Six of us headed southwards into the forecast light showers via Ullenhall and Studley to Sambourne where we turned westwards into the wind. Despite expectations that "two-stops-Steve" was planning a brunch stop at Ditchford Bank we continued to Stoke Works and Elmbridge eventually arriving at the Fruiterers Arms soon after opening time and a little later Dennis who needed extra time to avoid rain and prepare Villa scarves for tomorrow joined us.
Andy who decided he didn't fancy my route back to the Coach headed off in a different direction with Ed and the remaining five headed back via an unconventional but pleasant route to Emley Lovett and Cooksey Green before crossing the Lickeys to Weatheroak as the sun made it's first significant appearance of the day. We sat in the sunshine placing bets on what time Andy would reach the Coach (which Pete won with a prediction that was correct nearly to the second) but before then another five had joined us so, as is the norm, there were roughly twice as many at the final pub than on the ride. 69 miles.
