Met at 0900 (UK) outside Calvados Carpets. Thought of absent friends, but not for too long...

Our group of 5 intrepid travellers under the expert guidance of Mr Reed headed along the coast road to Calpe. Having said goodbye to the urban sprawl we turned inland for Benissa via hte first notable climb of the day. After ten minutes of climbing on fine smooth roads we enjoyed the rush of warm air in our bare and hairy legs. This was unfortuanately not the anticipated big climb of hte day that Dave had promised, so more pain was to come. After a rolling appraoch we finally arrived the the Col de Rates. We started with purpose and were sure the 0930 RCC train was likely to catch us, but in the end it proved to be a German 'world champion' and a Lotto team lookalike. The helium in Daves tyres had the usaul effect and saw him leave us mortal behind, reaching the top a few minutes ahead of a sweaty bunch.Sadly Andrew suffered a puncture and struggled to recover with the 'virtual' pump missing from his jersey pocket. Having been rescued by Dave and Richard we decended with a grin for lunch.

No Teacakes and coffee here though, no, Mark and Andrew went for the three course gourmet spread, with Richard increasing his reputation as a waste disposal unit troughing on a greasy pizza. After a Spanish 'whisky' from the insistant cafe owner we headed off on the return to Calvados Carpets. Dave had promised a downhill run to remember but forgot that there were still a few 'rollers' and a stiff headwind to come. Despite his indulgence Mark was in fine form, nodoubt suitably enhanced by the whisky.

'Mainly Downhill Dave' led us home to a deserved shower and ....sadly the Swedish Netball team have checked-out...