We have been truly spoiled of late, as underlined by the changed weather for the Sunday ride.

With the Met Office selling us a dummy, Jem, DaveC, DaveW, AndyC, Lee, Tony, Paul and myself got a thorough drenching in what turned out to be a 25 mile drudge through the best clag the North Downs has to offer, once water was added.

There’s not a lot to say really. It was still enjoyable thanks to the company and the sun even appeared later on. The only consolation being the average moving speed a respectable 10mph, but then the weather meant we pretty much avoided the tech stuff and rolled along bridleway to Newlands, for some much needed refreshment (and frostbite).

Mr Tubeless Lee got 2 punctures (paying the ultimate price for being a tubeless tyre worshipper who just happened not to be running tubeless on the day-sorry Lee) and Andy got one. I got blinded by the sheer amount of crud in my eye as a result of not having my crud catcher fitted. In fact I could see so little when I got home, that I’m amazed I didn’t remove fingers when carving the roast lamb.

So don’t let this uneventful report put you off attending future rides, it was great really…honest!