Di Paolo's was not big enough for the Bacon Butty Crew on Saturday! By the time I got there at 09:30 the Pre BBR crew had bagged almost all the places in front of the cafe. With other arrivals it was soon standing room only in the sun. At ten we decided we needed two groups from the start so most of the regulars plus one or two occasionals set out for a brisk ride to Chilley Farm, a group of about ten riders. With mostly first time BBRs eight of us set out a few minutes later. Chilley Farm was very busy with the BBRs making it a bit of a rush hour. By the time the steady group had queued and placed their orders there was not much time to chat to the first group before they were setting off home.
I will not be there this week but we now seem to have a very firm fixture with a good number of people turning up post, mid, pre ride for a coffee and chat between 09:30 and 10:00. If may be that some decide to head off from Chilley Farm to see what is going on a the Eastbourne Festival in the afternoon this week?
Chris P
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Monday, 8 June 2015
Saturday, 6 June 2015
5/6 Bewl Water Season Begins & Flat Shoes/Pedals Fail The Test
At last, June had arrived so it would be the start of the Bewl water off road season on Fridays
For those that don't know it, Bewl water is a man made reservoir near Wadhurst. There is a 13 mile mostly off road path all the way round it. just right for a lap on a Friday evening after work or two laps for those fitter riders. Most of the old bewl water veterans were there (myself, paul B, ivan , malc D and derek ) as well as Bewl water virgin Pete Baker.
It was an unusually warm and humid evening, having been held up in traffic I only just arrived in time for the off at 6;30 prompt and was grateful that I was already wearing my flat cycling shoes so all I had to do was just the bike out the van and hop on.
For years I have suffered with a morton's neuroma in my left foot, which has left me unable to ride in anything less than look delta pedals with their massive cleats and carbon road shoes. These are great for the road but a nightmare for off road as they are impossible to walk on, the delay in clipping/unclipping means you cant put your foot down when necessary and worse of all the rocky terrain wrecks the carbon (last year my brand new carbon road shoes were ruined after just one season). Having tried every make of off road pedal , my last resort was flat pedals (with pins) and five ten flat shoes. For the last three weeks I had been using these for commuting and loved every minute of it. No foot pain , no discernible loss of power and the freedom to just hop on and off the bike without unclipping, but how would they cope in a more challenging and competitive environment?
Everyone set off at a blistering pace so myself and derek were dropped out of sight within ten minutes.In the early part of the course, care had to be taken negotiating around a number of dogs and their sometimes stroppy owners. One dog stands out in my mind. It had decided to plonk itself right in the middle of the path where the small craters force you into that direction , I managed to slow down and carefully negotiate around it but when Derek got there the dog must have taken humbrance at these annoying cyclists and lept up attempting to attack Derek's leg, but was held off by the large mass of spinning schwalbe rubber.
Fortunately no more dogs were to be seen on the rest of the route. I had forgotten just how bumpy the route was . Although I was bit quicker than Derek on the early smooth part of the course, the advantage was soon with Derek (full suspension) as I was bashed up and down (hard tail) over the infinitely large number of bumps while Derek gracefully glided over them all. From here on we would ride the rest of the route together.
About a third of the way round we came to the road section. This is about three miles long, almost all uphill and nasty . Riding this with a road bike would be quite tough but on a much heavier mtb with fat knobbly tyres its a struggle. At least you have the super low gears to help you. I could now feel the disadvantage of flat pedals and shoes compared to being clipped in. It wasn't so much the slight loss in power than bothered me but rather the fact that pressing hard on the soft soles of the pedals was making the soles of my feet ache (but at least the neuroma was happy)
Finally we had got through the road section and flew down the steepest off road descent back down to the main trail. This is when I felt the benefit of flat pedals, knowing i could put my feet down instantly gave me a confidence boost.
The middle third of the route is on most flat but bumpy terrain with a few wooded sections. the wooded sections do hang onto any mud that has formed and sure enough there were a few slippery sections but nothing too major. It was about here I realised another disadvantage of flats. Despite the shoes being impressively sticky you do need to make a conscious effort to keep your feet down on them all the time. Being a 'bear of very little brain' I was finding this mentally tiring.
A third disadvantage of flats was also discovered. Ironically because the shoes are so sticky, when you lift the shoes off the pedals you have to try to get them in just the right position when you put your feet back down, you can't just slide them along the pedal a little bit, you have to lift them up and plonk them down again in hopefully the correct position!
