As I set off on yesterday's audax I thought I'd probably be safer in the middle of a race bunch due to some of the riding on display. It's a weird mix of old guys who can ride you into the ground, weekend warriors and newbies who have never ridden in a group.
Things settled down but I was glad that things broke up on the climb through Studly Royal and following hills, meaning I completed the distance in a small group where we all helped each other to the finish.
It was also good to talk to some familiar faces, without any drama, for a change.
Notes of a bike tart theme:
-Still not convinced about the functionality of carbon clinchers.
-Someone else's squeeking bike is like nails down a blackboard to my ears.
-Oversocks and gilets are my best friends.
