Having missed out on the Ballot for a place we found the Amstel Ride as a team option and immediately entered our group of 4. Little bit more to enter but straight in now worries. Also ensures we all got into the same wave at time start so worth looking into.

THe morning was wet and a super early start fromround  home. (3:30 in the car en route to London then a ride from Waterloo to the start. Easy to get there as there are lots of people heading out of course.

Started bang on time after an easy route into our pens. Very well organised and signposted. Cant be faulted.

The ride was wet after a night of heavy rain that made the pace a little slower but joininng onto a faster bunch as they passed was great fun and certainly made the first 25 miles fly by.

Cycling Closed Roads is also totally different. No stopping all the way round makes it anawesome experience.

The route is interesting but with many other cyclists its hard to appreciate as you have to navigate the faster groups passing too.

Newlands Corner, Leith Hill and Box Hill are the only lumps and not so bad. Being early we missed the main crowds so none were too congested either.

THe hubs are very good and there are lots of opportunities to fill water and take on food. Didn't stop at all myself but reports suggest they are well stocked.

Support most of the way is great from the locals and the cheer team in Parsons Green were particularly happy bunch.

Finsh was clear and spacious. Easy to make your way to baggage and collect the medal and then move out into the park with space to sit and a band playing. Queue for food was very long so didn't manage to eat which was a shame. Secure bike parking also helped the relax area be less cluttered with bike.

Overall a good day out, a fabulous ride on closed roads and logistically ok apart from the early start.