The final third of the route is from the reservoir's concrete barrier wall onwards. This begins with a rapid road and firm path down to the barriers walkway followed by speedy riding along the walkway and into the forest. This section has some slightly downhill wooded sections and a few interesting sharp turns and steep little climbs before seeing Bewl bridge and where you started. It was in one of the woods where we spotted pete ahead. Pete had got dropped by the other three and never having done the route before had been forced to slow down and keep checking to see if he was on the correct route.
Arriving back at the vehicles we were surprised that Paul, Malc and Ivan had left for the pub without us! I guess the lure of beer was too strong to resist.. Sure enough by the time we got there they were were well into their second pint.
Its great to be back at bewl. Shame about the pedals but they just don't cut the mustard, oh dear ' its back to carbon shoes and look deltas for another season, better start bidding on ebay now for a replacement pair of carbon shoes. I will however keep the flats because for commuting they are brilliant and well worth it for the convenience of shopping etc.
Steve C
For those that don't know it, Bewl water is a man made reservoir near Wadhurst. There is a 13 mile mostly off road path all the way round it. just right for a lap on a Friday evening after work or two laps for those fitter riders. Most of the old bewl water veterans were there (myself, paul B, ivan , malc D and derek ) as well as Bewl water virgin Pete Baker.
![]() |
| Just Time To Take A Quick Photo! |
For years I have suffered with a morton's neuroma in my left foot, which has left me unable to ride in anything less than look delta pedals with their massive cleats and carbon road shoes. These are great for the road but a nightmare for off road as they are impossible to walk on, the delay in clipping/unclipping means you cant put your foot down when necessary and worse of all the rocky terrain wrecks the carbon (last year my brand new carbon road shoes were ruined after just one season). Having tried every make of off road pedal , my last resort was flat pedals (with pins) and five ten flat shoes. For the last three weeks I had been using these for commuting and loved every minute of it. No foot pain , no discernible loss of power and the freedom to just hop on and off the bike without unclipping, but how would they cope in a more challenging and competitive environment?
Everyone set off at a blistering pace so myself and derek were dropped out of sight within ten minutes.In the early part of the course, care had to be taken negotiating around a number of dogs and their sometimes stroppy owners. One dog stands out in my mind. It had decided to plonk itself right in the middle of the path where the small craters force you into that direction , I managed to slow down and carefully negotiate around it but when Derek got there the dog must have taken humbrance at these annoying cyclists and lept up attempting to attack Derek's leg, but was held off by the large mass of spinning schwalbe rubber.
Fortunately no more dogs were to be seen on the rest of the route. I had forgotten just how bumpy the route was . Although I was bit quicker than Derek on the early smooth part of the course, the advantage was soon with Derek (full suspension) as I was bashed up and down (hard tail) over the infinitely large number of bumps while Derek gracefully glided over them all. From here on we would ride the rest of the route together.
About a third of the way round we came to the road section. This is about three miles long, almost all uphill and nasty . Riding this with a road bike would be quite tough but on a much heavier mtb with fat knobbly tyres its a struggle. At least you have the super low gears to help you. I could now feel the disadvantage of flat pedals and shoes compared to being clipped in. It wasn't so much the slight loss in power than bothered me but rather the fact that pressing hard on the soft soles of the pedals was making the soles of my feet ache (but at least the neuroma was happy)
Finally we had got through the road section and flew down the steepest off road descent back down to the main trail. This is when I felt the benefit of flat pedals, knowing i could put my feet down instantly gave me a confidence boost.
The middle third of the route is on most flat but bumpy terrain with a few wooded sections. the wooded sections do hang onto any mud that has formed and sure enough there were a few slippery sections but nothing too major. It was about here I realised another disadvantage of flats. Despite the shoes being impressively sticky you do need to make a conscious effort to keep your feet down on them all the time. Being a 'bear of very little brain' I was finding this mentally tiring.
A third disadvantage of flats was also discovered. Ironically because the shoes are so sticky, when you lift the shoes off the pedals you have to try to get them in just the right position when you put your feet back down, you can't just slide them along the pedal a little bit, you have to lift them up and plonk them down again in hopefully the correct position!
