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@punkpixel
bit of a rubbish performance this year but still glad I did it. Rode together with my mate who hasn't done a long distance ride in 10 years. He was riding a pretty rubbish road bike too. It already fell to pieces before we even started. A screw on back brake broke and we spent an hour and a half fixing it (with some great help of another rider). So left London fields as the last ones.
Then we actually managed to catch up with quite a big group of people at some pub. So we thought we can at least ride within a group and don't have to check the route all the time. Big mistake. Just a few miles before the feeding station we missed a turn (just followed some other riders, who missed it as well) and went about 10 miles in the wrong direction. Cycled all the way back and finally made it to the feeding station when they were just starting to pack up. Forgot to mention we couldn't find the feeding station at first as there were no riders around any more and lost time again. And no food left, just some tea.
Spirits were low and it was raining on top. So we decided to ride to the closest point to Ipswich on the route and then decide if we continue or call it off and get the train from Ipswich. Once there we decided to continue. Lots of checking the route, lots of loosing time. Just not good to ride without being in a group and knowing there are very few peope in front and even less behind you.
(well, we overtook the Penny Farthing, but that was about it).
So finally got closer to Dunwich. Saw Hillybilly and other forumengers already coming back. Got there and no breakfast left.
Took us more than 10 hours I think but at least we made it. And my mates bike actually survived. Can't say that for his back. Good thing is because the ride was so slow I don't really feel any stiffness or muscle ace today. Next year it has to be sunrise at the beach – not at the half way stop.