Wattsy and I missed the club run due to taking part in the 200km leg of what will be the penultimate stage of this years Tour of Britain. Starting from Bury St Edmunds to Ipswich via Lavenham and Hadleigh. Then North out of Ipswich on the B1077 to Diss and then, further North, cross country to Reepham before heading West for 35 miles to the finish at Sandringham for tea with the Queen!

We were joined by Brother-in-Law Matt (part-time Ashford Wheeler) and Drew, regular VC Revolution Club-run guest, who was suffering from a sore throat type bug thingy. Saturday involved sorting transport out, stocking up on carbs and giving steeds the final once over.

An early start Sunday morning saw us on the start line with the third group off at 7.12am. The weather forecast was good, albeit with a 11-12mph wind that would be against us for the main, but at least no rain. After a sensible start we soon got up to speed, picking up a couple of similar paced riders only to part company again near Hintlesham when Wattsy punctured. Got to Ipswich and missed out first feed station and then after a further 10 minutes we suffered another puncture, Wattsy again and that same tyre! However, we soon realised it was not a puncture, as was not the first, but a second faulty valve. So we think he must have bought a dodgy batch of inners. Off again and destination Diss for feed station at 85k and in to the annoying, unhelpful wind.

Somewhere along the way, Drews bug kicked in and the plan to sweat said bug out was not working, so we eased off a little and got to Diss at about 10.30am to be greeted by friends, family but alas no groupies. After stocking up on essentials we continued our journey only to see Drew deteriorate quite rapidly and we all thought he might have to abandon. We eased off further and let Drew sit on the back, who I think must have been quite miserable especially as he is usually such a strong rider.

Anyway, comedy moment of the day was provided by myself after Wattsy, leading the now nearly de-railed train, took a wrong turn that the rest of us did not. So sitting up, waiting for him to catch up I decided to have a banana, no problem. Half way through consumption, the road kicked up a little and I swiftly tried to change down only to achieve the opposite and bring myself to an abrupt halt which resulted in me cuddling the tarmac for a bit. Wattsy saw me sitting on my derrier, bike in middle of road next to a banana skin and nothing else in sight! Nearly fell off himself laughing. Luckily, no real damage done, only that to personal pride.

At Reepham feed station, 145k in, we enjoy more Mule bars, power gels, energy drinks and Soreen Malt loaf as well as the obligatory entire seasonal crop of bananas from Jamaica. Man, you can soon get tired of that stuff, but appreciated all the same. Drew had not really recovered but wasn't going to quit with the finish in sight, he's got such good eyesight, that boy. The clouds are nearly all gone now and the wind has eased a little but is fully head on for the last 55k.

One last stop with about 30k to go for Drew's failed attempt at a 'multi coloured yawn' that resulted in an improvement to his condition. So we're off again and are joined by 'Garmin Cervelo Man' who helped out by doing a couple of turns on the front. Drew dug deep and we were able to up the pace, overtaking many riders. A good sprint to the finish and across the line together for 8hrs 17mins and 20 secs with two feed stops, two punctures, one wrong turn and a failed chunder. Ride time on my computer was 7hrs 21min.

A truly memorable and picturesque ride, that was well organised, well sign posted and with good feed stations. Great company too, both fellow riders and people en route. And huge respect to Drew for seeing it through.

Spoons, July 2011.