Good fun this one. Sign on resulted in staggered start times, which was perfectly understandable to avoid a large mob racing along together, meant that the many Addiscombe riders in attendance were split up.
I was due off at 9:20 but speaking to Adrian and Apples (and friend) they were setting off rather than wait. Joined them and we set off at about 9:05. Apples mate was clearly on a mission as he flew off. Adrian and I thought sod that and sat up for a steadier ride. We met Amy on Pilgrims Way and joined her. A fast moving group came past and Adrian jumped on to that, while I stayed with Amy for a steady spin. I was doing this for miles in the legs rather than tanking round and killing myself.
Amy was clearly having a bad day as she was no where near as strong as normal, so I tried my best to be a gentleman and sat on the front to pace us along. More groups caught and passed us, although we weren't going that slowly, but a lot of people obviously think these rides are a race. I know you need training but surely there's no point going that hard this early when there's no prize or points on offer? But I bow to those with more experience.
After about 30 miles Jonathan (on a Bianchi) caught us so we formed a three for about five miles up to the first hill. We waited at the top for Amy but she then said to ride on as she was just going to ride in easy pace.
Jonathan and I then set off at about CR pace and started catching riders who'd clearly gone too hard on the flat and hit a wall on the hill. Good ride back with a bit of a grind up Ide Hill and then Star Hill back to the village hall.
Very enjoable day. Good route, good company, excellent organisation with the whole route fully signposted (didn't need the route card/map once), and a nice spin round the countryside.
This was not a hard ride by any means (unless you went in one of the training/race groups). Only three real hills and a few lumps, but mainly fairly flat or rolling. I think if we could organise ourselves to sign on together we could have a good alternate club run on this next year.
Next up Old Ports on 11th Feb from Halstead, which I expect will be a harder ride - Anyone know a rough route / which hills they take you up?