Very civlised though. We started at 4.30 am from Winchester and rode all day to catch the 6.30 pm
On a practical note, re puncture protection i'd recommend the Panaracer Flataway : http://reviews.wiggle.co.uk/7867-en_gb/ ... eviews.htm
These are soft, kevlar strips that stick inside the tyre. I fitted mine in 2006 when I last did SDW and haven't punctured since. As they're soft they don't have the dead feel of plastic liners and, being kevlar they stop flints and thorns pretty well. They won't however protect against pinch flats so maybe pump the tyres a bit more and let a couple of psi out of your shocks and forks.
If staying overnight I cannot emphasise more strongly the importance of travelling light - we took one jersey, a waterproof and one pair road shorts with baggies worn over. Wash out the road shorts and they'll be dry by morning. Wear the baggies commando to the pub and mtb shoes can be worn as walking around footwear in the pub in the evening. No need to take trainers or jeans.
