Paris - Brest - Paris 2023

Dover ready to Sail !

The Build up:

Finally after 20 months of training and preparation me and my lovely family departed for France, after a couple of weeks worrying about kit, fitness and my health it was good to be on the road. Our first stop was Canterbury for an overnight stop and a walk around the medieval city. Then on Friday the 18th we sailed across the channel from Dover to Calais before driving to our accommodation in Versailles. It was a stressful day as I much prefer miles on the bike to miles in a car. On Friday evening we visited Rambouillet for the first time and completed registration and enjoyed a great meal at a restaurant in the towns Square. We sat outside enjoying the warm evening air amongst fellow cyclists from around the world. It was brilliant. The next 30 or so hours passed slowly trying to rest and also keep my two children and Emma entertained. The heat was oppressive, clear blue skies and temperatures in the mid 30s. I had been wishing for good weather but I don't think anyone native to the UK is particularly suited to this level of heat. Anyway I had a short test ride, ate loads of food and had a decent nights sleep on the Saturday evening. The Sunday also passed slowly trying to rest, eat and also be at the start at the correct time. Below is a brief ride report that I shared with my club mates after the event. It briefly captures the most amazing ride and the greatest challenge I have completed to date.   

The final set-up ready to roll

Waiting, anxiously! 

  

Ride Report:

The French Ride

Sitting on the Ferry heading home I thought I better try and piece together a report of my journey across northern France this August. The ride actually starts in Rambouillet just outside the Parisian suburbs, I guess having 7000 Randonneurs riding through the Arc de Triomphe may be a little sketchy! 

 

My start time was 18:30 this meant a lot of hanging around in 30+ degree heat, I tried to relax, eat and hydrate as best as I could. Ideally I would have had an afternoon nap but this proved impossible amongst the thousands of riders and supporters. I was definitely nervous 🤯, I just wanted to ride and release the pent up frustration from weeks of bike and kit prep. At 17:30 my group K was called forward, we now had an hour of walking around in a big loop around the outside of Bergerie National Chateau. This involved a bike check + lights and high vis which are both compulsory. Then our Brevet cards were stamped and we filtered towards the start. Eventually we rolled slowly under the Start, waving goodbye to my family it was go time. At last !! The first ten kms were neutralised behind a lead car, this then peeled off and we had motorcycle outriders for another 10k. I jockeyed for a good position amongst the first 10 riders of about 300. I knew it was going to kick off, sure enough after 20km 💥. It was fast and there was plenty of sketchy riding, the Italians seem to be particularly fond of dive bombing into corners ( like pound land Pidcocks ) the kilometres went by fairly easily until the motorbikes appeared again at approx. 9pm, lights and High viz now became mandatory for the next 10 hours. This break split the group, after 120km I reached the first control and stopped for food etc. Continuing now in small groups I paired up with a Swiss rider called Paul, immediately I thought this guy can ride, similar build and style to a good time triallist a big engine but a smooth rider. We worked very well together. The 2nd control came at 200km, Paul decided to sleep but I pushed on feeling good. I was now solo passing loads of riders but finding no one of similar ability. At about 4am I had to layer up it was now about 8 degrees a 25 degree swing from the start. I was so glad I had decided to carry some winter kit. At 7am I hit the 3rd control at 300km, I was feeling very good about the nights progress having been cheered on through villages even in the early hours. Monday is a blur, heat, hills and feelings of why am I here doing this 🥵. I slowly passed riders and controls. It was amazing to me that while I suffered in the heat doing anything possible to keep cool riders from Asia and Africa etc were still in winter kit ! Eventually in Carhaix I had a big decision to make. I felt like 💩 but really needed to push on to Brest, this meant tackling the Rock (the longest highest climb on the route) under normal circumstances I would eat this climb for breakfast but in the dark on a loaded bike and after 500 kms I was snail like. The descent was like nothing I've experienced before, cold and dark riders everywhere sleeping in roadside verges. God knows how as it was bloody cold 🥶 at this point.

Half-way, and heading for home. Just 600km to go !

