To contrast with Jenny's short ride to Wraysbury (bikes and riders festooned with seasonal jumpers, tinsel and fairy lights) this might have been billed as the 'bah humbug' ride. Not even a hint of glitter on any of the riders or bikes. Jim, Alan, Noel, Bernie, John W and John M with our guest, the exceptionally hardy Mark (mostly resident in the North East so still wearing shorts) followed me out at quite a pace through Iver, Datchet and Eton to Dorney Court for morning coffee. We managed to lose Jim on the way but he met us at the coffee stop having found an alternative route and no doubt rougher along the Thames. The sun continued to shine as we made our way over the river and up the hill towards Cliveden, and onwards to Wetherspoons for lunch. The return to Uxbridge was slowed a little by a large and sharp piece of flint in my rear tyre – the troublesome puncture was fixed with the help of Alan ably supported by Noel’s iron grip and Jim’s mole grip – a real Loiterers’ team effort and much appreciated by the leader.