Always a tricky decision for a ride organiser.  Do we go to Ye Olde Gibbet for lunch, where we have to book three months in advance, pay a deposit, guarantee an arrival time and decide if we want our veg “Al Dente” or “A L’ecole” (mashed with lumps) or do we go to a place where they don’t blink an eyelid if two coaches turn up at the same time?  As the lively, witty and intelligent Somerset group has expanded I personally favour the latter option.  The route is planned round that as a starting point.  The Hog and Hedge at Whiddon Down fed us quickly, kindly and very adequately.  And I gather they have a applied for a drinks licence.  What could possibly go wrong?

Well…….the ride had a bad start as we lost two in the first 100yds due to creaky knee syndrome.  Get better soon, Malcolm.  But we settled down with four tandems and three halves.  The sun shone for the morning; the views were nearly as good as advertised; the potholes were magnificent and no-one fell off.  I could tell you the route, but I’d have to kill you afterwards.

James Goodwin