The weather forecast said showers, and depending the on the individual app and the optimism of the viewer, even some sunny intervals.
Two groups of Jags (and guest leopards) assembled in the drizzle. Ian and Mark J joined Kylie for her gnarly route. The rest, Harriet, Bob G, Andy S, Steve R, Susie, Jay and Andi, opted for a flatter winter route – with a short cut option.
As they set off Susie confidently declared that the rain would stop in half an hour. It didn’t. After a quick warm up out of Marlow, the group set off for Henley. Leaving on the Reading road and turning right for Harpsden, this road is usually quiet, but there seemed to be a lot of kamikaze drivers in a rush to get somewhere.
Regrouping at the top of the climb and on to the bridge at Sonning. Still raining. Andi and Harriet convened to discuss the options – not that they actually needed to discuss much. A short stop on the way to Twyford, to re-brief the group that we were moving to Plan B – a short cut.
Just setting off, when Steve discovered he had a puncture. Andy stepped up to provide expert assistance and all was sorted in a reasonably quick time. Still raining. A now soggy, cold and somewhat dispirited group set off, and at the traffic lights in Twyford unanimously agreed to move to Plan C – a short cut to the short cut.
Without further ado, no more mechanicals, but lots of puddles, spray, impatient drivers, and still bloody raining, the team made MSC at a fairly quick pace. Steve and Susie both opted for an early shower. Already ensconced in the bar were Celia and Markie J enjoying a coffee. The gnarly group cut their ride short too, and Celia, in an uncharacteristically sensible decision (after recent injuries – thankfully now on the mend), decided not to ride but go straight for the cake!
As ever, the bacon baps were stupendous, the coffee hot and the cakes delicious.