Have considered riding from home rather than HPC- pros being saving rather a lot of money on train fares, leave bike and kit at home, not having to rush out of work, no lugging the uniform around until Friday, etc, but the cons outweigh it- not least missing out on the vast majority of the ride with you lovely people. It's a pleasant enough ride, but dull in the daytime, let alone at night. The forecast westerly wind means (assuming I don't have any mechanicals) I'd probably make it by six, if not earlier, so I'd only end up kicking my heels or heading north to meet up with you anyway.
If we get there a bit early for Luna Rossa that would give the option of going shopping at the Co-op (right round the corner) or Sainsbury's (just up the A259) before breakfast- both open at 7. Supermarket sandwiches (etc) definitely preferable to DFDS catering...