Did we establish why bloomers wasn't leading the Flying Helmet on another epic raid on the low counties? According to his wife (with whom I have a relationship 
) he is "resting" 
I think it's more accurate to say it's a severe case of CBA'd
The ride was indeed very nice with some of my energy levels restored which bodes better for the coming weekend than I felt last weekend. Some wildlife was experienced on the way to Littley Green even though we bypassed Hurrells Lane. Several bats were encountered, an unidentified (to me at least but certainly not a badger) furry beast scurried across the road just in front of the lead wheels, and as if to give us some dogging experience because we'd avoided the opportunity earlier we disturbed a pair of deer having a special hug on the roadside verge, I'm sure they were blushing as they ran off together.
A great turn out in The Compasses where copious amounts of local brews Ridley's Rite & Chinook along with Oscar Wilde while it lasted were checked for quality assurance, the kitten casualty count totalled 3. A dry run of the Witham Cycling GPS master class was in session.
The almost full & bright harvest moon encouraged some lights off riding with the lack of LEDs hardly noticed until we entered tree cover.
All in all, an excellent evening which should not have been missed by any self respecting MEMWNS rider
