On  one of the hottest days of the year so far thirteen members set out, well  eleven did leaving yours truly and Nick following on a short distance behind. Having established with Mick we were going via Greens Norton Nick and me took the USUAL route past Waitrose, up to the main road turned left to head up  to the A43 island. Not a sign of any of the eleven up front and I said to Nick they must have put a spurt on. We continued on our merry way to Greens Norton where a mobile call established that the Peloton were behind us having taken a route along the river cycle path. (Communication is a wonderful thing)

Reunited at Greens Norton all thirteen continued on via Litchborough and  Farthingstone  to Church Stowe. The monthly coffee morning  was in full swing and the ladies greeted us with Bacon Baps ,biscuits , coffee, tea, or soft drinks. Cooking the Bacon  proved too much for the old cooker in the school rooms as bit took umbridge and , blew the fuses. Sharon and Steve Henley who live in the old School House came to the rescue, cooking the Bacon in their kitchen and ferrying the it round to the waiting A5 members . After a pleasant stop we parted company with Mick, Pete Semlar and Luke Thomas who were going onto Silverstone. The remainder left to come back to Towcester  via Nether Heyford, Bugbroke, Tifield Caldicote Greens Norton. 24.5 miles in total

The group which cycled on to Silverstone set off in the direction of Everdon and a few hills to stretch their legs. After taking the (very!) minor lane out of Everdon it was straight over at the next crossroads to Fawsley. At the A361 it was left and left again up the long climb to Preston Capes. The tearooms at Canons Ashby were reluctantly passed and it was on to Moreton Pinkney, Weston, Helmdon, Wappenham and Abthorpe to Silverstone. There was an open day at Baines Cycles where there were some very light and expensive Wilier cycles that could be taken out on a 15 mile group test ride. Refreshments were available – Many thanks Geoff. The last time that Luke and Pete were seen that day, they were on £5000 Wilier cycles heading off towards Buckingham at some speed! Weather- humid:  Mileage- 45: Wallet – very nearly emptied.           

Members present were Julie Hartfield, Jake and Roger Duffy, Paul Smith, Lee Milan Sue Holliday, Dennis Dale , Keith Mason, John Litchfield, Nick, all receive one point. Mick , Luke and Pete will receive three  points.