Training continues. On Saturday a beautiful ride through the sharply hilly and wood flanked Kent lanes. 10 of us did a swift 25 miles out through Grove Ferry and Upstreet to the north coast. Then back through Whitstable for coffee and fruit cake at Ed’s house, before joining up with another dozen or so for a fifty mile circuit south. Alastair and Maggie joined us for the first time. Suddenly we crested a ridge and there before us was a field of golden rape with the sea beyond. Down into Folkestone and along to the Prom to Hythe for beans on toast and mugs of tea. Looks as thoguh all this training is having an effect – definitely some slimmer figures, and as a result some faster riders, especially up the hills. Stowting Hill still sorts everyone out and then a harum scarum full pelt lung bursting ride past Burstead to Bridge to celebrate and end a great day’s ride.