Set off with the 18s today led by Ian but did not stay with them long - Just before Reigate steps I punctured and spent so long faffing about that all the remaing groups passed by before I had the wheel back on However did get talking to a passing Italian pedestrian who was initially impressed we were out in this weather but who then proceeded to express his dissapointment at the lack of Italian equipment on my bike and suggested I change to Campagnolo at the earliest opportunity
Anyway - eventually got underway and a little surprised at just how much longer the route seems when youre on your own and with no-one to hide behind going up the climb into Rusper. Decided to take the left hand short cut to the caff but still got there late to join the back of a very long queue
Good chat with Terry in the queue on nutrition and the benefits of creatine and also with a couple of guys marshalling for the first time this afternoon. One cup of tea and a cake later and all was well - stayed with the group for an uneventful trip home.
Good luck to the racers and those marshalling - couldn't assist this time but will in the future