![]() |
| Sadly These Pedals Will Have to Be replaced By Look Deltas! |
Arriving back at the vehicles we were surprised that Paul, Malc and Ivan had left for the pub without us! I guess the lure of beer was too strong to resist.. Sure enough by the time we got there they were were well into their second pint.
Its great to be back at bewl. Shame about the pedals but they just don't cut the mustard, oh dear ' its back to carbon shoes and look deltas for another season, better start bidding on ebay now for a replacement pair of carbon shoes. I will however keep the flats because for commuting they are brilliant and well worth it for the convenience of shopping etc.
Steve C
Thursday, 4 June 2015
Ninfield TT - 3/6
We were at Ninfield last night (3 June) for the last of the early season TTs on the 14 mile circuit. Please see the attached table of times. Several were a few seconds off the best they had done in previous weeks but I made it 5 PBs and 2 SBs from the excellent field of 18 riders. We had 4 first timers on the circuit and 7 riders had gone quicker in one of the two previous weeks.
Pete Tadros (In Gear) was disappointed not to go sub 30 minutes for the third week on the trot so it must have not been an easier evening, which makes the PBs good times that can surely come down further when we are back on the course in six or so weeks.Trevor Deeble joined the sub 34 minute crew, will Alex Smith (PBC) also make it after a 34.30 on his first ride round the course?
Stewart Buckland (38.53) and Neil Smith (39.09) both had PBs with Stewart now going 2-1 ahead on their head to heads on the Ninfield circuit this year!
New member Ross Mason (41.35) put in a good marker time.
Ruth (37.08), one of our chain gang regulars from Eastbourne, put in a very nifty time on a road bike as you would expect from a roadie who now rides for PMR.
We also had a good crowd in the Red Lion afterwards with John Vidler hearing from Tom’s friend Mark Fairbrother (Rovers) on how to do the PBP (and LEL) on gears or fixed ……….. A very serious long distance Audaxer!
Next week signing on is later at 19:00 sharpish for the Classic Hastings-Rye-Hastings TT for three weeks (10, 17 and 24 June).
Chris Parker
Tuesday, 2 June 2015
BRECHFA- mtb trip to wales
Last September Duncan and I decided to join a group going to Brechfa in Wales for the weekend.
Jay and Nikki started Mudtrek a few years ago where you stay in converted barns with bed breakfast and evening meals and Jay guides for one of the days. Jay says he is living the dream.
We did not realise when we booked that this clashed with Steves French trip.
Duncan decided that it was a long way to go for 2 days so we bolted on a day.
He liked the look of the brecon beacons and found a route on the internet . I found a campsite that was right on the start of the route with 2 pubs within 200 metres.
The route turned out to be a good one with a long steady climb until eventually we were on the top of the beacons . Its very exposed up there but we only had one shower of rain and light winds, the route dropped down again but then climbed back up to a path leading to “ the gap “ between Pen y fan (the highest hill in south Wales) and Cribben . The descent from here is very steep and rocky but then its mainly downhill on rocky paths down to the town of Brecon.
This route is 41K and we knew we only had 10K to go and we discovered that we could go along a canal tow path so time to sit in the sun at a pub by the river. We spun along the tow path in no time and would you believe it this took us straight to one of the pubs in talybont on usk the village of our campsite.
It turned out that Duncan had never been to the top of Pen y fan so after a couple of beers I suggested we walked it in the morning before going off to Brechfa. Our route was about 6 miles and I do not remember it as being a hard walk but the last mile is tough and I knew we were back on the bikes at 1pm. , the walk ended up taking 3 hours so we were running late and dashed down to brechfa to meet the group. Luckily most of them were also late having misjudged bank holiday traffic. This gave me a welcome chance to recover . We only then had time to do the 17K blue run which was not technical and I was feeling confident for the next day. The weather was still sunny..
So the next day the big day our guided day it rained. I thought so what the trails are quite tame.
It was then Jay said I don't do many marked trails . Me & Duncan and one other were clipped in . Everyone else was on flats including Jay and his helper Tam. I soon discovered why when going into a bottomless puddle of water and could not unclip in time and so completely soaked. Duncan and the other clipin seemed to be fairing better. We were out for about 6 hours and in that time we had reached the trail centre and did a bit of the red trail and then a bit of the black. I was pleased to see the end after a fall right at the end of the black. Jay had arranged to leave his land rover at a car park and said you all go to the pub round the corner and I will load the bikes. After a couple of pints we all got into the land rover with the 10 bikes on a special roofrack like in in the tours and then back to base.
