Hoppo sets a cracking pace today. It's sub zero so I guess he's trying to keep us all warm. Following his lead are Alec Martel, Iain MacDonald, Alan Potter, Cliff Jones, John MacMillan and Margaret Chetty. Hats and helmets off to Margaret for bravely joining the long ride after her recent accident. Off we go along Iver Lane, Mansion Lane and a brief tour of a housing estate near Langley. Past Upton and Eton, by Dorney Common, the peloton had left me trailing. Fortunately elevenses is ahead at Dorney Court. Hoppo sits at a table with another cycling group, who are joining us for the rest of the ride. Continuing our journey to the A4, then a bit of R61 to Bray,we stop at the White Hart at Holyport for lunch; which I'm certainly ready for after all this exertion. After lunch we are flying along again towards Eton, via Oakley Green and Dedworth. Near Riverside station, John leaves us for home, while the rest of us head for Datchet. At the junction of the two B roads,the group splits, with one group comprising Hoppo and the Wayfarers heading towards Horton and the remaining Loiterers heading north. In error I follow Hoppo's group. By the time I realise my mistake, I've been left for dust.I manage to reach Alan, but by Ditton Park we have well and truly lost the others. We make our own way to the tea stop at Richings Park, and are soon joined by Cliff and Alec. I guess Margaret and Iain have gone straight home. The drink flows and the conversation turns to night clubs, gentlemen's clubs, and Alec's connections with the underworld. It's soon time to leave and Cliff and Alec make a hasty exit, leaving Alan and me to make our way back to Iver. Alan takes the canal route at Cowley and I head off past the hospital to deepest Hayes.This is a ride full of surprises and hectic chases. I couldn't have wished for better weather though. Bernie G.