One of the highlights that I haven't mentioned so far was bumping into
@des.o, who was volunteering at cp2. For those who don't know him, Des was an fnrttc regular about a decade ago. One of his most memorable comments, which I always recall when tempted to boast of cycling adventures and I expect is true, was that people who don't cycle aren't impressed if you say you've ridden more than about 70 miles, they just think you're weird!
Unfortunately I rather had my racing head on and was determined to ride another 100km that evening to help me make up a few lost places, so I only stayed for 10 minutes to chat, but it was a great pleasure and I only wish I'd had an hour.