When the weather forecasts had become increasingly damp, I'd decided to blame that
@Fab Foodie fellow who only ever turns up when it rains. I was explaining this to Adam at HPC, somewhat to the consternation of the chap next to us... who turned out to be Fab Foodie! In my defence, I have to say that you look nothing at all like your avatar. But, yes, it was still your fault.
Much has already been said about the rain. My cunning plan was to bring not one but two waterproofs with me, the outer one rather handily having a hood for those times spent standing and pointing at street corners. It would have worked too, if only I had put on the second waterproof... As it was, things were a little damp by the time we got to Faygate. Happily, a little rain and wind is not sufficient to dampen the enthusiasm shown in these rides - though I do find a little Dalwhinnie helps, for medicinal reasons, of course... though I did wonder why I seemed to be unusually popular... This time, I managed to spot
@Captain Defect's yellow tights. They're... bright, aren't they? I'm totally at a loss as to how I failed to see them on the Felpham ride!
I do have to confess something of a feeling of relief when we got to the Madeira even still. We were so early that they were still unpacking chairs and tables: they hadn't expected us for another half hour at least, but even so, they still managed to serve us breakfasts and hot drinks with surprising speed. Afterwards, some of us repaired to Wetherspoons for extra sustenance and recuperation - I'll pass quickly over my unorthodox dismount and go straight to the relief at being able to - at last! - put on a pair of dry socks. Bliss! I can't imagine any other situation where I'd slog through the night with a facefull of cold rain and a miserable headwind, and not regret it.
Anyway, it was splendid to meet your acquaintance at last FF. You can come back! But next time, could you leave the rain behind?
