1 August - Scorching Day, Great Dunmow

Averil's ride and a big turn out at Hauxton with 16 starting off in temperatures already high in the 20s on the Garmin.

Took the traditional route down through Hinxton and Ickleton before taking to a track along Frogge Street that cut across to Coploe Hill.

Then down towards Strethall and Catsmere End before cutting across to Audley End and The Temeraire in Saffron Walden.  Discovered my wallet was all but empty so bought a sandwich from Dorringtons for lunch.

Interesting but slightly tortuous ride from there to Woodend Green and Henham, and on to Deb's Diner in Great Dunmow.  Lovely spot beside the lake, eating sarnie outside before going in for tea and cake courtesy of Jacob's £10 loan.

Came back up to Thaxted with the group after lunch.  Then confusion as Tina and I had elected to turn left towards Debden while the others were meant to go straight on.  Everyone turned in fact, and three shot off ahead.  The rest were then called back leaving Tina and I to catch up the three and explain what had happened.  Continued on as a group of five, stopping for very welcome cold drinks in the village shop, now scaldingly hot in the sun. Lovely pause in the shop's aircon.

Tina and I left the others as they went on up to Saffron Walden, while we turned to Newport, Arkesden, Great Chishill and home.