Eight riders gathered at Morrisons and split into a trio going Further Faster and a quintet going not so far considerably slower.
Our outward route took us along the Alban Way then through Oaklands College. The quintet admired alpacas, looking very smart and freshly shorn, and also paused for some botany. The tall blue not-a-cornflower that does not show up in the photo has been identified (we think) as chicory.
From Sandpit Lane the further faster sped up past Nashe's Farm and through Simonshyde Woods. The merely fabulous wiggled up to Jersey Lane and glided down to Sandridge, and got to the meeting point first.
We had chosen this quiet corner of the churchyard as it has a bench, a tree for shade (not required today) and plenty of walls and trees to lean bikes against. Those without flasks popped over to the shop for a carry-out. The booking instructions had said to bring a plastic bag or some such in case the grass was damp, we are very impressed that one of our riders brought a camp chair that folds right down into to a small bag 14" long and 4" diameter, made by Trekology.
We reformed into one group for the return leg, reduced by two who wanted to ride further / take a more direct homebound route. We ambled up Sandridgebury Lane, splitting off in various directions for home at the junction with Valley Road.
Another shorter, easier ride - the planned routes were seven and twelve mile loops.
