How was the ride for length?
A very good length for the day, slightly shorter than planned but I felt that was good with the cold weather and the fact a number of people had further to travel home. Perfect length tbh.
How did the marker system work for you?
Very well I thought, although I did pull out a bit sharpish after everyone had gone by once and scared a car a bit, no probs for me but really, to be considerate, I should have let them go past first and then taken them a little way down the road. A learning point for me.
How did you feel about riding in a group?
Very enjoyable and it is so much better than riding on your own. A great day and a great experience. I thought that it felt like a group of ducklings (5 pointy SV's) following a mother duck (VFR) at points though, which made me chuckle. This was between moments of dreaming of cheese burgers.
Did you feel pressured to keep up and why? (no names, no pack drill)
No not at all, I did let a few people past me as I knew they were faster, they always waited till I pulled in close to the left and/or slowed a touch to go by (not sure if this is the convention or not though). Really pleased with Gary being the TEC, he was great as I spent most of the ride just in front of him. I must admit I was scared (well not scared but cautious) of a number of things:
I ride towns with flat roads to get to work not steep hills with bends – this took getting used to so I took the corners slowly as I didn't know any of them and always aired on the side of caution
Ice! - Knowing the temperature I was even more cautious of the valley bits and the smaller roads that may or may not have had salt on. This did play on my mind.
With all that though I did feel I wanted to keep up and on the straights was happy to open up the throttle a touch.
Gary behind made all the difference and was really glad he was there although I did worry a touch he maybe bored with having to follow me slowly through what most would consider great bends.
Anything you did / didn't like?
Likes:
The PEOPLE – without doubt a great bunch and really pleased to meet you all. It's great to have a hobby, a passion for something but even better to share it with others.
The route – Great route and close to me so was really pleased to spot it on the forum and come along. Knew my GPS would come in handy for something lol
The planning – Well planned by people who know what they are doing, very very happy with that.
The food – mmmmmmmmmmmm Cheese Burger!
My Bike – possibly a bit strange to put here but it worked very well and flawlessly, didn't step out once and done what I wanted it to do – V happy with that lol
Dislikes:
Dislikes is a strong would, suggestions is better
I rode through some stunning country on a stunningly crisp sunny day, if I had been on my own I would have stopped at least 5 time to take pictures. I reckon one stop on top of the hills and I would have had some great pics of the bikes and riders so I would say plan to stop on one or maybe two really good view spots next time for some pics and a smoke.
All feedback welcome
When is the next one in the area, I will love to come along again please
