There were two rides leaving The Square this morning and out of the 20 plus riders at the RV, six brave souls elected to join me on the Tempo ride.
Our destination was Hayles Fruit Farm near Hailes Abbey. With several regular Tempo Riders enjoying the cold and wet in Andalusia, the group comprised a 4/3 split of young light hill climbers and more experienced puncheurs!
The group stayed together until the steep climb up Ham Hill, where the Puncheurs inevitably dropped off the back of the group. We then enjoyed the rolling terrain of the North Cotswolds before one rider left for a meeting in Winchcombe. The remaining six negotiated a ford before enjoying the 4km descent down Stanway Hill.
Fortunately or unfortunately, we arrived at the coffee stop at the exactly the same time as the other group!!! The cafe was very busy, but our group was happy waiting sat in the spring sunshine. The group was very keen to hear all about my experiences competing in Ironman races 
We knew the return route would be fast and furious, and it didn’t disappoint! One rider left us at Gotherington, but the remaining five riders continued at break neck pace to the designated finish.
88km at and average speed of 25km/h and 880m of climbing.
DS