On Saturday several riders took part in the Suffolk BywaysAudax. Jonathan Howe was one of them. Knowing that Deane rode out to the 200k Mildenhall event a while back, maybe Jonathan felt that this was the way it should be done. Anyway, and for whatever reason, he rode out and back, covering 160 miles in total, arriving back in Bury as dusk fell and mere moments before rain fell. 09.00hrs saw Jonathan on parade for more miles. He confided that he felt that he ought to show his face, knowing that several regulars might be missing. Maybe there should be an award for such selfless action - perhaps a statuette of a cyclist banging his head repeatedly onto the handlebars?

Our select band set off as eight - Gareth, Pauls Rooke & Callow, Ed, Tristan, Dr Tom, Jonathan et Moi. Paul C talked me out of repeating my previous bright idea of Horsecroft Lane followed by every climb I could find (followed by my self-destruction) in favour of a more relaxed Newmarket Road, Westley Rd, Saxham sort of a route. At Wickhambrooke we swung along a loop that took us south of Newmarket and through to Dullingham where we went left along to Brinkley then hurtled down hill to Six Mile Bottom. I can't complain about the descent, I chose the route and I decided to ride a fixed gear of 72.5". My maximum of 30mph is 140rpm - but, as I say, that's my problem. By this time we had been six for about an hour - Gareth and Paul R having headed off to fulfill domestic commitments - and all five of my chums were waiting for me at the Bottom (6 Riders, 6 mile. Now we are Six). Dr Tom new his way around this area, having done a year's worth of Cambridge Clubruns - but, being a gentleman he allowed me the illusion (delusion?) of continuing to lead the ride today. Anglesea Abbey provided its light and airy ambiance and decent food. I provided the light relief when I shook my 'Fentimans' fizzy orange drink to mix up the sediment before unscrewing the cap (the fiasco's orange?).

I thought everyone was looking at me in a concerned manner - they were aghast that anyone could be so stupid. The remaining Paul (Callow) provided paper napkins, the others dried their eyes from tears of laughter and Paul took a photo. I look as if I'm about to play the piano - an impression reinforced by the shades worn indoors. They're prescription, honest.

The journey home was the usual flat route, with a mainly following wind - I think that my 'souplesse'

We had (Ok, I had) been talking of an early finish, but I must've taken us further than I thought on the way out because by the time I got home I'd done 76, just like last week. This distance may also be because I bottled it and turned left for Lackford rather than face the Cote de Risby Gallop - I think it may well be further via Lackford. needs some work for this sort of riding. Who knows, eventually I might even be able to stop banging on about fixed. Ed, who considers 53 x 13 a medium gear, was responsible for quite a bit of pain when we allowed him on the front, Paul was Captain Sensible. The difference between 22 and 25 mph can be measured in discomfort as much as speed.