To St. Leonard's Church, Chelsham...

Having only cycled once last weekend, I was determined to get out on Saturday. I was up at 0600hrs and noting no abort texts, I had my usual breakfast (porridge and tea) and then headed outside to the garage where I rolled out the bike, jumped on and headed for the green. I thought I was running late and texted Andy to forewarn him, but I was first to reach our meeting point, although Andy was close behind.

We could have gone anywhere, but Andy was short on time so we opted for St. Leonard's church in Chelsham and when we arrived we found a bench and set about the task of drinking tea and, of course, munching biscuits. I keep meaning to stop eating cake and biscuits, but this is probably the wrong time of year to start cutting back on such things; best, perhaps to make it a new year resolution, although I always find that I tend to break any resolutions I make. 

Bikes and tea on a wet bench in the St. Leonard's churchyard. Pic: Andy Smith

We chatted (as we do now and then) about Brexit. What a boring subject! Should there be a second referendum? Well, even though I'm a remainer, my answer is no, there shouldn't be: just remember in future that it's not worth consulting the general public on important matters like our membership of the European Union. And don't consult them on re-introducing the death penalty either, or bringing back the ducking stool or the birch. In essence, we haven't got a clue. Fine, rely on our telephone votes for I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here* and Strictly Come Dancing, but not on big political issues other than General Elections.

Sanderstead green

It's coming round to Christmas and our usual festive rides, although I won't be riding on Christmas Eve this year as, unusually, I'm running out of holiday – normally I take off most of December due to unspent annual leave – but this year I've only got three days left to take. Yes, I could take Christmas Eve, but I'm told we tend to get given a half day anyway, so it would be half a day lost, if you get my drift. But I'll be there for Boxing Day and our traditional ride to Woodmansterne Green, although it's touch and go whether we'll have any cake this year as mum has decided she won't be making any. So it's down to me, basically, and let me tell you: my cake-making skills are pretty good, so if I get around to it, the day might be saved. Hopefully, weather permitting, we'll ride over the weekend prior to Christmas and if Andy's not working in between Christmas and New Year then I'm sure we'll get a ride in. Either way, here's to the traditional NVL Boxing Day ride, we might even see Bon!

* Football manager Harry Redknapp crowned 'King of the Jungle'.