Yet again DL fails to come up with a ride report despite scurrying off after 1 pint with vague promises about catching the five am train to London and writing his report on the journey
So I have no choice but to fill in the bits I missed.
A decent sized peloton comprising DL, AndyQuaffer, Tomsk, Huggy, GavinSSN, Sister Carol, the Beer Fuelled Commuter ("the BFN") and Oaky assembled at Spa and began an easy paced trundle circling various places east of Witham. Under DL's expert stewardship it didn't take long for the group to lose GavinSSN at the top of TMNH. The remainder pressed on with DL eager to reach Hurrells, missing GavinSSN by a matter of metres a couple of times as he forlornly searched for his riding mates. When the group had dragged DL away from his favourite hobby area, they continued without GavinSSN based on DL's new "every man for himself" approach to group riding.
Huggy and Tomsk attempted the Ted duathlon at wedding ring ford but failed to record a swim.
Meanwhile Oaky and DL continued their tradition of time trialling the last section to the pub. Remarkably DL in his luminous Castelli skin suit managed to hold onto Oaky's (fixed) wheel. On arrival at the Railway Tavern they were soon joined by the ever intrepid Ted who had managed without the CP shuttle and ridden all the way from home for once.
The peloton moved swiftly on to the Woolpack to be greeted by the resident comedian asking "is it gay night ?". Hey, welcome to the '70s everyone.
Once that rib tickling moment was over, we realised that the shadowy figure nursing a pint in the corner was none other than GavinSSN who had taken the sensible decision to bail and head for the pub.
No Name (awarded Quaffers Choice), Oscar Wilde Mild and Bishop Nick's 1505 (or something) were consumed and more brave plans were hatched for 2016.
It is my solemn duty to report that at this stage OD's, so far impeccable (
) planning went awry. By holding the more miles, local pub event in Witham first time around, the majority of the peloton were only minutes from home. As the night wore on it gradually dawned on those of us that don't live in Witham that it was nearly midnight and we hadn't even left the pub. I left Sister Carol in Tiptree just after 12.30 and we both made our way home along deserted roads arriving after 1am, which seemed late for a school night. Now we know how Tomsk feels.
Sister Carol and I have no doubt that when the wheel turns and the venue is in Colchester or West Mersea, the Witham massive will continue this proud tradition...
All in all, another great night and let's keep hold of this mild weather for as long as we can.