They were. May not have been spot on 12mph but that was the speed they were aiming for. It was a group that had been established over a number of years and was run by an older rider. She did not like speed but she could climb and she dictated the pace and she got upset if other riders upset her rhythm. One uphill was a 12% and I dropped off the back along with several others. This was followed by a downhill of about 10% for a mile and straight road. They may have got up to 15mph but I was rolling at 20 In the end I just overtook and went. That was when I did my own ride.

But a point some others have come up with. In the UK you are allowed to ride two abreast. There were certain members of this group that demanded their rights as a cyclist on the road. They know their rights and they took them. Don't care if I have rights- If that driver behind is getting anxious to pass- I will asist him if I can by going single file and even stopping on the narrow lanes. Saves me finishing up in hospital.