Great ride today in mild weather with sun and clear skies. Less than an hour before departure it was pouring down but miraculously cleared just in time for 830am. The full Tourmalet team were out, joined at the last minute by Stuart on his retro Peugeot.
Tough start to the ride, after fixing a puncture for Stuart, it was twice up onto the Wayfarers ridge and amazingly no one moaned. A short climb to Linkenholt (where Steve won the sign) was followed by a fast ride down the valley to Barton Stacey at speeds up to 27mph, spurred on by motivational shouts from Pete. Stuart decided to bail out early at St Mary Bourne and go home to order a better "winter" bike. Before the cafe stop at Popham there were some unpleasant drags along the A30.
Pete decided to fully indulge in the Popham all-day breakfast with others being slightly more reserved. After a short stop it was back on the road towards home, along quiet lanes to Whitchurch where Simon "inched" the sign from me and then up and back over the Wayfarers ridge after Crux Easton.
The ride ended with a fast descent into Highclere but the sign wasn't contested due to traffic. Pete and Steve struggled in behind us carrying the extra weight of their breakfasts!
My charmed life without punctures ended as I turned into the drive, a Hampshire flint finally pierced my rear tyre. 47.5 miles at an amazingly slow 3:19. The climbs took their toll on the average.
All enjoyed drinks at Steve's house later in the day following the annual Christingle service. More chat about the ride and future rides! Looking forward already to next week.....
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