Well I think that worked! And, judging by the e-mails I've received over the last week I'm not alone.
The new Clapham Common manouevre was an improvement on the old arrangement
The Tesco stop worked well
The A217 was nigh on empty
The halfway stop needs work - I've got to persuade Mark to tell the sausage fraternity to bog off and just offer ham sandwiches and cheese sandwiches
The cross country bit went OK
The Boat House at Felpham was a bit creaky and I might cast around....
Other than that - I had a great time. There was a harum-scarum rush from Betchworth to Faygate with Adrian, Tanya, Thom and BigSteev leading the way (and BigSteev is the most luxurious lead-out man of all - Cav should sign him up) and some gentle riding through the dawn down to West Chiltington - the photographs tell the story.
Big thankyous to Thom for fetching Martin B in to the pack (some of you may not be aware that his train was delayed and he rode down from central London in pursuit, with the two of us on the phone every 20 minutes or so) and to Thom and Tanya in particular for their sterling work as Wayfinders. And big thankyous to Adam and Matthew for their work at the back. And big thankyous to you all for making it a night to remember....
(but not like this one...
View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Or0Fld1ejiw
)
(although there will be prizes on the Whitstable run for sleeveless leopardskin tops and leather shorts...)