We had nine at the start today, myself – on time for a change, Adrian, Stuart, Geoff P, Geoff H, John H, John D, Mia and Kevin.

Nigel and Andy joined us en-route, with John H returning back to Hitchin from Whiwell, there were ten on arrival at the pub, though we were soon joined by Bedford Paul, who’s a frequent gate-crasher!

11 in Total

Although I did not eat my colleagues feedback was – Lunch looked good but was disappointing, a load of heavy stodge, typical Italian focaccia, it looks good, was filling but not in a good way.

There was only one lone staff member who tried to be very helpful, in spite of the numerous comings and goings of various tradesmen!

Andy, Nigel and myself only stopped for a cuppa and we returned via Whitwell and Preston at a good pace.

After lunch, Paul set off on his own which left seven to retrace our route back to Whitwell, where Adrian left the others for his homeward journey, with the others taking the same route back.

A good Thursday ride, it was especially nice to be able to ride in almost windless conditions for once, a real bonus.

Note Geoff P missing from photo (at the bar)