The first event of 2008 was held in pretty mild conditions considering it was January 1st.  On the other hand, by the time riders got to the start line many (including myself, now a nampy-pamby soft southerner) were feeling a little chilly.  Many were sustained by a slug from Bryan's hip flask - but not me, as a nouveau soft southerner, I don't like whisky!  Two hardy souls rode with bare legs (though in Gilbert's case with a generous fleecy coat).  Some nice speed weaponry was on show, including a tasty Felt TT frame and an equally tasty Cervelo.
But the main question on the riders' minds was how the new course would work out...   I can say that I was unpleasantly surprised by how tough it was - it seemed hard not only on the run up to the new bypass, but once on the bypass it seemed quite severely undulating. On the plus side, the return leg was much faster, and road surface is splendidly smooth.  I know Tony was a little concerned about the proximity of the finish to the Kelly's Kitchen roundabout, particularly if we are using the course on occasions when tailbacks of traffic might form there.  So, please raise any comments on the course in the discussion forum.
As usual, many thanks to Tony for timetkeeping, this time ably assisted by his new sidekick Alan.  Also Bryan for pushing off, and Derek and Rina for braving the elements at the turn. 

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