The forecast promised a good riding day, and so it turned out. A dozen or so Gregarios turned up for the 100 mile summer run to Benson.

It was good to see “The Jimster” back on his bike, though he was only staying for the morning coffee stop.  We also welcomed John our guest rider from Katoomba, after three years abstinence. After a very efficient and business-like route briefing from Tony, and a team pep talk from Danny, we were off. 

Unusually, we stayed on the main roads out towards Fulmer, better to get out as quickly as possible.

The first quick coffee stop at Burnham Beeches gave everyone time to settle in, then we had a couple of lengthy but not too steep climbs on the way out through Marlow up to Freith, Fingest and Watlington.

Rolling roads and wide open cornfield vistas were the order of the day as we  neared our destination. There was the inevitable sprint to get to the front of the lunch queue with Paul Lincoln barrelling his way throughfor the Benson sign with a final podium of Lincoln, Danny Pollock, Tony Glazer. For most of us it was a steady run in to Benson, which didn't seem that far at all, proving the value of the morning stop. Lunch by the river was a treat, and we were joined by Andy Brown fresh from riding a “10” in the morning.

With team photos taken, we set off on the return leg.

This was enlivened by (in no particular order) a visit to the Maharajah's Well, a long steep climb which threatened to displace some lunch, and a spectacular puncture for Mr Brown which sounded and looked like the Soprano’s had finally caught up with him.

Repairs were made and we continued steadily back through Henley up the not very popular, Remenham Hill. Here a mechanical problem delayed Matthew for a few minutes, before we re-grouped and headed back to Burnham Beeches again for afternoon tea and a final run back in to base.

If you weren't there, you missed out. Apart from myself, there were two other century virgins; we all survived and enjoyed the day.

Words: Peter Ward  Pictures: Peter Ward