As those who set sail in 1912 will tell you, it’s not the ice you can see that gets you…  As proved to be the case 20 minutes into today’s ACG ride, when SD came a cropper on a patch of black ice going round a corner…  Although he appeared to have survived with minimal injuries, his bike was not so lucky, and being stuck in top gear is no way to spend a two hour ride, so he bailed.  One down…

A suitably chastened and restrained group carried on, rewriting the route as we went to avoid hills and overly shaded roads.  Upon reaching Mark Causeway, KG peeled off homewards, having a deadline to get back for.  Two down…

From there it was a straight push to Rich’s Cider Farm for coffee and a very nice warm scone.  The Pocket Rocket met us there, having cycled over from Wells, making our meagre mileage look even poorer.  One up…

In order to avoid retracing our steps at all we wiggled back across the Levels via Burtle, Westhay, Blackford and so on.  At some point near Rug Hill we dropped MD, partially because we were all trying to keep up with the Hare (yes – that would make me the Tortoise), though quite frankly I don’t know why we bother…*grin*.  One down…

I pushed my fastest down my favourite road and thought I was holding my own but which merely served to slingshot the menfolk past me on the straight and left me to be waited for at the Cheddar turn.  Epic fail, as my son would say.  The Hare hurtled off to go up the Gorge (and down and back up apparently!), leaving but three to head for home.  One down…

As we went past the fire station, a gorgeous black Corvette roared its way towards us and past.  I commented on how much I’d like that.  GB thought I was referring to the firemen.  Normally this would be a valid point.  However I admit it – I chose a Corvette over firemen. What is the world coming to?  And what does it say about GB that he paid more attention to the firemen than I did?  😉 *grin*.

I tried to win the race for home, and managed to push past GB as we got near the turning for Axbridge but…it was never going to happen.  Must try harder, as they say.  No sprint jersey for me.

Cycling time: 2:13:26
Distance: 35.97 miles
Avs: 16.1 mph
ODO: 6615 mile

If I’m being honest, cycling with the ACG isn’t quite doing it for me at the moment.  I love the coffee stop, and the bits where we do cycle together, and take turns at the front, and so on…but I seem to end up spending quite a bit of it cycling on my own these days.  And I can do that anytime.  However, overall it is good for me – because it makes me push harder and go faster than I would if left to my own devices, so I should probably just put up and shut up.  I’m just sulking because I’m not as good as everyone else and I want to be! *grin*