Four of us join Jim Swan for a New Year's Day ride: Alan Potter, Cliff Jones, John Hare and myself. We set off through what was once, RAF Uxbridge,we duck and dive through Hillingdon and Hayes, in a gloriously inventive fashion reminiscent of a Dave Taylor urban extravaganza. Through Yeading we head for Northala Park and the San Remo Cafe for elevenses. Quite by chance I notice Richard Clough, a West Middlesex rider, out for a stroll. He joins us for coffee. Of the assembled Loiterers, Richard is probably only known to Jim and myself, but with cycling the common theme, there is plenty to natter about. Under leaden skies we leave, heading north. At Dinosaur Park, West End Road (near the Polish War Memorial), John bids us farewell. Unsure of the best way home, Jim points him down Sharvel Lane, and presumably a lot of mud before he gets back to Hillingdon. The rest of us continue our northward trend through South Ruislip and Pinner. By Northwood, the promised rain starts. While others stop to don rain gear, I'm already clad, Dressing in head to toe P.P.E. is more easily achieved in the comfort of your own home. After a very short stretch of the Ebury Way, we arrive at our lunch stop, Morrisons, West Watford. The hot food menu seems to be limited to breakfast fare today, and this is what most of the group have. I settle for a sandwich and a piece of cake. With cider off the menu too, Cliff is forced to have a second cup of coffee. With the rain still pouring down, the decision is made to head back by a more direct route than the one planned. Back on the Ebury Way, we travel it's length to Rickmansworth, then shadow the North Orbital back to Denham. Along the Pygtle, I choose the wrong moment to check my rear light. Going at no great speed, I contact a wall, quickly followed by the ground. The only thing wounded is my pride. The bike and accessories are ok. We continue through the golf course to Uxbridge, then disperse for home and to ring out our clothes. Regards Bernie