This was a fabulous day out. We took an oval path, starting in Taunton with the zenith in Wellington. There was however an eerie stillness about Taunton before the tandems began to arrive for the start; 33 cyclists on 19 cycles.
The café we booked for the start denied all knowledge of us. The manager of the lunch stop fled the country after we booked it.
Some shops seemed recently boarded up. Like a scene from a western the first tandems appeared from the mist, riding into town along the high street.
If there had been chickens, they would have scattered. If cacti, they would have wilted. But this transient air of foreboding evaporated in the dazzle of hi viz Lycra. 
We headed off through the park and took several turns around the bandstand to warm up.
Then along country lanes in near zero temperatures, spreading warmth and a wild, carefree spirit. We took a break for coffee at the Iron Duke in Wellington, then back to Taunton for an Italian lunch. Thanks to everyone for coming. It was fun.
Nick and Rachel Warner