enjoyed this ride, with the relocated start meaning I could ride to the event instead of driving.
set off alone at 8, perfectly timed to be passed by my club mates on the Marlow to Henley road, saw veyr few other riders until Pangbourne where all the cafes looked busy, so I skipped the bacon roll I'd been looking forward to and visited co-op instead.
Never really seemed to warm up, in fact I'm sure it was colder at Lambourn as I could see my breath on the big climb. Then down to Hungerford and the Tutti Pole cafe with warnings of being understaffed from other riders and the staff themselves. Still glad I persisted as I met familiar faces to chat, had a good feed, used the facilities and was out within 30 minutes. Then on to Kingsclere and finally some company on the ride as I got swept up by a friendly group of seven ladies, it was nice to spend to miles to Winnersh chatting and taking turns out of the wind.
Quick stop at Sainsburys with someone who looked old enough to know better running a techno rave out of his car as he drove round the car park, and then the flat miles to Maidenhead providing a nice rest ready for the last climb in the dark. Managed to reach the finish at a similar time to several others.
Not an especially fast time for a 200, weather was benign and my power levels are not too bad according to my turbo trainer sessions, perhaps it was excess weight, cleaning and lubing the chain would certainly have helped.