One group of 4 opted to ride from Watlington heading west, flat and longer to Aston Potteries, and reports confirmed that Mark P avoided cartwheeling this time, so ‘success’.
Back at MSC 2 further groups assembled for a pack favourite charge to Henley, up/over to Pangbourne, before river bank fast traverse to Goring, and then Wallingford, Ewelme beyond, and welcomed coffee at Spire/Spoke.
The first 6-7 (no-one really counts) left and merged to pass a group of Leopards, with Big Jim Beswick rolling back the years to hustle and banter us up Marlow Hill (us secretly hoping he’d drop off soon to his group so we could relax, which he eventually did at the SAS roundabout). Then into full stride we rolled through, counting numbers and checking names. New to us was Jeremone (though bizarrely I thought he said Conrad, not even close), and we kept good pace to Henley.
Thereafter the longer climb past the golf club and rude steep exit. The Pangbourne lanes carefully negotiated before obligatory photo on the bridge. Here the less photogenic group 2 passed. (No-one needs a hare to chase, hmm right).
Group one was stacked with the high watters, and Carwyn as the lightest would test physics, and curse accordingly. Even Simon H recorded 350W in 5th wheel, as first Al then Fraser looked to close the gap to Gp2. Watts is watts on the flat, meaning all the group need to largely do the same, which is a strain if you weigh c65kg to c85kg of others.
We got caught at the railway bridge lights so had it all to do again. ‘Somehow’ Ed found himself leading up each rolling rise which he clearly enjoyed. We were in paceline by now, and as reported previously the risk is going too deep for your lead, relaxing too much as you slide rearward, and not being able to rejoin the line. (2 found this out as we neared Goring and joined Gp2 at the lights).
As we again re-mustered back up to pace on the run to Wallingford, Carwyn called a mechanical stop, not a puncture, but his front wheel had become loose on a threaded through axle. (Equal blame to his pre-ride checks and road jolting surface perhaps?)
We would pass Gp2 as they watered the local bushes, and kept pace high to Watlington. The sunny garden, relaxation and generous cakes always a factor for the climb home, which we then did as one group as a few skipped treats for straight journeys home. Carwyn keen to show his power/weight with a solid climb and Fraser never shy to compete.
As we descended Dolesden, Al would lose his glasses, causing Jan to swerve to ensure he crushed and totalled them. (That’s what mates do).
Super spring ride and route. Thanks all.