Well, as you know, the run went along with my suggestion to visit the National Trust caff at Wicken Fen - as recommended by our own cafe inspector, Peter Heath (so we were guaranteed copious amounts of hot water, fresh scones, good choice of cakes and value for money). And I had a map. We opted for a route that rolled out to Wicken Fen (or rather rolled as far as it could to anywhere with the word 'fen' in the title) and gave us a flat run back.

11 stalwarts set off from Woolies: yours truly, Hugh O'Neil, Paul Rooke, Mike Bowen, Gareth Doman, Tricia Dennison, Richard Stiff, David Leaver, 'Twickenham' Neil, Tristan and Stephen Hill (who had brought a note from his wife requesting that he return for an early bath and family commitments). Tristan had promised to be on his best behaviour and to keep a steady pace. Tricia's stats show that he did indeed maintain a steady pace.

Saxham, Hargrave, Ousden (bye, Stephen), Dullingham and Swaffham Bulbeck rolled under our wheels, while a wrong turn saw us complete a circuit of Swaffham Prior (well worth the detour to see the centre of this attractive village, I thought). Shades of the Netherlands as we sped across the fens to Upware, lined out behind Tristan - wouldn't want to miss the split in the crosswind. As the speed increased we marvelled at the butterflies and dragonflies - and other hallucinatory objects.

Just after 1100 we arrived at Wicken Fen. I think our colourful Lycra and twinkling bikes made a nice contrast to the bottle green sweatshirts and camouflage clothing of the other visitors. I am sure the sideways glances were of admiration. Refreshments - which, as if we had any doubt, lived up to Peter's description - were taken alfresco. As we ate and supped, Richard mentioned that his partner was due to give birth anytime soon. Full credit to him that he had his phone volume set at 11. Providing there was a signal he could be at her bedside within hours.

Time to go. Nice and flat, mostly tailwind, what could be nicer? Fordham, Freckenham, Red Lodge and Tuddenham were the chosen villages. The pace was brisk as Tristan kept his promise to maintain a steady pace. The climb up to Poor Man's Heath saw those of a competitive nature stretch their legs. First Paul Rooke exploded from the anonymity of the bunch and disappeared up the hill like Valentino Rossi. Tristan seemed to be stung into action by Paul's sudden appearance and hared off after him. Ever strong Hugh then led the remnants of the group up the climb. Naturally I stayed at the back in order to record the events.

A piano, piano twiddle back to Thurston from Bury for me (69 miles on the clock), Richard (to Norton) and David (to Gt Ashfield) who had a list of jobs to complete in the garden after lunch. Wonder if they got done or if zzzzzz got in the way?

A mention in dispatches for Tricia. She found it tough at times but showed real determination to fight back and get among the wheels. Well done!

Also mentioned in despatches, Mike Bowen. Mike had completed a 90 mile hilly ride to Stisted and back on Saturday and yesterday was still capable of putting in a big turn on the front on the way home.

Hopefully our clubmates, Dean Hill and Simon 'Jason' Bourne had a successful weekend.
The Brits had a reasonable day in the Tour too, didn't they.

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