Sunny conditions, turning warm later, attracted 19 riders today, a record for the year. A big welcome to ‘Doctor’ Steve (who is not a medical Doctor) and ‘Farmer’ Tom (who believe it or not, owns the field on the corner where our TT course starts).

From the Market Square we headed out to Great Staughton and on to Swineshead where groups 1 and 2 split.

The 11 riders in Group 2 then rode to Newton Bromswold where we had a slight mechanical problem. Once resolved we carried onto Podington. Like all good conscientious group 2 members, Steve planned his puncture to coincide with our coffee stop at Harrold Country Park (a lesson here for Tim). I was slightly concerned when Phil got out a copy of ‘The Mail on Sunday’ to read with his coffee and large slice of carrot cake.

After our ‘Pit Stop’ we carried onto Felmersham, Thurleigh and Bolnhurst where Jason started taking on gel in preparation for ‘The Bushmead Sprint’. Once we hit the Bushmead crossroads, the group quickly fragmented with 6 riders leading the pack and pushing hard. Andy Kinglake once again took the chequered flag and the riders regrouped on the market square for yet another coffee. This week group 2 covered 42 miles.

After the split,  Group 1’s  pace lifted with Justin, Tim and Iain dictating the speed. Some people are clearly finding good form for Thursday nights! We headed out to Wollaston and a minor navigation error by Richard O saw us arrive at Bozeat slightly earlier than planned. We picked up a tail wind and had a fast ride to Harrold and Carlton. However, as the gradients started to tip up the bunch started to string out and break. We re-grouped at Pavenham, but immediately split apart on the climb to Felmersham. After that we headed to Sharnbrook then home. Justin led those foolish enough to engage in the Bushmead sprint all the way to the St Neots sign from the Bushmead crossroads. Just under 50 miles for Group 1.