Thanks everyone for riding and helping to make the first outing such a success. Some housekeeping first; We had 112 entries, 95 on the road and 89 finishers so all very positive. I was also really encouraged to see a good gender split, a few brothers and at least one father and son combo. It's a family affair.
From my side it went as well as I could have hoped for, the weather was just about right save for a nagging headwind for the riders on the way out. The controls worked well and it was reassuring for my marriage that everyone was so complimentary about the food at half-way. Mrs Blueskies has already signed up as catering manager for next year so expect more of the same. We did run a little low towards the end, It's one thing that’s hard to judge on your first run; just how much people want / need to eat (answer, a lot).
Two issues I need to look at for next year is a better route back to the arrivee. Going through Wembley after 195km was never going to be pleasant but was made considerably more challenging by Taylor Swift playing at the stadium that night. I did request them to move it to another date but they never replied to that email. It was lovely to finish at the pub by the river but if the event grows I need to find a more private venue as one or two people got a little shirty about us taking over the outside space.
So, hopefully I can run it again next year around the same time ideal as a post-PBP qualification leg-stretcher. I’ll put some thought into how to grow it in a managed way, suggestions welcome.
Finally, it would be remiss of me not to mention one rider in particular. David Stanton is a legend of West London cycling, he still competes on the continent in various cyclosportives and rides 12,000 miles a year, every year, mostly in Richmond Park. He finished the ride in 10’40” yesterday. He is, and forever will be, the Grand Patron of the ACE. David will be 85 in November.
