My third time on this route but this year seemed particularly challenging down to the combination of lack of fitness and the poor conditions at the start of the day. En-route to Ludlow I pondered about coming back by train but persisted on the route. It was of course worth it. Another good event from Mark.
. But those with mudguards stayed clean. Perhaps a lesson could be learned there.
The problem came with others not using mudguards in my instance. I was splattered, following two riders pulling in front on the muddiest section near Ludlow. THANKS!