“Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition”. I tried to cover up my confusion over the number of rides by using a quote from Monty Python, but the Captain must have expected it! Perhaps I will have to sit in the comfy chair now.
A large tempo group split into two from the outset, although even the slower group proved quite sporty, and arrived at coffee only a couple of minutes after the pacey group. A flat parcours, only slowed by a very dirty Chase End Street. resulted in arrival at coffee about 20 minutes early.
Every rider only has so many matches they can burn, and one rider must have gone too hard on the way out, as he spent his last match on the drag from Rhydd to Strensham Services. Consequently, the group split on the way back with two forming a sprinter’s autobus. We have all been there and will appreciate that once you have gone, then even the motorway bridges in Tredington feel like the Koppenberg. However, despite the strong headwind, the “Green Mile” past Dowty’s was reached without incident.
50 miles, 2,000′ ascent @17.0mph
IW