All aboard for night train
No, not that train, that came later.
I knew when I saw Jerry Sadowitz astride Dakota that we were in for a thrash - he has been trying to keep up with Joergen these past few weeks on Fred and he had obviously realised it was time to bring out the big gun. The fact that the Lynx was on his soot bike and that Hotblack, Charles Vane and NJOD were also in attendance guaranteed a fast ride to the pub. Stupidly, I tried to keep up for a while rather than taking the sensible option which was diverting straight to the pub with the Hustler and Jem. Along the way, we picked up Oaky and Tomsk - by the way, why does the peloton slow down to intercept Tomsk but not me ?
It took no time to arrive at the Chequers in Roxwell despite one of Jerry's twisty turny routes. On arrival, Oaky declared that the ride had been conducted "at an uncivilised pace dear boy" and he wasn't wrong.
In another triumph for forward planning, it was quiz night at the Chequers so the fact that Joergen, Christoph Waltz, Toby's Dad, Josser and Bill Bailey were also in attendance meant that 15 of us were crammed into a small corner next to the piano. We were also repeatedly told off for talking. Several theories were suggested for the large attendance - proximity to Chelmsford, the mild autumn, the chance to pretend we were sat in a sodding library for the evening, Huggy telling us in advance he wouldn't be out - but who knows. Of course, Jerry booked us in there for the pre Epiphany after party lunch. In fairness, the friendly new landlord seemed very keen to have us back and has promised to keep the pub open just for us that afternoon.
When the quiz was finally over and we were allowed to speak again, we discussed (briefly) relay perms to keep Christoph happy, the stuff that we do to keep ourselves occupied during the hours that lead up to the Epiphany after party and the uncivil ceremony that is planned for Epiphany. Excitingly, we now have a matron of dishonour, a next best thing and a page boy (the Straggler). Jerry is very excited about his matron outfit - I think he pictures a flowing ballgown and tiara but we were thinking more Carry on Doctor and, hopefully, a ball gag.
With the lack of selection (2 x Greene King ales and one guest), the Quaffers' Choice went by default to Ridley's Rite.
NJOD and the Lynx then decided we needed another time trial back to Chelmsford. Most of the Witham peloton were so focused on getting to Boss Hogg's by then that they didn't seem to notice or care. For my part, I made my excuses and left - to catch a real train. I noticed it was 8 degrees on the last bit of my ride home but on a still night it didn't seem too cold and there was no need for knee warmers.
I assume Joergen is on the recovery part of his training programme as we seem to be in Chelmsford again next week.