Sounds like tough riding, Kernowcyclist.
I went out at 5:15 AM yesterday, as strong thunderstorms were predicted at the time I normally would leave work, so I didn't want to commute. DH rode out with me, for the first 3 miles, as he wanted to get to work early. I did a 15 mile ride, including the other hill in town. It's a very ritzy neighborhood, with a double hill, kind of a circle on top of the hill, with 3 houses and a monument on top. After that, I rode my regular early morning route, which is pretty flat, except for the return up my street. Funny, I hardly saw any other cyclists, while last Tuesday, I saw so many riders, it was like a Saturday morning.
My ride was nice, but I felt like I was sleeping through it!