Run it again next year, Dean - pleeeeeeeeeeze?
Thanks, Chris. It's tougher on your own, and everyone got back quicker than I expected! My helpers at Staindrop were underused, and they'll be having flapjack/pies/quiche for breakfast, dinner and tea for the next week.
I'd be happy to run both rides again next year, but it all depends on Mike and family, as starting and finishing there made the events. Aidan also suggested running the 300 as BRM, which means more paperwork, and a little less time on the road, but the last riders were back before half twelve, so it should be OK unless the weather's truly 'orrible, and it makes sense in a pre-PBP year. I'll also be double checking the routesheet for the last run-in, and possibly skipping the Ainderby-Warlaby shortcut.
Anyway - there were 40 starters, and only one DNF (he made the early decision to pack as he wasn't well). Special congratulations to Mr Ben for your first 300 - there was at least one other rider on their first 300, and one lad on his first audax. He says he'll be back
Thanks to the helpers on the day - Andy C and team at Markington (waving down random cyclists and asking if they wanted their card stamped
), Peter and Steve GT at Litton. I should also point out that the Boroughbridge to Ilkley route was designed by Steve GT, and works brilliantly, so cheers, Steve. And thanks to everyone else NOTP.