It was always going to be an ambitious ride. From Bedrock to Millstone's and then on for a visit to Hardres Church and lunch at the Hop Pocket in Bossingham, all in one day. That was a challenge! Well, as the saying goes, it is a greater thing to have tried and failed, than not to have tried at all! An early puncture in Peter's back tyre ended up in half an hour lost and many complaints about dog excrement in the chose stopping place. Individually, dogs are lovely. Collectively they are a menace - this isn't official Ragstone mantra, just the views of the author.

The climbs took their toll and before the summit it became obvious that the church visit had to go. This was a sad decision and hopefully the Ragstones will visit on another day when the church will be given top priority. It might be a warmer day too as Peter found puncture trepairs in the near zero temperature somewhat difficult. Nevertheless, after a serious climb and a rapid decent past a C13 church with west facing timber-framed porch (very unusual this as they are normally south or north facing), followed by downhill and then another serious climb, the Ragstones found themselves at Stelling Minnis and on the route to Bossingham, only a few miles away.

John of Millstone stopped to buy some eggs, as usual, and Ragstone Jane waited while Peter of Bedrock and Safe from Tsunamis Ruth, sped on in the quest to find the Hop Pocket at Bossingham, the chosen lunch stop. On arrival, Peter tried to re-true his tyre that was off-centre, Safe from Tsunamis Robert sped in by car in disguise, and unknown to all Judith was hiding in the carpark.

Lunch ordering was somewhat chaotic, but all were settled in when Judith arrived from her hiding place demanding to know why no one had phoned her! John of Millstone philosophised about blame-transferrance skills, but after a large lunch all was forgotten. The lunch was excellent.

A speedy return to Millstone lands was rewared with afternoon tea at John of Millstone's home. Thank you everyone for a great day.