London Wales London: Rain, Rice Pudding, and a Lot of Grit

While most people were enjoying a quiet Saturday, a determined group of five—Westerley CC regulars Tim, Stephen, and Andy, along with Ian and Paraic—decided to take the scenic route to Wales. And back.

The journey began with a deceptive "honeymoon phase." The leg to Islip for breakfast was fast, flat, and breathtakingly beautiful. However, the honeymoon ended abruptly in the Cotswolds. The "climby" terrain toward Tewkesbury served as a sharp reminder that those elevation charts don't lie, and the group naturally fractured as everyone found their own rhythm.

Fuel and Floodgates

A highlight of the day was a roadside pitstop courtesy of Tim’s mum, who provided life-saving sandwiches near Symonds Yat. The freshly resurfaced roads up the Yat helped, but the weather gods had other plans.

As the team reached Chepstow, the heavens opened. The group geared up, only to discover that their "waterproof" gloves and socks were actually high-tech sponges. From that point on, every reflection on the road was a high-stakes game of "Pothole or Puddle?"

The Civilised Turn

By the time the riders reached Malmesbury Waitrose, they were looking more swamp creatures than a pro peloton. A sophisticated sushi snack provided a brief moment of calm before the gathering gloom set in on the road to Lambourn. There, they were greeted by volunteers like long-lost heroes, who offered spicy carbs and the comfort of rice pudding.

The Home Stretch

The final push through the dark, quiet sprawl of Newbury and Reading was a test of mental fortitude. A cheery 24-hour garage attendant in Henley gave them the final boost needed to crest the last hills back to Chalfont St Peter, where Liam was waiting to welcome the weary travelers home.

It was an impeccably supported event that will stay long in the memory—even if our "soft parts" might need a few weeks to forgive us. A huge well done to the whole crew!