We had a fast if slightly untidy gruppo to the first control. Then a smaller number left on Mr Pain's tail and we picked up more, until Mr P wound up the pace and gradually spat everyone out of the back. Mr Lewis and I continued at a steadier pace, braving showers and drying out in between.
In theory it's useful to ride with the organiser, because there's no routesheet reading. In practice, if said organiser wishes to explore variations and possible improvements for next year, the advantage is doubtful.
We got to Coton without seeing anyone else. A couple of folk came in while we were there, and we left as a threesome, stopping not long after to don waterproofs as the rain settled in for the afternoon.
So we continued all the way to Bickerton and the sleep control, arriving sometime around 2230, seeing no one on the way. Two riders were already asleep, Mr P and another.
I woke at four, left an hour later, and almost immediately managed to misread the route — luckily only a small detour. Then, having passed a few riders, I was on my own. The heavy showers continued.
Somewhere after Craven Arms I stopped at a cafe for food and a doze. DJ caught me at the Weobley control a bit further on, and we continued together. We found DP sitting in the sun at Abergavenny. He left before us. We followed through Usk and lanes until I suggested DJ go on as I was getting slower on the hills.
The lanes along the Usk valley were pleasant apart from the roar of nearby traffic. A few sharp climbs tested my legs. I passed DP and continued to the Info at the Transporter Bridge.
It wasn't there, though DJ was, and we searched, but no answer. DP came up as we were leaving and commenced a search of his own.
I followed DJ on a switchback course from Newport to Cardiff. I think this counted as the hilliest part of the route, certainly hilly enough to challenge fixed legs. I hung on to his wheel, and was glad I did, because the route-finding would have been challenging for a first timer.
Then we were at the the finish, with Steve greeting us from behind his beer.
Two had finished ahead of us. We quite a wait for DP, the next finisher. He'd got lost on the last section. We sat and ate under the big screen TV showing the tennis final (soundlessly, fortunately), and waited for the rest.
Anyway, I'm pleased, because that's my first fixed-wheel SR since 2001.
Nice to meet some new faces from here, and congratulations to the first timers.
