Just to add, although a C-ride may start with a lower speed target, it is up to the leader to increase the speed if and only if the whole group can cope with a slightly higher speed (making sure nobody is dropping of). Often when the group is cohesive people can do a lot faster than expected. I have also seen the opposite, a lot of climbing, lower average but still a great ride. Weather also has influence.
While the pace may have been a bit faster than 'advertised' on Sunday, the leaders made sure to ask if pace was ok, plenty of stop to breath and certainly a 'nobody left behind policy' that would put a US Marine to shame. Compared to riding alone, it was a revelation.
Thibaud
@Martine
Just to add, although a C-ride may start with a lower speed target, it is up to the leader to increase the speed if and only if the whole group can cope with a slightly higher speed (making sure nobody is dropping of). Often when the group is cohesive people can do a lot faster than expected. I have also seen the opposite, a lot of climbing, lower average but still a great ride. Weather also has influence.