This is my first attempt at RRTY and as a consequence, riding randonees into the winter.
200km randonees are a doddle in the summer compared with winter.
...or is it just me?
Can't wait for the spring.
No Philip, it is a combination of all the aspects of cycling that we seem to forget when the warm sun shines. Just look at your bike and then what you wear and take in the winter.
Your bike might have heavier tyres and mudguards. You carry lights (2 sets?). Then there is the clothing: wet/warm clothing and winter gloves, not to mention spare clothing/gloves 'cos you are out longer is variable temperatures. Even in summer we just need a light rain jacket but when the water is cold, we need to keep it out. Then you need more food - nothing worse than the Bonk in winter; somehow, do not need so much fluid!
Depending on the terrain, wet and muddy lanes slow you, you can add at least an hour to a comparable summer time. Throw in that inevitable P******e and it can seem like your world is falling apart (I know I had that feeling when I used 2 tubes just before climbing the Gospel Pass last Friday. It was the soup and pub fire in Hay-on-Wye that restored my faith in the task.
Winter rides should make more use of decent roads; try to avoid too many narrow muddy lanes, which adorn some excellent summer rides. You will certainly enter the Spring rides with a different outlook.
BTW: Your Old Clee Flyer Perm card is in the post. A great ride on a cold dry winter's day.
SteveP