Staffordshire Lanes Audax 102km

Only 8 riders today with heavy frost and ice about. We all set off together and kept away from the small roads to stay safe. At least the sun was out! This made it a shorter ride than usual to Farnsfield where the café was very busy. This made the stop a little longer but we weren't keen to leave the warmth anyway. At least we managed to get a ride in and stay safe.

8 out today. We headed out along the Trent valley to Kelham and Bathley, where Mike Hankin and friend left us. The rest of us (Me, Sue, Llew, Colin, Steve Perkins and Kev Humphreys), headed for Hockerton via Caunton with a tea stop at Newfield Dairy. Back through Southwell, Fiskerton and Hoveringham. A nice day out on quiet roads, but it was cold and there was a rising SW wind on the way back. 45 miles for me at just under 15mph.

It was a cold morning but no sign of the forecast frost or ice. The fog was mainly on the high ground. Only 3 of us in the easy group and we stuck to the low lands. We went via Kilvington to the new café at the Boot & Shoe at Flintham. Café has 3 tables seating 16 people and the are 3 armchairs. Very cosy and a little more expensive than some cafes - I had a pot of tea and a large sausage roll for £4.50. On the way home we even had a glimpse of the sun! Only 38 miles for me and we were back a little earlier than usual. Far enough for December for me these days.