It was only a quarter of a ride really, TC, and more of a pootle than a ride, but no less enjoyable for that. My favourite part as always was riding round the Outer Circle, quiet and empty in those small hours. Once or twice in the past, we have arrived in time to do the whole circuit, heard lions roaring, wolves howling as we passed the zoo. I didn't think we had quite enough time this year, so missed that rather surreal addition, only including the eastern half of the Circle. Lara, my trusty backmarker, made it back to Peckham with me from where she only has a brief schlep home, so she was fine. Also grateful to all the kind folks who stayed with her and brought the rear of the ride up to the park, with minutes to spare. And Al, who it was, I believe, who finally managed to remove her brand new tyre from the wheel, when the two just seemed destined never to part.
I missed the lack of a breakfast spot...Polo was suggested, but not many were that keen so I just headed off through Camden and then southwards. But, as with the substitution of McDonalds for Bar Italia, I missed a visit to Terry's or the Island. In future, I would advise just going with the flow of Soho whatever the evening and sticking to the old format, even on a Sunday. Breakfast then is still a bit problematic on a Sunday morning, but possibly, the ride off could include a bit past Brick Lane, if the weather is good enough to pick up a bagel and coffee and munch it alfresco.
A merry band of riders followed me south of the river. Half of them didn't even live there! They just turned around and rode back to parts north and East. One young lad came all the way from Ilford to join us, rode with us to Peckham before returning home. True night ride spirit.