4 seasons in a day

Headed out at 8.30 with Jacques, Craig & Garry who are all in training for Mont Vontoux in September and as expected the pace was more than I was hoping for.  Craig & Garry headed back after 1hr 45 min as they didn't want the "full bhuna" and Jacques and I stayed the distance for the planned 5 hrs.  However we had to endure strong winds and numerous showers which meant we had to work hard to keep a reasonable pace.  The roads around here are a disgrace and at times its like riding across a ploughed field! 
Had one close call.  One of my bottles fell of the bike and Garry stopped to get it.  I slowed down and at about 1 mph couldn't get out my clips so fell over clipped into the bike.  No one saw it but when Garry caught up with me he did ask why I was covered in grass all down one side! Lucky escape as it could have been tarmac.
Got some good tips from double ironman Craig about how important it is to come out the water feeling fresh (I was thinking alive!), not to push hard on the bike no matter how good you feel as you need plenty in the tank for the run - it's all about the run I keep getting told and I am sure that is the case.  You don't see too many people warming up for a marathon with a 2.3 mile swim plus 112 mile cycle do you?  Must be mad but it's great fun.