I’ll go first then.
From 07:20 we were set off in waves a few minutes apart. I was eager to get started so positioned myself to ensure I was in the first wave.
This ride was quite good as each stage was roughly 50km, so could divide it up that there would be roughly four 2-3 hours rides. The first control was Lavenham, the wind was with me and it felt like I was flying, which was just as well as I took a wrong turn and had to backtrack a bit to get back on to the route. It didn’t really matter though as I got to the control and Nick stamped my card.
Whilst there I met Jan, Andy and Chris. We would spend the rest of the ride cycling together. The next control was at Snetterton Race circuit. The wind was with us for the most part however as we approached the circuit we cycled through a storm. The rain came down quick, heavy and cold. Worst of all though the wind was blowing it at speed sideways like daggers hitting my face. Luckily though we could see blue skies in the distance so just had to suffer through it. However worse than the rain was the wind as soon as we entered the circuit. It gust strong and hard like a smack in the face, it also didn’t help that by now I was starving and in need of decent meal. There was nothing to do but spin and try and move forwards to the restaurant.
The next stage to Newmarket would prove to be toughest, we were changing direction now, going into the wind. To make things easier we decided to each spend 5 minutes on the front, taking it in turns to suffer the brunt of the wind. By the time we reached Newmarket the wind had died down a bit but then we had the rolling hills to contend with. Those 50km took us nearly four hours and the Wetherspoons we controlled at was never more inviting. A quick meal and then on to the last 50km back to Dunmow.
The worst of the wind was now behind us and towards the end I think we had a tail wind! We took the main and fast road back which may have been a mistake as there were some questionable overtaking manoeuvres by the Essex motorists! Thankfully though we all made it back safely to the Arrivee just after 19:00hrs.
So that’s the first PBP qualifier done and ride 4 of my RRTY.
Many thanks to Tom and all the ACME team for organising.