I had no real experience of the start in 2009, as I had my own personalised 6am start on the number 666. I made my way to the first control at Thurlby via the A10, Ermine Street and the A15, so I could film the first arrivals. When I got there Gerry was hosting a pre-event party with sparkling wine, most civilised.
I got an insight into the behaviour of the front-runners, both at Thurlby, and then Washingborough, as I took the A15, and the field went on a tour of obscure South Lincolnshire lanes. I saw Bob Johnson on the A15 of course.