Ten below zero. Chaingang 1st Feb

The water in my dogs dish was a solid block of ice outside the back door at seven o' clock tonight, but the roads looked nice and dry so on with the winter gear and down the hill to see if the gang were out. Cursed and prayed safely across a slushy bit of water run off from a leaky drain coming down the steep bit of Castle Hill Road.  Other than that roads were dry, if a little crunchy - with salt. I find starting off from a warm house and pedalling briskly keeps one warm enough - of course wearing suitable gear, winter socks, hats, overshoes, gloves and three layers on top.

Ten riders out tonight - Charlie Bell's caused a stir turning up in his usual shorts, no gloves or overshoes - but  that's a rugby player for you, all weather tough. Good to see Paul Baxter out once more also. Anthony discovered he'd  broken a cleat from a crash last week but rode anyway. Eastbourne  John was first man to the roundabout, with a strong ride, soloing from the railway crossing. I could bluff you that my fixed iron was undergeared for a tailwind and after spinning at 120rpm for a couple of miles it was a sweet & merciful  relief to let him go when he got out of the saddle and attacked over the railway crossing, but John explained it was in fact his wife's pasta that made him so swift.  So please can we all have some of your pasta next week Mrs John, molto grazie!

Next home was Charlie, then Simon N,  then Simon G, and soon everyone was there except Paul B,  lagging somewhat but he'll soon be on pace if we know him of old.  Turning for home we felt the savage bite of the North Easterly wind, howling across the North Sea from deep in the Russian Steppes or something. Temp at nine o clock was minus one ! Will we get out on our bikes next week? Will it be turbos - or  jogging thru' the slush?