Brian, our Secretary, went on the “Double Pit-Stop” ride led by Phil J and writes:
Despite early morning rain, four riders started in the dry from East Hunsbury. The first pit-stop was coffee at Pitsford Reservoir and we had a good tail wind most of the way, via Upton (mainly on cycle paths), Harlestone, Chapel Brampton to Brixworth. A strong cross wind on the A508 really had us hanging on the bars and it was a relief to get to the café. The welcome break was followed by a return to Brixworth. Phil L left us here to return to domestic duties. At Teeton Dave departed for home. The sky was very overcast and looked as if it could drop a lot of rain at any time. However, we had no rain at all and the temperature was mild for the time of year. Our only challenge was the wind and a few hills as we then made our way (now down to two riders) via Guilsborough, Cold Ashby to Naseby – our half way point.
We were tempted to stop here for a break at the vicarage café when we found the village shop had closed at noon, just 10 minutes before we arrived. But, with the wind howling in the trees, we decided to eat our emergency rations instead and head on via Haselbech to Cottesbrooke and then on to Brixworth for a third time. Unsurprisingly we encountered hardly any traffic.
Deciding against a second pit-stop by the reservoir we returned along a busy A508 before turning off to the Bramptons and Harlestone. Phil and I split up at Sixfields, to get home in good light and before the heavy rain came later that afternoon.
It was quite a hilly ride but the key feature was the very strong wind. Because of the changes in our direction we had a real mixed bag of head- tail- and cross-winds all day, none lasting for many miles before it changed again.
It was a good winter route on quiet lanes which were never that far from Northampton so that if the weather had broken we could easily have
headed for home. Thanks to Phil for a good ride!
CTC Northampton 
This was a tough ride – if I do say so myself ! Hilly and incredibly windy.
All credit to Brian who accepted the challenge and completed the entire ride with me. Superb riding Brian. Thanks also to Phil L and Dave for turning out on a difficult day for cycling.