Man I wish I'd left work in Hammersmith earlier than 6.20. Had to pick some lights too. I got to Elmers End and I'm totally stressed out - everyone else is looking cool

and sipping from water bottles whilst leaning over their handle bars. I'm on the mobile explaining I'd be online in a few hours
It took me a good ten minutes after we left Elmers end to forget about work and get on with the job in hand.
We started steady going through West Wickham and then there was a break in the group at the lights whilst we had to negotiate a learner - most riders stopped but me and two others went round the stalled car and continued up through corkscrew hill.
We're away and there's a big gap. The dulwich paragon rider went to the front and started knocking out a fast pace up that climb. I'm not sure of the roads but it's basically the ride of the falling leaves route. A long drag and the three of us are alternating turns at the front.
We didn't caught until we were right near the top. When we turned left onto the main road I had a touch of cramp. Rather than continue down the hill I thought I'd turn back.
Much harder workout than Wednesday night but good test if you're thinking of trying out Palace.