Jay videos the whole day then edits it in the evening . He has got a projector screen in his man cave so we all had a laugh at those who got it wrong . Yes my second fall in the water is on the video clip
.
Derek
Jay and Nikki started Mudtrek a few years ago where you stay in converted barns with bed breakfast and evening meals and Jay guides for one of the days. Jay says he is living the dream.
We did not realise when we booked that this clashed with Steves French trip.
Duncan decided that it was a long way to go for 2 days so we bolted on a day.
He liked the look of the brecon beacons and found a route on the internet . I found a campsite that was right on the start of the route with 2 pubs within 200 metres.The route turned out to be a good one with a long steady climb until eventually we were on the top of the beacons . Its very exposed up there but we only had one shower of rain and light winds, the route dropped down again but then climbed back up to a path leading to “ the gap “ between Pen y fan (the highest hill in south Wales) and Cribben . The descent from here is very steep and rocky but then its mainly downhill on rocky paths down to the town of Brecon.
This route is 41K and we knew we only had 10K to go and we discovered that we could go along a canal tow path so time to sit in the sun at a pub by the river. We spun along the tow path in no time and would you believe it this took us straight to one of the pubs in talybont on usk the village of our campsite.
It turned out that Duncan had never been to the top of Pen y fan so after a couple of beers I suggested we walked it in the morning before going off to Brechfa. Our route was about 6 miles and I do not remember it as being a hard walk but the last mile is tough and I knew we were back on the bikes at 1pm. , the walk ended up taking 3 hours so we were running late and dashed down to brechfa to meet the group. Luckily most of them were also late having misjudged bank holiday traffic. This gave me a welcome chance to recover . We only then had time to do the 17K blue run which was not technical and I was feeling confident for the next day. The weather was still sunny..So the next day the big day our guided day it rained. I thought so what the trails are quite tame.
It was then Jay said I don't do many marked trails . Me & Duncan and one other were clipped in . Everyone else was on flats including Jay and his helper Tam. I soon discovered why when going into a bottomless puddle of water and could not unclip in time and so completely soaked. Duncan and the other clipin seemed to be fairing better. We were out for about 6 hours and in that time we had reached the trail centre and did a bit of the red trail and then a bit of the black. I was pleased to see the end after a fall right at the end of the black. Jay had arranged to leave his land rover at a car park and said you all go to the pub round the corner and I will load the bikes. After a couple of pints we all got into the land rover with the 10 bikes on a special roofrack like in in the tours and then back to base.Jay videos the whole day then edits it in the evening . He has got a projector screen in his man cave so we all had a laugh at those who got it wrong . Yes my second fall in the water is on the video clip
.
Derek
Sunday, 31 May 2015
Part Deux - French Trip 'Day Quatre'
| Ready For The Final Leg! |
The Colonel had suggested that we stop for coffee aft
er about 25 miles - this was easier said than done as we passed through one 'one horse town' after another - not finding a cafe until nearer 40 miles. Tongues hanging out we 'crashed' a small 'open all hours' type 'joint' and demanded loads of coffee.
| Run Down Environment But The Best Hot Drinks Of The Trip! |
The kindly old sole did her best but was clearly struggling to accommodate us. She didn't have any cakes but didn't object to us buying some over the road at the patisserie and eating them with our coffee. Tom showed his respects for all her hard work by spilling his over the table. Everyone seemed very happy when I arrived with the big box of assorted cakes I had carefully chosen - in fact I had walked into the patisserie and said 'I'll take all of them!'.
Refueled and keen to finish the ride we set off for the final 'chunk'.
The remainder of the ride was quite hilly and we decided we need another stop before the ferry. We found a field and 'pooled' our resources - Ivan's contribution was a whole Camembert and two french sticks - not sure were he had secreted those!
| Somewhere In France There Is A Field That Will Be Forever England! |
Arriving back at the terminal we decided we didn't really have time to check out a nice local restaurant, so made do with the bar. Never have I felt such bitter disappointment as when the sausage and chips I ordered turned out to be frankfurters!!
