The club typically holds a 100-mile ride in the summer, with Finchingfield and Café Ventoux being favoured destinations. This year, with the Dales trip and the Dragon ride fast approaching, there were several requests for a long ride with plenty of ascent, and so Café Ventoux got the nod. Taking its name from the famed Mont Ventoux, a rename to Vesuvius might have been more appropriate; it was HOT, HOT, HOT.

Despite the extreme weather, 13 hardy souls pitched up at the Market Square with sunscreen applied, extra-large bidons filled to the brim, and pockets stuffed full of sustenance. For some, it was an opportunity to chalk up some hill training ahead of the Dales and Dragon rides; for others, a chance to notch up their first 100-miler; for Justin, fresh (?) from his 400km epic over the previous two days, an opportunity to confirm his body was still functional.

From the outset, the emphasis was on riding to the capabilities of the group and respecting the weather. It was great to see the encouragement and support given to the less experienced members, and this was fundamental in making it a truly memorable ride.

The committee had planned several checkpoints for refuelling and re-hydrating, with the New Lodge café in Bulwick being the first stop just over 30 miles in. At this point, four of the contingent, Ebony, Ash, Mark and Tom, decided that was far enough and headed back the way they had come. Full credit to Ebony and Ash for chalking up their longest rides to date — 70-plus miles in that heat is no mean feat — and to Mark and Tom for making sure they got back safely.

The remaining nine headed onwards to the next checkpoint, the impressive Welland Viaduct near Harringworth at 35 miles, which marks a distinct change in the elevation profile. Those who had requested extra climbing started to rue their words, but the prospect of the café stop spurred everyone on.

Lesley and Veri had driven up to meet us at Café Ventoux, with the express purpose of confirming that the menu contained suitable high-calorie treats to replenish dwindling reserves. The café did not disappoint.

When we eventually prised ourselves out of the comfy seats, Paul was “extremely disappointed” to discover a puncture and, “rather than hold up the group”, opted to accept a lift back with Lesley and Veri, leaving eight to embark on the return leg. Mercifully, the next ten miles were predominantly downhill, giving lunch a chance to settle and tired legs a chance to wake up. By 60 miles, now in the full heat of the day (32°C), the profile ramped up again with a series of double-digit climbs to seriously test the riders’ resolve.

The last 30 miles seemed to take an eternity with energy and water supplies running low. Fortunately, Justin had factored in a strategic stop at the Co-op (where Tom Muldoon had needed resuscitation the previous year) to replenish supplies. Tina and Stuart were so hot that they re-enacted the iconic Flashdance water-dowsing scene — a moment that deserved to be photographed…

Despite everyone running low on energy, reaching the start of Bushmead Road triggered a wave of relief that home was only five miles away. The remaining seven (Steve having peeled off for Perry) finished the ride in perfect formation. It did cross my mind that this would be the perfect moment to steal Justin’s crown in the town sign sprint — surely he must be just a little tired after 400km and 5,000m of ascent over the previous two days — but that would have been at odds with the group’s “one for all, all for one” ethos. And he probably would have beaten me anyway.

Those without a pressing need to get home, collect the children, walk the dog or see to the other half completed the ride in customary fashion, with a beer at Shume.

Thank you all for a truly memorable ride — especially to the organisers. A triumph of sound preparation, sensible pacing and teamwork over climate change.