Not only was this my first 100 mile ride of 2019 but it was the first day ride on my new Cervelo S5. Whereas my Enigma Etape is like a high performance M-series BMW the Cervelo S5 is an out and out Italian Supercar, only better made.

It was an early start – 7am. The ride was based at Framlingham College which afforded a wonderful view of Framlingham Castle famed as the location where Mary Tudor was proclaimed Queen of England and the subject of Ed Sheeran’s 2017 song ‘Castle on the Hill’. Poor Mary Tudor never stood a chance……

We were following narrow, generally deserted country lanes many of which I have cycled over the years but it’s always interesting to ride them in different combinations. Although much flatter than around London the area is gently  undulating and we had a noticeable headwind for half the ride which over that distance takes its toll.

In typical fashion we experienced the usual conflicts between the downloaded SatNav routes and the course arrows which generally results in a riders’  mini roadside conference to try and work out which way to go.

There were organised stops in Little Bealings (26 miles), Fressingfield (52 miles), and Holton (82 miles) where friendly locals provided bread rolls, crisps, cakes etc alongside tea, coffee and a huge amounts of bananas – the cyclists’ favourite fruit.

As the map shows we stayed well away from busy roads and towns, passing through a plethora of small villages and hamlets with more thatched houses, busy (ish) churches, appealing pubs than village greens than an average episode of Midsommer Murders. We went through 2 villages where the old red telephone boxes had been turned into libraries – very resourceful.

The car to bike analogy gained further support towards the end of the ride. Whereas both get you there in style, my Enigma (M-series BMW) delivers performance with comfort and leaves me ready for more, the S5 (Italian Supercar) gets you there quickly with a throaty roar but needing remedial massage…..  However, like all old men with supercars I’m not giving up on it!