This was more like it. Warm and sunny, short  sleeve jerseys and some legs getting their first exposure to the sun this year.

The main topic of conversation this morning centred on Mark’s new tasty celeste Bianchi. Rumour has it that he has been hoarding and polishing this fine machine for weeks, waiting for the first dry day, and Mark was quick to deny that he had been keeping the bike in his bedroom, although many suspect that he has.

We were joined by Ruth and Paul, members of Nicetri, for their first run with the Club and although Paul was wearing St Ives kit it was agreed to let him ride! Good to see Steve Pleasance out for his second club run, although he has been a regular at the TT’s this year.

14 of us left the Market Square and headed south-east via Waresley and Gamlingay with the groups splitting at Hatley. Group 2 took 9 of the 14 and headed towards Croydon and Steeple Morden. We enjoyed perfect riding conditions all the way with hardly any breeze, which was a huge contrtast to the previous couple of days. We crossed the county line into Hertfordshire around Ashwell and missed our turning, so adding a  4 mile loop to get back on course. Some unkind wag made the suggestion that Mark was looking at his bike rather than concentrating on the route. Homeward leg took us back towards Gamlingay and we did the reverse of the TT course back to St Neots. A very pleasant  50 mile run at a steady pace. Took a few tables at the Market Square for a post ride coffee and not long after were joined by Group 1 who had managed a 51 miler.

Mark's new Bianchi - before fitting matching bottle cages and bidons