Many thanks to everyone who turned up for making it such a lovely day and especially to Mr and Mr's Ed for their warm hospitality...top stuff indeed.
I can't think of a better way to spend a warm, sunny day. Yes!!! i said warm and sunny for it was indeed perfect riding weather. I remembered my camera this time but neglected to charge the battery so no photos from me i'm afraid.
The day was filled with banter, heroic climbing and insane descending, following a meandering route through the beautiful green rolling hills of Herefordshire. Could this be the archetypal view of the English Coountryside? I certainly think so.
A swift pub stop to replenish those lost electolytes with alcohol and a chance to discuss weighty cycling matters before a quick 10 miles spin back to Ed's, via the last climb of the day. This one 'soared majestically' up into the blue Herefordshire sky and illicted some colourful language and an awful lot of panting.
The final run in was taken at a fair clip. Ed and Markyp, freed from the shackles of their companions, shot of like a 'rat up a drainpipe', leaving myself, Daj and iwasgoodonce to fly back three up, sucking wildlife from the hedges such was the pace :roll:
Their were numerous highlights of the day, perhaps the best being Markyp's bunnyhop over a cattlegrid at approx 20 mph. As for quote of the day, the 1st is Ed's description of a headlong plunge down what can only be described as a farm track, as merely 'engaging' (the meaning of this word permanently altered for me) and any comment from Mark as he crested the various summits with his tiny selection of gears. Usually along the lines of 'i can't see!!!!" etc ...
And how best to top of such a day? SKOL!!! and meat. Living the dream....
Oh and well done Mr Wiggins and Mr Froome
P.s that first sentence reads like i was involved in the organisation..i wasn't...it was all Ed's fault