Thanks for all the very high-quality accounts, here and on the blogs. They reflect the quality of the Wessex Series, and of the riding. I had a great time seeing the riders through at Crockerton, and then seeing most of them again (perhaps all except Bikey-Mikey) on Sunday morning.
Many stopped for what seemed a long time at Crockerton, providing excellent company, and still left with hours in hand. The joys of being able to ride that well!
Then home to Bradford on Avon, and hours and hours of this and that, and a lot of sleep. On the way, I was refused passage through Longleat (first time in 40 years!). The very polite "heavies" at the roadblock said it was because they had a big Event* on. It may have been bigger than the Brimstone, but in no way could it possibly have been better.
On Sunday morning I got cheerily overtaken by a couple of riders, on the way to find a throng of half-a-dozen at the Nunney Catch control. The standard of still being able to speak/laugh/eat/drink/make-riding-a-bike-look-easy was still impressively high.
Then "backwards" along the route, passing (I think) everybody else. That's the only way I'm going to pass anyone! Wondered why Hummers was less far on than expected. Was able to provide some water to a few, courtesy of CET, Robert Watson, and the garage's "2 for 1" offer. Regretted having none left for Joolz and PeteMas, on one of the most difficult parts, Pete (at least) on his second very hilly 600 in a week. But again, the outwardly good shape of all the riders was very impressive indeed. I've a fair idea of how it may have felt on the inside.
Huge thanks to Shawn, and congratulations on the whole enterprise to him and everyone.
*apparently a wedding of one of Lord Bath's children