Sorry to hear that Ivor, I seem to be doing the opposite.
Had a nice surprise when I got to the HQ and found that both Rich V and Robert R-E were also riding. Club pres Joyce was also in attendance keeping us all in order. I thought it was just me and Ivor as I had not opened all the attachments to the organiser's e-mail
Had a quick chat with Rich with him telling me it was a fast day because the rain would reduce friction on the road. There was certainly no wind to speak of.
I was off 33 and it was wet but reasonably warm. I was wet by the time I got to the start and had warmed up but once underway soon got warm and felt good. Tried not to get too carried away to the turn but the pedals just seemed to be flying round in 53 x 14. Caught 32 just before the turn and 31 just after. Then it was just a case of hammering all the way home.
Amazingly didn't get held up by any traffic at the roundabouts and the only small issue I had was going round/through a diesel slick at the last two roundabouts. Put it in 53 x12 for the last mile and just kept pushing to the the finish. Felt I could have gone on and done a 25 when I finished so maybe adding a couple of 2 hour tempo rides a week has help the endurance, (or maybe I didn't try hard enough).
It's 3 mile ride back to the HQ and was feeling happy with my ride as my legs felt the best they have all year. My time was 22.32 which is my fastest this year. I would have liked it to be nearer 22 mins but it will be the end of the season.
Rich V did a 25.08, Rob did a 23 something and Ivor did a 26 something. I apologise for not taking a note but was still reeling after a Dulwich Paragon ride, J Bray (?) recorded a superb 19.51.
Had a nice chat with Joyce at the end while waiting for Rich V.
Now roll on the second day in the mountains in the Tour