Sitting calmly on deck, with a nice cup of tea, I had time to reflect on the whole trip and decided it had been quite magical. The laughs, the camaraderie, the p*ss taking, the cycling, the sights and even the culture - all added up to a great trip. I was surprised by the Bayeaux tapestry, in awe of the beauty of Omaha beach and seduced by the peace and tranquility of the Normandy Roads - can't wait to go back. Additionally, I would like to thank Steve for the transport and organisation, and Mal D for the transport and for teaching me to ride 'hands free' (although It will be a long time before I can 'top' the 33 mph 'hands free' I clocked him doing on a downhill section!)
Peter Buss
Part Deux - French Trip 'Day Trois'
In the morning we made our way into to Bayeux and went to see the tapestry. I have to say we looked well 'cool' dressed in our Hastings kit and shuffling along the queue - audio guides pressed to our ears. We all agreed the tapestry was amazing! - so sophisticated and 'arty' - well worth a visit.
| Stocking Up On Picnic Items At Lidl! |
![]() |
| Time For A Much Needed Nap! |
During the afternoon we encountered some quite hilly terrain, which did come as a bit of a shock, as the previous day the land was as 'flat as a witches tit'.
We checked into our second budget Ibis and then set off to discover the delights off Coutances. I must say Coutances cathedral, lit up by the evening sun was a sight to behold. We found a great little bar/restaurant. ordered loads of cider and settled down for the night. Ivan and Mal D has wandered off alone earlier, to get a few, more miles in, but we texted them to come and join us.
"I've eaten so many chips, that I'm a bit worried that I'll be dreaming about being chased down the road by a giant cheesy chip", said Steve.
The food was, as always, excellent. And feeling full and merry we made our way outside.
![]() |
| Ivan Shows Off The best Of British Culture! |
"Careful you don't sh*t yourself, Colonel ", I said.
I was unable to take part in all this depravity because due to over indulgence I was in 'fear of farting' mode and couldn't risk a shart. Although I did overhear a snippet of conversation from a French couple sitting out side.
Male observer: "I guess zat Benidorm must 'ave been fully booked!"
Female observer: "Zay are so cultured"
Ivan - not be outdone - let rip with a lingering mellifluous 'number' that went on for about 10 seconds.
We set off into to the night, pissed and happy. After several detours we all made it safely back to the hotel.......
Pete Buss
Part Deux - French Trip 'Day Deux'
After breakast (which wasn't too bad for the money) and team photos, we set off towards Bayeux. Spirits were high as we cycled along wide empty roads with excellent surfaces.
After about 25 miles the Colonel suggested a coffee stop at a small town (name escapes me.)
"I'm off for a 'Jimmy'; now be careful of this decking I don't want anyone losing anything down those cracks.", said a concerned Colonel.
I set about switching the clear lenses in my 'Racing Jacket' shades for my 'sunnies' and was demonstrating the process to Mal D, when within 20 seconds of the warning, both lenses were down the crack in the decking!
"Oh, dear. what 'as 'appened 'ere?, said a the concerned waitress. 'ow can I 'elp you?"
"It's this plonker 'ere, I mean here - he's dropped his lenses down the crack." said Mal D.
The waitress went away and came back with two knives. She then inserted them down the crack and tried to retrieve the lenses. It was a valiant, but futile attempt. At which point Ivan 'stepped up to the plate'.
"Here, let me have a go"
With great precision and steady hands, on only his second attempt, he manged to lift both lenses clear to applause from me and the waitress. Bearing in mind the crack was only 10mm wide, the lenses are concave and there was no light in the void it was quite a feat!.
We pressed on.
Just short of the town of Saint-Mere-Eglise, Mal D informed us that this is where the American paratrooper had landed on the church in June 1944, got his canopy caught in the spire and was promptly shot by the Germans. Sure enough we turned into the village square to see a model of the paratrooper hanging from the spire.
Some people suggested we should visit the museum, but Steve said it would be better to just look through the window to save money.
We lunched at a small town (name escapes me), after Steve, Mal C and I went into a local supermarket and bought some baguettes, doughnuts (my idea) and drinks.
During a trip like this you do learn a lot more about people. Tom's natural navigational talents were coming to the fore - along with his almost fluent French!. Mal C's nurturing side was much on display as he selflessly carried extra provisions to 'keep us going' with nuts, jelly beans and dates. I was also impressed with Mal D's knowledge of wartime history and Steve's scientific knowledge (not surprising, but impressive anyway.). The Colonels fair and efficient handling of the 'whip' and safety consciousness were also much in evidence. Ivan impressed me with his calm temperament, his ability to lead from the front and his ability to 'put it away' in terms of food and drink - how does he stay so slim?!!.
