I said we'd beat the madness and we did. This was an awesome ride. 1 hr 46mins to the finish line, just under 20mph average. At 7am the roads are closed and it's serious riders only. We met where the ride crosses the A25 in Nutfield, Brighton is about 35 miles from there.
Perfect weather, fast pelotons, cheery police and Marshals waving us through junctions. Five Redhill riders: Rory piling on the pressure, me, Andy Ramsay, Nick Curran and Chris Willis (here's a young man with potential!)
Some quotes...'a must for next year', 'the best ride I've ever done', 'belting through Lindfield on the wrong side of the road with police approval was incredible', 'REALLY enjoyed it'.
We had tea and cakes on the seafront in Hove, watched a few more teams arrive then headed off home via Devil's Dyke, stopped for a coffee in Henfield and then chased down some other club riders, all the way to Newdigate.
An interesting ride back, ooops, we lost Nick, waited for him, then said sod him and got racing again with other returning club riders.
A 98 mile round trip for me, overall average 16.3 mph. Legs ache a bit today!
Russell
ps. The Times this morning reported 392 accident/injuries and one heart attack. Not a very positive article on this incredible event with over 27,000 people partaking.