Welshpool

Thanks to Craig as usual for uploading the Garmin stats.

Today's merry band of travellers consisted of Robbo, Patron, Chrissy, Ronnie, Craig, Vino and Etape conquering Gaz Waud. Sick notes were received in respect of Coppi and Lantern, although there is a steward's enquiry into the authenticity of Lantern's note, as it would appear he's clumsily attempted to forge his mum's handwriting!

The outward journey to the cafe was windy to say the least. With the benefit of hindsight it's probably just as well the Lantern abstained, as I fear the shapeless shite brown sleeves he's been recently sporting as substitute arm-warmers would have resembled windsocks heading down to Buttington!

The cafe came at around the 45 mile mark and the boys wasted no time in opting for gut busting breakfasts all round, and being a proper Northern lad, Craig ordered extra bread and butter. With the benefit of a cross/tail wind, the return via Llansantffraid was rather brisk, before the inevitable pull up Blodwell Bank at the 65 mile mark. At Oswestry the heaven's opened but this did little to dampen the pace or spirits as the grupetto swallowed up the remaining 15 miles or so.

Cracking ride on the Summer bikes (possibly the last 'Summer' ride of the season). My man of the match today goes to Gaz for his sheer gutsy determination in hanging on to a brisk, and at times erratic paceline in the teeth of a headwind on his first come-back ride. Chapeau boys, see you next week. Robbo.