The weather was definitely well arranged. Almost too hot - I drank far more water than normal.
A slightly entertaining start when I punctured half a mile from the start of the Little event (just before the railway bridge on the way out of town, for those who waved to me). My mini-pump proved to be mini, but not actually to qualify for the name pump, so I limped back to the start and used the track pump in my car.
Then I headed for the only bike shop in town to get a new pump. They had various toy ones on display, but the only item that actually looked capable of inflating a tyre was a CO2 cartridge unit, so I am now in the 21st century in technology terms. That proved very useful when the tyre went down again after two miles. Following a careful inspection, I relaid the rim tape, and had no further issues - but was now an hour behind the field.
Fortunately time limits are quite generous (and, at intermediate controls, often a bit elastic), so I made Stock with five or ten minutes to spare. There were no other cyclists present, but it seemed unreasonable to visit the Dandelion & Burdock cafe without ordering the eponymous drink.
At the Latchingdon control, I saw my first fellow-riders since Witham. They were a bit put out that I was threatening their lanternes rouges title, but forgave me in the light of my punctures. By Maldon, I had caught one or two more, and was merely a tail-ender rather than being out on my own. Abberton was much busier, but I think mainly with 200 riders?
There's a lot to be said for events that finish downhill. I was glad of this one doing that. Thanks to all concerned.