I settled into the ride but didn't feel strong at all, although I was enjoying being out. After 13.5 miles I turned off the Banbury Road and went towards Avon Bassett. The sign saying "The Avon, One of the best 20 puns in Britain" didn't influence me, honestly :)
I'd hit a couple of 11% hills and whilst they would normally have me blowing, I was getting out of breath and a bit light-headed. I wasn't sure if I was unwell or just unfit after a few weeks of low mileage.
I passed the pub in question and saw it was only a mile from the Burton Dassett Country Park - sounds like a good day, Country Park followed by pub.
The miles passed and I was following the brown Cycle Route signs. They took me onto a gated road, or track. There were clippings everywhere and I was worried about a puncture - sure enough, a bit further on there was a tractor with a hedge clipper doing its stuff.
I got my phone out to take a couple of pics of the road. I took one and then looked to see if I could fit the phone in my bar bag. Then I'm not totally sure what happened. I think a strong gust took my front wheel and pushed it into the muddy patch by a big ridge in the middle of the lane - any way, I felt that I was on the way down. I tried to keep the bike up, but failed and hit the deck.
I was surprised how much my knee and hip hurt but the bike seemed ok. There were a few scuffs and the front brake needed tightening but otherwise it was muddy but fine.
I set off again and all was fine. A few miles later I reached Southam and stopped for a bacon Sarnie and a coffee.
I sat outside as I didn't have a lock, and bizarrely for the only time on the ride, it decided to rain!
A passing Scottish guy stopped for a chat and then I set off again.
Whilst I was enjoying the ride, I thought it was wise not to overdo things so stopped after 45 miles.
This is a route I'll do again, but maybe I'll take a bit more care in future.