Try to answer a few questions- Lots drop out and there is a sag wagon. A sag wagon? Trucks and big trailers in fact and plenty of them aswell. But many do get to the finish and on the most unsuitable bikes. Postmen doing it on "OLD" (1940's) post bikes single speed and 40lbs. They passed me one year up the one hill. Time trial bikes with 54/21 as the lowest gear- that didn't climb the hill. The riders may walk most of the slopes but they do get to the finish. And plenty of old Tourist bikes- 40lbs and sturmey archer 3 speed gears. And as to the walking up the slopes. From about 20 miles out- there will be walkers up every slope. From 10 miles out and the unfit riders will be calling for transport home and at 5 miles- there is a large green set up with medic stations and refreshments for the really unfit lot.

Big problem is staying in one piece on this ride so perhaps the Tandem would be suitable. Any one hits that thing and we do not notice it. A good solid bike to take the hits but not really a bike to enjoy for 6 hours on the road. Plus it is my intention to ride back afterwards as it is only 30 miles to home from the finish. That tandem would be heavy by the end.

Now on the Pool- That is the wifes project and I am being nagged to get out there right now and do some more work on it. And the heater for the Summer? Yep--- That is necessary. With air temperature it will only get up to around 25 deg C and a few cool days and that temp will drop. So a heater for our British Summer will ensure that the wife will use the pool in the evenings. Then I can leave her in happiness while I get out for a ride.

And SKT- I have been riding a bit longer than you so 10% hills are the norm for me. The 15% take a bit of doing and anything over that is a challenge. Just give it a couple of years and you will be looking for hills instead of the "Slopes" you are doing now. Don't believe me? What were your hills like last year? The slopes you now do in 5 minutes less time than last year. But get me to do a 20mph average on a flat run for 40 miles and I won't be doing it. Different legs and different mind set for different uses. Now if I could get to be quick up my hills-------

And on the ride- pics of typical riders- and the lots of people is at "One" of the refreshmentstops. I do not stop enroute unless it is necessary- but I also know of a couple of "Pie" cafes just off the route .