James and ‘stand-in’ Stoker Andy led the November ride which started from Darts Farm near Topsham. Now what were the best bits…..

Firstly - as always with the Taunton group - Great Company.  We talked about ‘Strictly’ (my money’s on Helen), being a good Grandparent, knitting patterns…oh and next year’s International Rally which most of us are going to.

Secondly - The cakes.  Considering that both Otterton Mill at lunchtime and Darts Farm were full of people buying Christmas landfill, we did pretty well.  Nigel’s Lemon Meringue Tart from Darts Farm deserves a special mention.

Thirdly - The weather.  What do you expect in Mid-November?  Well it was a lot better than that.  Nigel, again, wore shorts!

Fourthly - The cycling.  5½  tandems,  25 miles, 1,300 m ascent (or was that feet),  average speed 7.8 mph.  Well…..it was 50% traffic free and had lots of staggered gates and loose dogs and mud and at least that average speed shows we are not taking drugs!

The worst bit - it’ll be a whole month before we do it again.