I really enjoyed my day out...Nice to have a very public transport friendly start location and time, there was a small posse of us on the 06.18 from Kings Cross.
I spent the first 10km or so getting rapidly passed by most other riders, top marks for making me feel like my bike was anchored to the ground go to Dick and Dave on the flying tandem. Then a solo-ish ride most of the way to March, although there was a flurry of interaction with other riders at the info control in Ramsey and a chat with a rider from Peterborough in a CTC jersey. More interaction at Costas in March which seemed a fairly popular choice for those wanting a sit down control rather than a quick convenience store receipt. Setting off again, the headwind seemed to be strengthening all the way towards Kings Lynn and the sea (at least I hope it was that rather than my legs getting tired). Not long before the intriguing "Chernobyl style" building I suffered an appalling close pass by a black people carrier which appeared just inches from my elbow - I think the problem is that with a headwind, you just don't hear them coming up behind. I suspect others may have suffered the same fate as although I was riding on my own there will have been people not far ahead or behind me.
I met up again with some of the Costa crew (HK, Big Saxon, Bikeabilityman and others I can't put names to) in Kings Lynn centre and had a cafe lunch, and by now it was getting pretty hot. I chose the ferry option to cross to West Lynn and happily arrived just at the right time so straight on with no waiting, just a shame it was low tide as those steps were quite hard work! I loved all the mini Crosskeys bridge "motifs" in Sutton Bridge, but I didn't love the headwind sections that followed. Every time the route turned right the effort level required went up several notches, while a left hand bend resulted in temporary relief. Fortunately approaching Holbeach St Matthews some thoughtful people had planted hedges so things did improve and eventually I arrived at the farm info control and turn. Whilst I scoffed a banana and emptied a water bottle, others arrived and I rode off southwards with Steve - our pace seemed compatible and it was nice to have someone to chat to, plus with the wind now helping us riding suddenly felt much more enjoyable. We stayed together through to Spalding where his previous knowledge recommended McDs rather than the shopping centre and then on to Crowland where I decided to stop for icecream (must be good calories surely). While I admired Trinity Bridge and consumed a Magnum, Alistair from Dulwich Paragon arrived and in due course we set off together, again good to have company on the road and we rode together to the finish. Chatting made the "for an eternity" section south of Whittlesey go much quicker and it seemed like no time at all before we arrived at Ramsey Heights and had to remember how to turn a corner and change gear! The swoop down into Huntingdon put a smile on our faces and soon we were back at the pub to be greeted by the organisers and our chance to win in the bun-bola.
Many thanks to Martin and Ann and to all those whose company I enjoyed, and apologies for the shock caused by me riding my own bike for a change.