Well, more pics to come no doubt, but my little take on this as a first timer:-
The Ride - Simon, the other helpers, especially tail end Charlies and all the other folks/stuff in the background that I'm not aware of. This was a ride organised professionally, with humour and class. The idea that you have people waiting to direct you at every junction(doing this by hoofing up and down field at speed) and people at the back ready to help with mechanicals. Could a ride put you more at rest and leave you any more able to relax and enjoy? I think not.
The People - failed to meet/introduce myself to so many, but there's only so much you can achieve in one ride. Simon, genuine pleasure to meet you and you're actually a really nice guy! Mike from Hull, how the hell is it cheaper for him on the train than for me?, top bloke, chatty and knowledgeable. Tom(another first timer), Peter Bentley, nice guy and lovely hair

The various folks I chatted to on the ride, without getting/remembering names, though Dave from Tunbridge Wells in particular, what a nice person. Then you've got the usual suspects, Radius/Ilovebikes, yeah I like them, but I do hate how easy they make it look, and I found the 'let them do the descent twice' very funny. Big plus for them, it didn't phase them at all, took it well and just kept on riding. TopCat, tired my arse, this man can ride and looks the part as well, great chatting again. Sig and Chris, great to meet them, quality CC'ers and patient with a novice like me. Davywalnuts, despite his unsubtle drafting the fat guy(me) up hill, I love this guy, lifts any ride, just irrepressible. Finally you have the GOVERNOR, Aperitif, man of muscle, irritatingly deceptive riding style(can pull away from you at any time like you're standing still). But most of all, generous of nature to a fault, this guy has done more to boost my confidence and morale than I thought was possbile over the 2 rides I've been on with him. Plus he looks after whoever's with him, guards you from traffic(one suspects a car may come off worse if it hits Aperitif), leads you up when you're tired and keeps spirits up with positive reinforcement.
Me - got my CENTURY, despite knee problems, due to my inept positioning of my new saddle. Chris, Sig, Radius, Ilovebikes, Davywalnuts and Aperitif, all worked to lead me on the return leg to London. Aperitif sorted out my saddle position, got me some painkillers and they all got me through a very rough 10 mile patch. No way could I have completed without them dragging me along, really tells you the difference good company makes. After the departure of Chris, then Sig(both tired from carrying the fat bloke), the rest toiled to take me all the way to the door of Waterloo Station. Amazingly I woke up on the train when the guard announced 'next stop Farnborough', very lucky, think I'd have cried if I'd missed it. Have had a snooze, a bath, and feeling pretty good, knee is much better. Clearly damage was on ride out to Southend and start of return. Please to realise that nothing lasting done and improved riding position is working.
My thanks to all, it was a top night/day, Radius/Ilovebikes, wait til I'm fully fit. I might even ride a bike minus the kitchen sink on the back
