We had a slight change to MVSC protocol this week when we visited the Cock Inn at Peatling Magna as the pub doesn’t do food. What it does do is great beer and gives us the opportunity to try some routes that are less well known to many. It does mean that some have to travel a little further but we intend to even it up by heading over to the Tugby area in the future along with other parts of South Leicestershire and Rutland.

I had 12 riders in the long group, Pete had 4 on the shorter ride whilst Nick Fenwick rode with 9. I’m told Charlie Simpson lost his water bottle and Laura Hopewell had some sort some sort of ‘Tri-Bar’ cover fly off (I wondered what the constant rattling was behind me). We also nearly had a driver in a Tesla pull out into the long ride peloton when he was leaving the Plough Inn at Bruntingthorpe (suitably advised with a bit of shouting and hand signals). Other than that there were no falls, punctures or incidents which is always good.

We again dodged the weather (good job we don’t ride on a Thursday as it poured down) and it was really nice to be able to have a drink outside in the remaining sunshine (a rarity at the moment).

A number of our friends are on their way to the Isle of Wight as I type, for their annual trip. Phil Raynor and Rick Newham actually rode the 134 miles yesterday – in those testing conditions – they did have a bit of a hand until they got to Brackley from Martin Webster who took the headwind so Chapeau to them all (see photo). I’m looking forward to hearing the stories next week – especially if they have their Kangaroo Court sitting again to judge any adverse behaviour and dish out suitable punishments!

We return to the Bell at Burton Overy next week so fingers crossed for good weather and another great turnout (I wonder if we’ll see our favourite wine merchant – Duncan Murray on the start line? – I know he reads this occasionally x).

Here’s some photos of this weeks riders.

Thanks all – see you soon.

Nick Timms.