I will do a proper write up later - but a random collection of thoughts are there.
The peleton at the start - felt like a proper boy's own adventure with us all whipping along the lanes two-by-two.
Ice cream on Portland Bill
Stern headwind leading onto Portland Bill
Second control - sat out in the funny stone structure
Fabulous controls - massive thanks must go to everyone involved. The village hall controls were amazing and we were so we looked after, and sitting outside by the camper van eating bacon sandwiches was brilliant
Cock-up in Corscombe - I got in a right tizz after descending the first left (Hackney Hill) rather than the second - I spent around half an hour trying to find the control (and had missed it by very little - twice!).
Views - especially at dawn looking down on the freezing fog looking like the sea with little islands of hills - amazing
Freezing fog - it was chilly!
Sunshine a plenty - there are a few pink randonneurs today!
LadyVet on top of the last big hill with Millionaire's shortbread!
Overall, it was an incredible ride - whilst hilly, it never felt gratuitous and offered some exceptional views. The roads used were very good in general.
I had got quite concerned about how hard it might be (with a number of people saying it is the hardest of the series). Hard Boiled destroyed me - it was really, really hard with very challenging roads etc. I was a bit worried as to whether I could handle 400km of that. Thankfully, a combination of better weather, another month into the season etc., I didn't find it as challenging as the Hard Boiled. It was a much more rewarding ride with splendid views on offer.
Massive chapeau must go to the select bunch who rode both this and the BC this weekend - good effort indeed.
Again, Shawn and his team have upped the game in delivering a superb experience on a brilliant, brilliant ride. I am really looking forward to the Brimstone now!
Congrats to several riders on their first 400s (Sharpy and Jordan from Hackney were both on their first ones) and Jonah on being the first to complete the Wessex SR this season (with his ride of the Hellfire in November!!!).