During the afternoon we visited Pointe du Hoc - scene of the American rangers' seizure of the German clifftop guns (with much losses), and then moved onto Omaha Beach for much needed coffee.
On the final leg of the route to Bayeaux we were delighted to discover a dairy farm that made it's own ice cream, and still open at 6pm!.
Shortly after this we made our way to the Budget Ibis and settled in. Ivan had some concern that there wouldn't be enough booze available for later and so he set off with Mal D in search of some refreshments for later.
That evening we dined at the attached Steak House and discovered Normandy cider! - great stuff - slighly cloudy and not too sweet. After leaving the restaurant we settled into the reception area of the hotel and Ivan went to his room to get his 'goodies' - bottles of cider and Pomme (strong cider, leaning towards Calvados.)
Steve educated us on his theories about the Oort cloud and comets, Mal D educated us on war type issues, Tom did his best to improve our French, but mostly we just talked b*llocks and then eventually went to bed.............
Pete Buss
After about 25 miles the Colonel suggested a coffee stop at a small town (name escapes me.)
"I'm off for a 'Jimmy'; now be careful of this decking I don't want anyone losing anything down those cracks.", said a concerned Colonel.
I set about switching the clear lenses in my 'Racing Jacket' shades for my 'sunnies' and was demonstrating the process to Mal D, when within 20 seconds of the warning, both lenses were down the crack in the decking!
"Oh, dear. what 'as 'appened 'ere?, said a the concerned waitress. 'ow can I 'elp you?"
"It's this plonker 'ere, I mean here - he's dropped his lenses down the crack." said Mal D.
The waitress went away and came back with two knives. She then inserted them down the crack and tried to retrieve the lenses. It was a valiant, but futile attempt. At which point Ivan 'stepped up to the plate'.
| Ivan Saved Pete's Glasses! |
"Here, let me have a go"
With great precision and steady hands, on only his second attempt, he manged to lift both lenses clear to applause from me and the waitress. Bearing in mind the crack was only 10mm wide, the lenses are concave and there was no light in the void it was quite a feat!.
We pressed on.
Just short of the town of Saint-Mere-Eglise, Mal D informed us that this is where the American paratrooper had landed on the church in June 1944, got his canopy caught in the spire and was promptly shot by the Germans. Sure enough we turned into the village square to see a model of the paratrooper hanging from the spire.
| Hanging Around In Normandy! |
Some people suggested we should visit the museum, but Steve said it would be better to just look through the window to save money.
We lunched at a small town (name escapes me), after Steve, Mal C and I went into a local supermarket and bought some baguettes, doughnuts (my idea) and drinks.
During a trip like this you do learn a lot more about people. Tom's natural navigational talents were coming to the fore - along with his almost fluent French!. Mal C's nurturing side was much on display as he selflessly carried extra provisions to 'keep us going' with nuts, jelly beans and dates. I was also impressed with Mal D's knowledge of wartime history and Steve's scientific knowledge (not surprising, but impressive anyway.). The Colonels fair and efficient handling of the 'whip' and safety consciousness were also much in evidence. Ivan impressed me with his calm temperament, his ability to lead from the front and his ability to 'put it away' in terms of food and drink - how does he stay so slim?!!.
| Gun Emplacement At Point Du Hoc! |
On the final leg of the route to Bayeaux we were delighted to discover a dairy farm that made it's own ice cream, and still open at 6pm!.
| The Colonel Gets His Just Desserts! |
Shortly after this we made our way to the Budget Ibis and settled in. Ivan had some concern that there wouldn't be enough booze available for later and so he set off with Mal D in search of some refreshments for later.
That evening we dined at the attached Steak House and discovered Normandy cider! - great stuff - slighly cloudy and not too sweet. After leaving the restaurant we settled into the reception area of the hotel and Ivan went to his room to get his 'goodies' - bottles of cider and Pomme (strong cider, leaning towards Calvados.)
Steve educated us on his theories about the Oort cloud and comets, Mal D educated us on war type issues, Tom did his best to improve our French, but mostly we just talked b*llocks and then eventually went to bed.............
Pete Buss
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