Yes, great teamwork from the LWL helpers.
My ride started around 3am, ECE-ing from Milton Keynes. Couldn't remember when I'd set off before, as it's been two years, and I couldn't find the files. The leg to Aylesbury was slightly longer than when I use my hybrid to work, which shocked me. thought I'd arrive for brekky around 5:30, but it was 5:45. I was greeted in the car park from someone who remembered my name, but I'd forgotten his (Richard from Tring). I dashed in to scoff jam on toast and down coffee, as I hadn't yet eaten.
Set off late (not as late as others), and was Billy-no-mates for a while, getting overtaken by fast people on fast bikes (aerobars, carbon and parachute bags). I eventually caught ACME man and his riding partner, and rode with them for a while. We were caught by Richard, who became my great riding partner for the rest of the event. It was great to have manned controls (not recalled on my 7across outings). Confusion over whether Woodstock brekky was free (it wasn't, as per the emailed instructions and sign at the bar, so I paid). This was another example of veggie's being short changed (no alternative to bacon, sausage and black pudding). I did get my hands on the last hash brown though. A Wetherspoons veggie brekky woulda gone down a treat.
I enjoyed the section to Tewkesbury, recollecting places from different Audaxes as we cycled through them. We just had to stop at the Royal Hop Pole (still dark inside). My planned soup and unlimited coffee turned into the veggie burger, chips and pint deal (usually enjoyed post-event). A pint before Yat rock? Caught ACME man again (sorry, I forgot to ask your name), and told him off for letting down the ACME team, not stopping at the pub. The last time I went up Yat was on our MK CTC (Cycling UK now) hostel weekend (just a few miles away). I used my other Audax bike for that one, but carried less, and had fresh legs. I got up ok, out the saddle, without much grief from motorists. There is a café on the right at the top, but I don't recall them giving receipts, if it ever became a control to stop the climb being bypassed.
The stage to Chepstow felt arduous, and dreading the climb from Tesco with close passing traffic didn't help. The village hall control was great though. I enjoyed the (chorizo?) baked beans, not spicy as I'd expected. So much better than controlling at Tesco or other shop as on previous visits, but I still haven't looked where the 'spoons is (my Team MK club mate has been there).
The climb up to the bridge felt easier than expected, but then I started not looking forward to the Thornbury climb (and headwind). I need to be more positive! We could see the monument in the distance, and dreaded the impending climb. I told Richard how it (in my opinion) breaks down into sections. I honked up it, easier than on the Dean when I had a jumping chain. we had a Co-op stop in Malmesbury, where we met an Audaxer on a (non-DIY) personal 360km ride via Marsh Gibbon (obliterated by TG). I must be sad when it comes to points, so much so that I have led a few club 100 milers in the past, then done another 25+miles to get two points, as well as helping my RRtY. we soldiered on to Lambourn, by now every worn and cracked road aching my wrists, arms, legs and behind (I don't think I've got the Brooks cambium saddle on this bike set up like my other one). Maybe new padded gloves and shorts are the answer (or a thudbuster seatpost). I really enjoyed the veg chilli and dessert at the control, taking the opportunity to use the Assos cream, change my shorts, and add base layer. Only the thermal socks I carried weren't used.
Richard took me on a once in a lifetime trip down to, and on, the A4 (I usually stick to the provided route). Still on some rough roads, and the monotony of pedalling on the A4 felt like the Fens. The end couldn't come soon enough, and I was pleased with around 4.5 hours in hand. I really fancied a chesee toastie, but couldn't face chewing. Fruit salad and rice pudding went down easier, as did tea (had enough of coffee). Said farewell to Richard, rested for over an hour, then set off on my (slow to begin with), ride home. Home before 8:30 and, for a change, didn't fall asleep in the bath. Had an hour's kip early afternoon, after a well earned visit to a Costa.
Thanks again Liam and team. Glad some pulled out so I had the chance to re-visit this newly controlled event, even though I missed going up to see the TdY.