Sorry Fiona, but I'm going to have to drop out of this ride.
The logistics were always going to be a problem for me but the real show-stoppers are a combination of unfitness and a recurring saddle sore problem on long rides. Once I get to about 5 hours I'm in significant discomfort and after 7 or 8 it is a big problem. I still can't sit down properly 2 days after Sunday's ride!
I don't reckon I could get round in daylight and I don't want to be struggling round in the dark and holding everyone up.
I hope you all have a good ride and I'll do a ride like this with you next year once I've got fit again.