A mixed dressed posse assembled for Saturday’s route, and layers dumped or stowed as the day quickly warmed up. Shorts easily the order of the day, though Fraser would ward off the rain all day by being ‘rain ready’ throughout, and Scott’s winter weight gloves almost doing the full 80km.
The route this week a CW loop to BE, climbs White Hill and Bottom Lane on route towards Chalfont before turn past Pinewood, Datchet, across Windsor and longer route back via White Waltham. In the lead up, Lars requested a longer (than orginal) loop, and clear early on he was fresh and fit with strong climb up Whites, Fraser in pursuit, and strong tempo up Bottom Lane too.
Nick was keen to contribute but hadn’t loaded the route (doh), and Scott couldnt see his screen because of the peripheral glare off his ‘gold’ chain. Adi, playful as ever, put in strong turns, and we were largely happy for him to oblige.
There might have been a split in another powered section (no further detail required) and when camel Jan called for his ‘same place’ comfort stop, Mark and Phil G would continue.
With several junctions and lights it took a while to sight them again, but Adi then called a puncture. The group stopped dismounted and stood ready to assist, but alas a ‘false flat’ (pun intended) and immediate docking of any KOM or sprint points.
We only saw and then caught them beyond Windsor, by which time Chris, Fraser and Lars on their chain gang route were dialled in. Mark and Adi would slip off as we got stuck at Pinkneys Green, and true to form we left them dangle.
Back at mega-base MSC we would drag out the bike racks, with clear work to do on how they should look🤦♂️
