On this day, the 68th anniversary of Richard's birth back in the war years of 1942, Justin, Tony, Richard, Gareth, Ron and Peters Gay and Heath ventured out with the prospect of a less cold and drier day ahead. The one uncertainty was rain clouds approaching from the south but not thought to be arriving until mid-afternoon.
Once again Richard took control and weaved his way via Lavenham through ever thickening fog to the Woodlands Coffee Shop where he treated us all once more to scones/cake and lashings of tea/coffee. We all felt for Rickinghall Pete as he again suffered hot aches in his hands at the tea room but thankfully he eventually came round. Service at this choice stop was a little tardy because Trisha was left to do it all because her colleague had taken a welcome break moments before we arrived; apologies were made with accompanying smiles so we immediately forgave this lapse, although it's logged for future reference.
The rain came early on the return trip via Chelsworth, Bildeston, Hitcham, Buxhall, Woolpit and Drinkstone so men and machines arrived home wet, yet unbowed. 
Gareth found the experience illuminating as the hills pointed to an overall lack of fitness; however he voiced motivational mantras about targeting the Tour of The Peak Sportive in April as a means to lose the 14lbs he's gained through the year and become a lean, mean, climbing machine once again. Go for it Gareth!
Gareth found the experience illuminating as the hills pointed to an overall lack of fitness; however he voiced motivational mantras about targeting the Tour of The Peak Sportive in April as a means to lose the 14lbs he's gained through the year and become a lean, mean, climbing machine once again. Go for it Gareth!Tony was much happier on his road bike after he mistakenly rode out with the Wednesday group on the far heavier and sluggish mountain bike, whilst Justin was delighted to be on the road again after a spell entertaining family, especially the endearing Oscar over the Christmas period. Justin is still lauding the new 28mm Schwalbe Marathon tyres now shodding his reliable Giant, so is he blazing a trail for us all on our flinty lanes? Are the days of the popular, yet cut-prone, Ultra Gatorskins numbered? Disgracefully though Justin now weighs a lardy 9st 6lbs, so it's carrot sticks and water for the next week.
Forty three miles covered for the Thurston contingent but Rickinghall Pete would have logged closer to 65
Peter
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