With a dodgy groin and back which put me out of the Horsepower, this was always going to be a fitness test, with options to shorten the route if necessary. For some reason I thought the finish time was 17.53pm, not 17.04 pm, and felt I could manage it.
Anyway, the Big Saxon riding into wind, uphill on a heavy steel bike and short of distance training was always going to be difficult. Got to Meesden at 12 noon, met the unfortunate rider who crashed and injured his collarbone/shoulder, hopefully he will be ok. Left as Ewa's sister arrived in the Lanterne Rouge position, having taken a detour. By now the back was aching, flew down the valley to Wendens Ambo and decided the train was the best option, although still thinking I could have made the time. Three minutes later I was on the way to Cambridge and rode back through the City Centre to Girton
As it turns out I was wrong on time and therefore took the right decision as I would have hurt myself and been out of time anyway. The main reason I came was to support Nick and Ewa as i always try to do, and of course to eat cake, I had the cranberry and pistachio options, Ewa sent me home with the Guinness and carrot cake for my wife, who is half Irish and ate the Guinness on St Patrick's Day,saying how wonderful the cakes were and does Ewa do quiches?
Like many riders on Saturday I ache in many places from trying to stay upright, but more miles in the legs and back for Spring in South Suffolk on Saturday, less wind and I will get the carbon out for speed.
Thanks again to team Wilkyboy for a grand day out.