No real beginners turned up so a quick intermediate ride ensued and we headed off in gradually improving weather, through Rusper and glorious St Leonard's Forest where the conversation was all about philosophy and the sheer delight of cycling in beautiful surroundings.

Sarah raced up the dreaded Tower Road to Colgate; we were all keen to know what she'd had for breakfast! Adrian was on good form. Brian, only a fraction behind, had already done 12 miles before we started.