Day 28 : 68.5 miles - Combe & Son#1 (2 rides)

I was fortunate enough to have two rides today.

9C Sunny to start, cloudy

Ride 1 : 60.4 miles

I was up early for the group ride with the guys. Once again I knew it was due to be sunny early on so I prefer to get out there earlier and make the most of it. It was cool in shorts (4C) when setting off to meet the guys, but later I was glad. I reckon I got my layers spot on again. The view as I woke up >

There was going to be four of us on the ride today, but J had been at a party the night before so I knew it would be comical to see how he coped today. It wasn't a good sign when we called at his house to meet up and his teenage son was the one to greet us and make us a coffee. He eventually showed his face, but didn't let on just how hungover he was until we were out on the bikes and we hit out first climb.

A theme emerged where we'd easily drop J on the first sign of any incline, he was really struggling, and eventually suggested he take a diversion to avoid the last climb. He must have been suffering to opt out on the last climb, knowing the stick he'd get when we eventually met up again a few miles later.

Four on the ride, but only three bikes. This was on the edge of Hungerford Common waiting for J to join us after his 'flatter' route diversion.

We did two climbs over Combe today (well some of us did), and overall it was a great ride. It's lovely to get out with the guys again. Cheers fellas.

8C cloudy

Ride 2 : 8.1 miles

Later in the day, Son#1 asked if I'd join him, for a quick blast along the local lanes. He's been really keen recently to get out on the bike which is superb. He was noticeably stronger than on our last ride together.