I did it

This is Pete and I before the Etape Caledonia.

The weather was really tough, I was going pretty well until mile 25 when I ended up alone for a period of pretty heavy rain and wild wind. A couple of groups passed but I just didn't have the leg to get their wheels. After the turn around at 30mile I picked up again.
At the top of the biggest climb I met a old friend and rode with him to within ten miles of the finish. This was great because I made the really windy sections pass quicker while we chatted.

Time is largely irrelevant but I managed it in 5.26. I suppose that ain't bad after 1 sociable ride of 55miles since christmas, next year I'll maybe do 2.