Maths has always been a strong point of the group, and after quick check if we had any ‘pick ups’ (not those Rob 😜), our own Dick Whiteley (Colin Lavis) declared 2 6s…..so true to form we set off as a 7 and a 6. Obviously. 🤷🏼♂️
A group of JB (Barlow) led ‘rehabers’ left ahead of us possibly destined for some of the same route, this week a southerly ACW loop towards Henley, Wargrave, and cutting around the far side of WGP, descent of Crimp Hill (so often a climb), Eton and backstreets of Maidenhead (for balance?), before climb back up Long Lane and cautious descent of Quarry Wood. (GWS Tony after your slide on Wed 🤕). Flagged as a flat one, we were briefed too on throttling back for narrow lanes, traffic and descents.
No such thing as neutralised starts, and 2 from the top dragged any other 5 up Henley Hill and pressed solidly before the Danesfield plummet, and call for a Lasso (or perhaps that was through and off) from our resident cattle rounder-upper.
Unexpectedly we then spied JB’s group and passed (no mercy shown or requested) before tiptoeing around Henley, keen though not to hold up those destined for their doctor’s appointments. (In the week, Sam, true to this claimed the KOM through Henley bends, lights and across Henley bridge - maybe the future of ambulances is a Chaplin fuelled ricksaw?)
New lad James Gawne again showing his power on the front. If you re-arrange his surname, the countdown conundrum becomes ‘Gnaw-on-your-stem-as-I-smash-the-watts’, when considering too his slightly irregular middle names 😜
The second of our 2 from the top, was Adi, clearly intent on burning matches, blowing up or stretching out the line. We looked to be counting down to that moment, before a ‘road closed’ (and no obvious diversion signs) meant we missed out Drift Road, so free-styled right, before praying for other lefts.
The Lavis-led group became the Lumb-led astray gaggle, with the route not uploaded he guessed each turn (50:50). Such behaviour and the diversion was bound to please the returning Phil G (back) and Nick Summer-only-field, and may have accounted for Rob skipping turns?
WGP was soon upon us, colours again glorious and pace backed off 2 further notches. With the exit gates in sight, James caught some loose gravel on the outside of our right turn, and melted his lyrca to his arm, leg and thigh. Ouch. All checked over, we rolled down Crimp Hill.
Secret birthday boy (we only found out later), JB (Brown) was gifted a perfect lead out across G2G to win the match sprint, after Adi, Chris and Al had set the pace (read back 2 weeks, opposite direction, same trio, eh?? Mugs or self-less servants?) Fraser still chewing on his ‘not so inner monologue’ outburst as many future chancellors spewed off the pavements around Eton.
As the timer almost reached the bottom, just the back streets of Maidenhead to go, where even the residents were keen to keep moving, before James tore up Long Lane, muscles clearly freed in his own ripped lycra.
Back at base camp and scores collated, Kylie was quick to spot us and request our prime positioning for handover of cheque one ❤️.