The Essex peloton enjoyed a good ride on the Santa Special yesterday.
Danbury Dogger, his mate Steve, Bobb, the Hustler, Tippers Kiwi, Beau Brummell, Sister Carol and I set off from Great Bromley with a nice tailwind at our backs on an unseasonably warm day.
The first control at Wickham Market arrived quickly as did the second in Halesworth. Then we turned into the wind.
It is only 30km or so from Halesworth to Diss but with a deceptive upward gradient and and the wind, it felt much further. The peloton soon splintered as the quicker riders and those with early season form surged ahead.
Fortunately, the control at Palgrave was an oasis of audax hospitality with Lindsey and Chris turning out a splendid spread. The soup was proper homemade loveliness and there was a great selection of savoury snacks to follow. I think we probably just missed the promised peeled grapes
The next section to Sudbury covered that flat section of Norfolk into Suffolk that so many local rides cover. It's great with the wind and a slog against it. By this time the Danbury Dogger and mate had left us behind and we had dropped his brother who was uncharacteristically slow after a sleepless night. Our own Beau Brummell, who had made no effort with his appearance to the extent that he had not even accessorised, was often to be found at the front setting a strong pace. Later we discovered that he had developed a bit of audax belly and was mainly jet propelled by his own gas, always pleasant for those behind.
Inevitably, we all controlled at McDonald's in Sudbury. Some people (I am looking at you Bobb and Andy) start with great intentions of just having a healthy snack at the garage but 160 km in on a windy day it has to be a dirty Mac. As we sat there savouring the unique dining experience, the heavens opened. By the time Tippers had finished his selection of menu items it was dry, good timing
The final leg was a proper Essex peloton ride. The group stayed together and added anyone that wanted to join. It was nice to see Jack who had joined us at Sleaford on the Flatlands. Arrivee was reached in no time.
Having refuelled with the splendid selection of food ( there was even a menu !), Tippers and I set off into the night for the ride home. I am surprised that our bikes stayed upright we were going so slowly at any slightly upward gradients.
All in all a great day's riding and it was good to have the peloton out again, even with a few notable absentees.
Congratulations to Beau on becoming a randonneur and thank you to the controllers for looking after us so well.