Yes, tough indeed. I started with PatC but it wasn't long before his 'Mountain Goat' rhythm kicked in (I've learned to recognise and be wary of it!), which put me on the limit. He was already 'in the groove' as we climbed Box Hill (The Zig Zag) with its various 'Kiss my Cav' 'Cav 4 PM' markings but it was on White Down where the elastic snapped. I bonked badly and shortly after took refuge under trees as the heavens opened accompanied by thunder and lightening (it wasn't supposed to do that- no rain jacket!). I was feeling pretty ropey and almost (only almost!) considered packing but an image of Lizzie Armitstead winning silver in the rain went through my head, so I limped over the next lump and stopped at the hall for food which did the trick and I was soon back on form riding alone and see-sawing with a gruppetto from Gregarious Superclub Ciclista. I can remember that mouthful clearly as on one climb they sidled up and the leader swung in front of me while the others boxed me in providing a very strong draft to the top - thank you gents!
It was a hard ride for me mainly due to lack of proper eating in the days leading up to it, but enjoyable nonetheless. Good to see the Usual Audax Suspects at the start and the many racer boys out on the road. Apart from our ride, there were cyclists everywhere of all denominations - Roadies, MTB'ers, families, the lot - really good to see. Oddly enough the motoring fraternity were pretty well behaved with only one miscreant who couldn't spare a couple of seconds for safety's sake - I have you on video, matey!
Strange how, on a Grimpeur, your thoughts of 'how many more climbs?' turn to "is that it?' when the last one is done and you are zooming down to the finish!