In the absence of Oompah Loompah (one ride wonder) James and our recent locum writer Stunt (probably because of open toe surgery at HQ) I`ll do my best to keep our readers up to date with this week's activities.

Officially the longest day of the year was embraced by eleven lucky Moos in perfect riding conditions.

A welcome return to the herd were two of the Marys' Institute - they completed the full compliment with Steve Hart also there. Tom returned after a lengthy lay off due to a shoulder injury and a spot of globe trotting (tough life). Big Owg returned and aired his newish steed (only 3 months old but bits of wrapping still evident).

To the Ride: The longest day brought out what seemed the longest climb on record, past the church and on to Velvet Path. No stopping for any 'Moo banter' until we reached the base of the mast where it was obvious to see Tom was a little unfitter than the rest of the herd. "Don't worry Tom" I said, "I'll hang back with you and encourage you to the next checkpoint". The rest of the pack seemed to be chomping at the bit for perfect downhill conditions, as it seemed myself & Tom hardly rested before we were off again. Around the base through the fern track until we summitted the mast to a lovely breeze cooling us off ready for Singlespeed and Ades' newly completed downhill. It doesn't get better than this was the thought on all Moos' minds when we reached the bottom.

A voice was heard crying out "I'm gonna DIE!", as Scrypsy came into view, the general concensus of the Moos' was - "he hasn't got much time left anyway so he may as well go out in style".

For the second week running, Kev the Plane defied the law of gravity and rode the bigger drop-offs on his front wheel just to entertain the onlooking Moos. GOOD ON YA MATE!

Another summit led to a fast and technical downhill and on to HQ to complete a tough but extremely enjoyable Moos' outing.

In the absence of Sian who is recovering from an operation (we will wish you a speedy recovery), Roz once again came up trumps with her homemade pie and keeping up her wonderful spread.

It has been an honour.

Geoff Davies OBE