Lark Ride to Dagfields 29 Dec 2018

A delightful 65-mile ride in charming company to celebrate my 65th birthday.

I could have done without my present from the puncture fairy. This combined with Simon R’s earlier puncture, a strong headwind and 15 miles of initial climbing to ensure that we didn’t get to the cafe until 13.20, just in time to see Simon G, Phil, Sue, Kirsten and Alison leaving, tired of waiting for us and with the last three having left Sutton 45 mins ahead of us. Welcome to the Lark Ride ladies. We’ll try harder to catch you next time.

My 11 companions were Steve, Mike, Pete, Brian, Vikki, Andrew, Christian, Mark, Simon, Bennet and Russell. Thanks to Phil’s tip-off we flexed our return leg to avoid a Marton Lane full of hedge cuttings to climb Pexhill instead. I got home at 16.15 after 68 miles at an average of 14.1 mph, a little older than when I set out.

The Dirty Dozen: Mike, Steve, Bennet, Vikki, Mark, Brian, Christian, Andrew, Pete, Chris, Russell, Simon.

That’s not a giant at the back, they’re sitting on a horse.

Fat old pensioner being ignored by two young blades.