Well, that was a bit epic. Met all expectations I think. And then some. Having done it before I sort of new what to expect, but even so....
Getting to Kings Lynn was generally fast but the zig-zag route meant some unexpected headwind/crosswind sections, a foretaste for later. The leg to Spalding was a bit better than I'd expected - quite a lot of tailwind until 20km from Spalding. Avoided the control in the shopping centre - "no bikes". Very unfriendly. A dismal corner store was no better. Not a place I will look forward to visiting.
Then the fun began. Immediately out of Spalding there was a 6 mile section into the headwind, some of which was on top of a dyke. 18kph? Horrible. So Simon G and I stopped in pretty Crowland for a coffee and cake, then ventured out again. Lots more grovelling ensued, with little respite, and then after Thorney the legendary 12 mile straight lay in wait. Nightmare. That will live long in the memory, compounded by a broken spoke.
The final 15 km through the little rollers into Huntingdon was the icing on the cake, and we were so glad to finish. Empty legs. A quick pint (orange juice/lemonade) and then back to the car, just as the heavens opened. The drive home through the rain was indeed biblical, and I just hope those still out there in it get back safely. Appalling conditions.
Now to recover.....