The Zumo Free Run 
The Zumo Free Run
Following the time honoured tradition of the "Winnall" start we assembled in the infamous shelter to witness Panos prey for wet weather with a well-rehearsed rain dance! Low and behold, the skies opened and we were bathed in glorious sunshine! Unperturbed, the intrepid eight set forth, Panos leading with Baldrick acting as a solid back stop. Heading north through Wherewell, Hurstbourne Priors and Hurstbourne Tarrant toward Newbury we took the B4000 through Lambourn to Ashbury and found ourselves on the challenging B4507 that Panos loves so well for his training rides.
To be honest, our exact location from here on is a complete mystery to me! However due to the unexpected good weather and surprising size of the group, we made excellent progress and arrived at the first stop at 11.45am. Having replenished our (Panos') fuel supply, we aimed to refresh ourselves, only to find the nearest watering hole "The Lamb" closed! Nevertheless patience prevailed and some 15 minutes later we partook of some fine local soft beverages. At this point, two of our number admitted that they hade some drive issues, and there "Ball and Chains" required that they return home asap.
It was 12.30pm and despite the desperate need for food, the remaining six press on regardless and having collected most of the insect population on our visors, mine in particular, we cruised into Goring. Being at the rear of the group, Baldrick and I tried to explore the red light district of this delightful Oxfordshire village, but to no avail! No matter, we would be rewarded soon enoughÉ For no more than a mile further, and we are presented with the view of our leader parading a heard of delectable bovines to temp us. Spurred on by this sight of meat on the hoof we head for our next rendezvous, "The Hare" just outside Wantage on A417. Arriving after what seemed a lifetime since we last stopped for sustenance (45 minutes) we settled down to a glorious pub lunch.
Seven starters and five main courses later, or was it six of one and half a dozen of the other, some light hearted conversation of lawn mower racing, and sating our carnal desires with private viewings of the tasteful nudes displayed in the gents loos (apparently there were no such pleasures for the ladies!) we set forth on the final leg. Riding south on the A338 through Hungerford all the way to Beacon Hill to pick up some more wonderful B roads across the Wallops, and we feel the need to relax again. "Scones" comes the cryÉ So we stop for cream tea (thank you Panos) at Stockbridge.
Relaxing in the grounds of the local tea rooms, we bathe in the wonders of teenage service and are entertained at the ability of Boarder Collies to recognise the danger the chef presents them as they vocally dissuade him from inviting them to the kitchen. We marvel at both the impeccable timing of Neil as he arrives just in time to add his teas to the bill, and his obvious commitment to his new found love, displayed by matching her red highlights with his freshly tanned scalp.
Clearly it was time to break ranks, so we part ways and head home for dinner! Many thanks to both Panos and Baldrick for a great day out.