first stop which was at Rectory Farm off Pound Lane in Wheatley was a welcome break from the sun and the cheese scones, pasties, sausage rolls and cakes were demolished like we hadn’t eaten for a week - but not being satisfied with one course we then all had the most delicious ice creams as pudding! The pick your own Strawberries were something else - never seen such big glossy strawberries before - it was noted that someone in our group (who shall remain anonymous) asked a paying customer if he could sample one - and his request was granted!!
By this stage it was getting hot and some of us were beginning to tire (well I was) but Mark was such a gentleman and let me sit on his wheel until we got to our next stop which was The Chocolate Shop in Thame - no chocolate consumed but cold coke was the order of the day and sheltering from the sun in an alleyway which acted like a wind tunnel was very welcome indeed.
From there the ride back on familiar roads to Marlow or more correctly, The Brewery in Little Marlow, was easy and there numerous pints were consumed and were an extremely good way to rehydrate!
All in all a fabulous day out brilliantly organised by Al and his team and a special shout out to the drivers of the vans delivering our bikes.
What a day!!