So what a send off from Beverley. What a great job our Friends and family did as well as some people we didn’t even know. The rain didn’t dampen our or the crowds spirits and thanks to Garry and his crew at Cafe Velo for providing the start point of our great adventure!

As we left the town I think some of us realised what an epic ride this was going to be. Six cyclists of mixed ability and our Directeur Sportive/Driver setting off past the Minster and hopefully ending up in the city whose iconic church, the cathedral of Notre Dame had suffered such horrific damage just a few months ago.

The route took us down to Swanland and Ferriby and on to another world famous landmark, the Humber Bridge. It was at this point and when we were cycling out of Barton that the skies cleared and it stopped raining. We were making good time and met with the bus at the entrance to Elsham Hall for our mid morning stop. Nervous banter ensued with many taking a comfort stop unaware that this is the fourth largest visitor attraction in Lincolnshire. Many children have now been traumatised for life having seen that!

Onward and not upward but in fact flat. The route from this point was fairly level with few or any hills but lovely open typically English countryside. The villages started to whizz by as we carried on at a cracking pace, Wrawby, Howsham, North this, south that. If it was there we flashed through it. We quickly got to our lunch stop to find out…. they were on dessert.So it was Jo’s flapjacks, delicious but not for those with dentures, and sports drinks and gels for us. Not the meat and three veg we had hoped for. The route was going well so with just 35 miles to go we cracked on, leaving banana skins on the barbie and Tommo already 5 miles ahead.

What we didn’t realise was the next phase was going to take us through some of the most beautiful villages imaginable. Potterhanworth, Norton. And then the Wright Meister gave us the excuse we were looking for – a puncture. So at his insistence we left him with his rear wheel and butyl rubber and found the nearest hostelry. A pub garden, sunshine and a few beers set us up for the last stretch to Ewerby and the Finch Hatton Arms. Lovely hotel and a great start to the trip. Friendly staff – thank you Ann, a warm welcome and another food apology – Dinner has been served!

No problem a curry in nearby Sleaford and what a great curry it was too! Plenty of banter and then back home to bed after a very tiring first day. 76.46 miles, 2549 ft of climbing, 5 hours in the saddle and 15.1mph average. not a bad performance from the crew. Very flat tomorrow so a chance to practice riding at pace in a line astern. This time you guys at the back do try to keep up.

Highlights: The Wright Meister getting not one but two punctures and blaming Linda’s bike inner tube.

Funniest Moment: Banana disposal techniques. Winners Brad and Campey

Best Part of the Ride: Getting to Ewerby

Congratulations: Tommo and Dom for sprinting to the finish line.

Hero’s: Brad and Steve for roadside help and advice. The AA Twins!