Ian says "Winter training starts this weekend"

I’ve heard a rumour but my ears might have lied,
So let me tell you about the Lanterne's new ride,
I’m sure this’ll scare yer,
But Ian’s bought a Carrerra,
And has promised to kick Ronnie’s hide

Cafe stops episode IV - a new soup

Following a week of gopping weather, turbos were primed and standing by in garages and sheds until the cycling gods cast aside the November clouds and let the sun shine down on Crapiland. Canal central at Maesbury has been the winter hostelry of choice for the last couple of years so that's where we were heading. Robbo met Ron, Chris and Al at Moreton Park, with all four complaining it was too warm and Big Al already sweating conkers! We chatted idly as we wound our way through Weston Rhyn and Hengoed, passing at least half a dozen other riders on the way (good to see more and more cyclists out). At Oswestry, we all turned with unspoken acceptance to climb to Treflach (there's no such thing as a straight there and back) before hurtling down Blodwell bank at over 40mph. A rare tail wind helped us along the Tanat valley with Al prophesizing that Winter Ronnie would put the hammer down at some point, he wasn't wrong. 42 miles.

For anyone interested in the answer to last week's conundrum, it'll come as no surprise to learn that c) is technically the closest. I say technically because The Lantern didn't actually manage to drag his carcase out of his bed before Currys closed at 4pm so is still washing his smalls in the bath.

A late start this sunday, due in the main to Robbo, Ian and Big Al having a late return from Cardiff, having suffered another All Blacks defeat. The weatherman had promised sunshine but it was a soggy bunch that met in Overton on Dee - good thing we were on the winter steeds! Only Robbo, Al, Chris and Ron made the trip, but where was Ian I hear you cry. Ian had in fact explained that he wouldn't be able to make it on Sunday for a very good reason, was he:

a) Advising Barack Obama on his foreign policy,

b) Having a much needed lie-in and power breakfast following a late request from Warren Gatland for him to step in as replacement tight head prop for the big game

or

c) Going to have a look at a nice washing machine that he'd seen in the sale.

Answer next week.

The surviving bunch wound their way along the highways and byways of North Shropshire for a full breakfast at the Raven cafe in Prees. Allan was still suffering the after effects of swine flu but put up a valiant effort to stay on Ronnie's wheel (is it me or is Ronnie actually faster in the Winter?). The return trip via Malpas, Worthenbury and Bangor fair flew by as Ronnie provided the lads with a running commentary on his own computer wizardry and inimitable film critique. A puncture 15 miles from home soon stopped our gallop but again Ron saved the day and kindly offered Chris the remainder of his CO2 - barely enough to blow out a candle. Robbo and the other 3 parted company in Eyton, with Big Al promising 'a good un' for next week. 47 miles.