Rode round this with Bianchi Boy, Simon A, HughKnud and D O G as part of our Easter Arrow prep. We formed a nice organised group from the start and so attracted quite a large bunch all the way to the Tutti Pole. We stopped only to get our cards signed and then made our way out to Bratton and the Pickleberry. There was quite a brisk cross/headwind which promised a fast run back. We arrived at the halfway control a seemly three minutes after it officially opened. There was quite a crowd still with us, so the food came out at slightly different times, but it was warm enough to sit outside and chat whilst the last of us finished our food. The promised tailwind turned out to be a crosswind but with some strong legs on the front (mostly Chris and Simon A) we hooned it back to the Tutti Pole whilst it was still full on lunch service. The Co-op and the village Bakery provided a swifter alternative and we picked up speed through the lanes with a slight pause to fix a puncture in my overdue for replacement Schwalbe Durano rear tyre (4500 miles mostly in winter conditions and only its second puncture - the blue "replace me" layer is now showing all the way round so its due for replacement. And we were back early than I think I ever have been - a really nice day out and a good opportunity to gel as a team. There's a good reason this event is so popular, a good early-season test of fitness.
