We were Woodbridge-bound, following a straightforward course out to Needham Market with a following wind and a brisk pace being set by Mike Bowen and Justin Wallace. We took the Coddenham route, with the short, sharp shock of the climb through this picturesque settlement. I've only been this way in car, and the rolling nature of this bit of Suffolk was more taxing than expected. Splits began to form.
There was a debate on the wisdom of pressing on to Woodbridge, prompted by a sign to Ashbocking, with its excellent Crockery Barn Café. Woodbridge won with a convincing case presented by Julian Colman who assured us that it was no more than seven miles down the road. Well, several roads actually, but definitely seven miles. Mile-eater Deane was concerned that we might not be home until rather late (an unusual attitude from Deane, but then he did the Mildenhall 300k Audax the day before (riding out from Bury as well).

Julian was right; we reached W'bridge in under the half hour - but it seemed to take at least that long to reach our Café; down tiny lanes, over level-crossings, along pathways, across a small park, past boatyards full of sleeping yachts (we didn't actually see the sea - or is it estuary?). Scones were huge (about 4" across) fresh from the oven and delicious. Whatever it was that Julian Colman had ordered obviously impressed him enough for him to announce "this tastes just like Cath's muffin". The tea, however, would have deeply shocked Peter 'Hot Water' Heath. Dainty mugs with a sulking teabag in each, and a jug of milk. When Justin told us that the loos were back across the park, we naturally assumed that he was winding us up (it is not unknown, with Justin), but it was true.

Back across the obstacle course - which seemed shorter the other way - and off on the route home. We began to retrace, but did an unscheduled circuit round Hasketon; after this extra loop, a break formed. Justin and I, with help from others younger and (allegedly) faster, attempted to bridge the gap, but only succeeded in dropping some of those behind us. After nearly wrong-slotting again, those behind got back on, but we philosophically gave up the chase - hoping that everyone who was missing from our group was in the escape group which we reckoned consisted of Ben, Mike, Julian Long, Paul Jay and Dave. Richard Stiff, proud father of firstborn Lily, was beginning to feel the pace as we neared Debenham - he'd been off the bike for five weeks, after all.

We made every effort to keep what was left of the ride together, Deane did his best to not go off the front - and then settled into the middle of the group. Justin and I operated the 'double push' technique with one of us each side of Richard to get him back on a few times. Hugh did sterling work on the front with Ron. When I got home I realised that fears of an 80-miler where unfounded, since my total was a mere 78