1. It's not about the bike. There were some really expensive, beautiful bikes on the road, but they still seemed to go wrong just as often. Most of these bikes are fashion statements, no more.
2. It is about the tyres. I escaped without a puncture, but I had invested in pair of really thick tyres and fitted them a month ago.
3. It is ALL about food and drink. Despite eating almost all the time, I have lost half a stone. I will never ride hungry, and only drink when I'm thirsty.
4. Everything's easier in a group. Some cycling groups go at frightening speeds, but hanging on at the back ate up miles easily. Being on your own in an exposed headwind is painful and slow. Don't leave your friends behind, even if you feel great and they don't (except when they're annoying).
5. Coffee is good. Fatigue made me stupid. From Day 2, we were all getting each other's names wrong, making constant little slips.

6. Don't judge people by their physique. There were some fat guys doing this for the third time who looked like they would need to rest half way up a flight of stairs. In the end, what mattered was spirit.