Bud and I met with the Lone Star Randonneurs   http://lonestarrandon.tripod.com/  for their populaire 101k.  A populaire is a sort of training/introduction to a full randonnee.  
 
In spite of the fancy french terminology, the riders were all extremely nice.  It was extremely chilly when we took off - base layer, long sleeve thick winter jersey, and jacket.  It was a simple out 31.5 miles, and back again.  8 miles of quick descent right at the start.  When we started, Bud and I found ourself right in front with 4 DFers and a tandem.  Soon we were following just 2 DFers and the tandem was a bit out in front.  I had no idea how much of a tailwind we hand, but I was suddenly amazed at how I could climb hills at 22mph.  I'm such an idiot.     I guess I thought I was well rested and trained from the last couple weeks riding in Ceder Hill.
 
About 20 miles out, the tandem took off like a rocket, heads bobbing to the left and right - they were quickly a half mile ahead of us.  Bud and I kicked it up to 24.5 and finally caught them about a mile before the first control stop.   We pulled into the control and everyone was amazed at the fast bents.  Off went the jersey - it was getting warm.  I felt pretty good, but realized when we started back home into the stiff headwind that I had given too much energy into the chase and had not consumed enough calories.  I still keep thinking I'm on the baron which would have been no problem to maintain speed.  I was able to hold 16.5, but the paceline was moving at 17.5 and i was dead.  Bud was nice enough to fall back and let me suck his wheel so that I could get up to 17 or so.  The paceline left us behind and my knee started to ache.   I think we could have came close to them even so but I hit a snag and thought my derailleur had shifted out of place - turns out the chain was caughrt and rubbing - I'm sure it cost me some speed.  One more stop, stripped down to the baselayer, then it was a few more miles to the last turn, and 8 miles of fairly continual uphill stretches until we were back and turned in our cards.
 
Paul, randonneuring seems like it was made for you - you should come give it a try.  Next weekend is a 128k and I'm already lookjing forward to it.
 
Bud, I hadn't noticed before, but my old cassette is only an 11-28 too.  I should have mad climbing skills when I put the 11-32 on.  I'm ordering that titan wheel today - looks good.

I've done centuries and 200Ks with Brenda Barnell and a friend from the FWBA she rides long ones with (Bill somebody).  It makes for a long day, but is a satisfying time.  However, we tend to keep the speed controlled to 16-18, knowing that it's a long day...  
 
I haven't done squat this year for long rides since January, but need to get back into it...

In a regular brevet, I don't think his time would have counted. You have to average over 10 mph for an official finish.
 
It kind of reminds you of the story of Lance Armstrong's first race; everyone had gone home and they were tearing down the stage when he finished.
 
I wonder if the convenience store clerk fudged on his time?