The quicker group.
After a nice meander around east London we made it to London Fields as both groups had a pre ride social chat and pictures.
The quicker group bullied a few extra riders to join them making 5 adding Dyno Rod and Tony Massala who was back from a year traveling around Braintree. While the other group had a solid 10 plus.
We set off a bit late to the party but this allowed a smooth exit out of London without any hiccups at all which makes a change.
Paul F who has the UK smallest bladder then had the first of his 57 wee breaks. This was a 15 minute ritual throughout the ride.
All was flowing nicely and it started to get dark later than most years as we hit the pub in Moreton. A moth escaped Nick Latchfords wallet as he offered to buy a beer but Tony Massala picked up the tab.
Next stop was organsied by Luke at his sisters in law and what a spread it was. Chilli. Veggie chilli etc. A small donation was placed in the pot.. Paul hooks put his keys in the pot but he had the wrong party.
We lost a rider to the other group when Rod stepped down but had a cracking first 50 miles. Tony dropped back leaving us with 3 but that soon went back up as Tony re-joined the group and lasted the whole 111 miles with us. He held on and we crossed the sand with him in toe.
The last stop at gosport was as good as ever by it was freezing. Tony woods group arrived 15 mins later and he looked liked Hans Solo who had just been defrosted from his deep freeze.
The sun was starting to rise and some warmth was coming through as we started to hit the coastal roads. Some tough drags and didn’t we hear it from Ann at the finish.
We hit the beach at around 5-30am for pictures and the second group were only 30 mins behind - Group photos followed and a chinwag while we all tried to keep warm on the stony beach.
Luke, Paul and Nick the set off on the next 90 miles back to Braintree into a headwind from hell. Well (15-20mph) gusts at some points. The normal bonk happened 20 miles in and so more gels were needed. Some lovely Suffolk villages were ridden through and stopped at for stretching and Paul’s wee breaks.
Nick and Luke were managing to keep cramp and bay during the climbs which there were a fair few between mile 130-150.
At last we hit the Swan pub in Westerfield just north of Ipswich. Fry up and coffee and coke (The liquid). Charged up our gadgets and 50 miles were left.
More of the same including 1 stretch of flattish road we were lucky to get 10mph+ it was tough going.
Not 1 shop for 35 miles saw us crawl into a petrol station 20 miles from home for a Magnum. Nick had a new low but credit to him he dusted himself down and carried on. I call from Mrs F who was concerned about Mr F was the last stop we had and before we new it we were back in Braintree!! 3 miles short we did Tour de Braintree to gain the miles to hit 200! What a night and what a day.
2 beers and some food and we were home keeping our eyes open till 8pm then off to bed.
Thank you to all the riders. NEV as always a great group to ride with and behaved themselves perfectly.
What a fantastic write up thanks Luke 👍👍
And judging from the photos and videos a great but tough time was had by all , thanks for being point person Luke on all things DD , same again next year and let's make it bigger , and maybe invest in some bladder strength training or tena lady for Mr Hooks
I would just like to add this was a special ride for Shane who decided to celebrate being 7 yrs prostate cancer free by doing this , strength and determination all the way from our riders 😁
If you are intrigued by this event then I'm sure everyone will be only too willing to share and get you in the mood for next year !!
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