15 of us lurked about near the New Green Centre in Thurston - the car park was locked (presumably a Seasonal Issue) so those in cars were parked provocatively - but not a problem of our making. After so much ice following quite a bit of snow, we were pathetically grateful for the single-figure positive temperature and thick mist. Personally, I'd have been content with driving rain and half a gale after a month off the bike. Peter was in charge, and had emailed the hard core the day before to warn us that the ride would be at a moderate to modest pace because (a) Peter has had back and chest problems in December, and isn't feeling quite the thing, and (b) because he apparently accosted a young runner called Mary Narey recently and persuaded her to come and join us on her bicycle for her first ever ride with a group. Turning into quite the Derbyshire Don Giovanni is our Pete. One to watch. I say no more. Another to watch will be Mary elle meme who kept up well in trainers and toeclips, and will be a very handy climber pretty soon (though tall, Mary doesn't look as if she has problems fighting gravity)

We kept to fairly main roads to avoid possible remains of ice, but as far as the standard of driving we witnessed it was turkey season. At least three vehicles, at various times, charged into the gloom to pass all of us, only to meet another vehicle coming the other way - both cars coming to a halt (luckily)on each occasion. One Turkey managed this twice - the second time the small truck approaching him broke with convention, and didn't stop, so it was a very near miss indeed. Many cars passed while going round blind bends. We saw far too many displaying no lights - including a dark blue saloon with blue light on the roof! On our return journey we took to larger lanes rather than smaller main roads, and the first car we met immediately pulled to the side of the road and stopped for us to go through. There's a lesson here, maybe.

We experienced the Dawn of the age of the puncture, as the poor girl suffered two within half an hour. Her bike had been serviced by Nathan (he delivered it to New Green - what service) and the first punctured tube was replaced by Richard Farrow. I'm not making any sort of a point here, except perhaps that Dawn is innocent. Anyway, the second replacement tube survived the remainder of the ride. And was fitted by RF. Why am I writing this rubbish?

We rode through Lavenham and on (eventually) through Monks Eleigh to tackle the climb followed by false flat that would take us to our Café of the Year 2010 at Hollowtrees farm, Semer. A break formed on the climb and, with some determined work by Ron Fisher and Justin we managed to drag back Glenn Morris who was gamely making a solo bid (on the same fixed gear of 72.5" as myself) for the Café Prime. Now lined-out, Justin was doing a handy impression of an egg whisk as he showed the beginnings of his Marmotte form. Just don't Peak too early Justin. Justin's son Jack was commendably tolerant of his Dad's juvenile behaviour, even though he had to suffer with lack of quality miles, and riding about twice as much bicycle in the form of his recently commissioned Bob Jackson. Tea was welcome, and we were welcomed warmly by the wonderfully cheerful staff.

Out into the gloom again, and back down to Monks Eleigh, along to Lavenham and thence home via Preston, Brettenham and Rattlesden (almost). Back by 1pm, with 46 miles on the clock (it's looking a bit pale around the display, so may need a new battery, so maybe I really did 56 or, even, 66?). A quick hose down for the bike, lunch, and a deep, hot bath. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh.

What with gloves and five layers of clothing, I couldn't handle the camera well enough to adjust the white-balance. It would have sounded a bit precious to bring everyone to a standstill just to make an adjustment. So, no picture. But there may be one if I put this on the Blog, I feel a drawing coming on

SJH