With Mark Vincent taking a quicker group on the same route, this left Kimbers, Heidi and Byran (the best back marker a leader could hope for!), Tony, Alan, Janina, Michelle and I to stick to the advertised 15mph and enjoy the fresh wind and autumn colours.
Leaving the Drome, there were a number of pelotons all heading in the direction but by Lambs Green, we'd all sorted ourselves out.
The flat opening 12 miles moved on to Tower Road with Janina and Bryan testing their climbing legs. We reached the top to find Mark's gang just about to head on.
I stopped as we approached Grouse Road and set everyone up for the classic photo... I would sit in the middle of the road and they would all look determined and cool passing me on the little climb before. Worked a treat.. albeit the doctor would probably warn against the threat of piles on a day like today.
Onward.. Grouse Road was looking decidedly autumnal... then the little kick after the Hammerponds to persuade everyone that they really were warm enough.
By the time Brantridge lane was defeated everyone was ready for tea and a rare sit-inside at Tulleys saw lashings of hot choclate, hot tea, strong coffees and breakfast baps wolfed down.
The only problem with sitting inside.. yes, the renewed chill once back out on the road. The descent down to Old Hollow saw the gilets tested as the chill was biting again. Luckily Tulleys is a classic two-thirds, one third ride so we were back at the Drome just gone 1pm with just under 15mph average on the clock and 2,500ft of undulations under the belt.
Well done to everyone. See G3, nothing to be nervous of!
Adrian