I'll try and be short. It was great returning to this ride (done once in 2013). Not dug out the old sheet to see if the route is the same (I recognised some bits, but not others). Distances on the sheet were confusing at times, and there were some other hiccups, but I had the gps as a checker (and the gps is my night guide). Thought the Straggler had left before me (only saw one other guy left at the start). Rode fast with Hillingdon Tri Mark looking for him, then deduced he must have been still at the start. Never saw him again. Rode with Mark to the 1st and 2nd controls, where he went for pizza with this other guy (I heard he rode like a rocket after), while I went to the station for a coffee (no receipt) then back tracked to the co-op. Rode the next section mainly on my own, wondering if Salisbury had a 'spoons. It did, and I stopped for their burger, chips and pint deal with the velo top with matching socks bloke (sorry, forgot your name). Fancied a pot of tea during the next bit, so stopped on my own at the tea room (ex pub?), on the bend in Shaftsbury, watching the world (and some audaxers) go by. Rode alone to Sherborne Waitrose (free coffee), where my TMK mate showed up. We rode a bit together, 'til he dropped me (bikepackers!), when I stopped to sort out the sheet. Never saw him again. Enjoyed the downhills, but not the ups, to Exeter, and the night riding on quietish main roads, watching the pubbers/clubbers out and about. Stopped at the Wellington garage where the nice old attendant put the Subway café lights on so I could eat and drnk in there. She was amazed when I showed her the brevet card, and I said we do it for fun. Caught by another audaxer at Wells, and we yo-yo'd most of the rest of the ride. I drank a lot again (clouds not doing their job with the sun). Drank and ate at Brackley Waitrose, then drank more at the co-op, before setting off on the dreaded last section (so easy to head straight home along the last bit). Sprinted from Winslow, when I thought I could finish within the hour, then sat at the station, wondering whether to catch a train, go to 'sppons, or just ride home. I chose the latter.
After three punctures on three different old tyres within a week, I rode this event on brand new Marathon Plus 25mm's. I felt sluggish uphill, and less confident cornering. I might use them on CTC rides, and go back to 4 seasons for audaxing.
I'm glad I rode this event again, with lots of changes in scenery, and some good company. well done Ian.