At last 4 hours sleep, it's amazing how little you actually need ! Tuesday morning and turning back towards Paris was a great relief, pictures at Pont de l'Iroise leaving Brest lifted my mode even further. I stopped at a secret control mid morning, for a 2nd breakfast of garlic sausage wrapped in Crepe 🤔🤣!!! It was actually delicious.  At this point I read the messages of support from you lovely lot, what a lift thank you. I picked up the teddies I had chucked the day before and deployed cycling rule 5 !!

The hills and heat continued. The rhythm was ride, drink, eat repeat. In the evening I rode with an American and a Mexican and we marvelled at French families lining the roads with food, drinks, cheering every rider. It would never happen in the UK unfortunately. The French love cycling and cyclists. As night was falling I sensed the hum of carbon wheels approaching! At last, all aboard 🚂🚂 it was Paul from day 1 and another handful of strong riders. I rode the next 100kms with Swiss Paul + a young French man and a Strong Japanese woman, a great group with everyone sharing the work big a help at this stage. At 2am I stopped for 2 hours 💤😴 walking into the dormitory the smell just hit me, wow I've never smelt anything like it, quick as a flash I banged ear plugs into not only my ears but my nostrils as well 🤣😭. It worked and I woke at 4am for more food. The last day (I hoped) and at 5:30am I rolled out, the first few hours summed up the Spirit of PBP, riders now resembled zombies, sleeping in ditches and walking like the living dead, sounds fun eh !! 🤣🤣

I stopped at daybreak to put my contact lenses in, the toilet in the chosen village café had not got a mirror. After asking the female owner for a mirror in horrible broken French. She took me upstairs to use her personal bathroom while her children slept. Not my English charm but an example of the brilliant help the French people give without hesitation. The next memory, at the top of a long climb I hear the shout of Café café café. I quickly stopped at the road side stall. The lady gave me Coffee, cakes, yogurt, bananas and water. In return she just wanted my race number and for me to send her a post card from Shrewsbury! I spent 30 minutes eating drinking and shedding layers as the day warmed up. Next Stop Villaines control where my friend and EX pro Hugh Ashworth and his wife Julie were waiting ready to cheer me on from the road side. Seeing familiar faces gave me another timely lift. From Villaines to the finish is around 200kms AKA the longest home straight in cycling 😂  Again I was on the ropes, I don't run well in the Heat, maybe due to the hours of cold winter miles around Shropshire or maybe because I don't do Zwift 🤣. Finally with 75km to go a switch flicked and I thought sod it, I wanted to finish in daylight so I got my head down. The last control came and went, the final 30km went through the beautiful Forêt Domaniale de Rambouillet. I knew it was in the bag and eased off a touch so I could enjoy the last few Ks. With the Sun setting I rolled back into Rambouillet cheered and clapped along the driveway to the Bergerie National.

72 hours and 8 minutes was my final time. I set out wanting to break 80 so I'm chuffed with that. The final results take a while and although it's not a race I've been told I'm likely in the top 20% which sounds ok to me.

The next edition is 2027 I would definitely recommend the event. You do need to be a bit loopy though. 

After thinking on the second day about how much my bikes would fetch second hand, I'm now already making plans for the next adventure and can't wait to get back on the bike! 

Thanks for reading see you on the road.

In reflection:

In the days after the event my family and me spent some time exploring northern France, eating, drinking and relaxing. I felt immense pride and satisfaction having completed all the qualifiers and PBP itself in a respectable time. I raised £4336 for Motor Neurone Disease association, which will help in a small way to fight an incredibly cruel disease. My body was in good shape all things considered, my dodgy knee held up well and although my legs felt stiff they were fine in general. I slept well and ate very well for days!

I was back on the bike after 6 days rest and am currently working towards my end of year mileage goal.

What's next:  

In 2024 I will probably do a tour around Scotland and hopefully return to France and tour around the Alps. 

2025 I am thinking LEL sounds like a good Challenge. 😎

Thanks for reading. Vive la France !!

The Last Hurdle

In 2022 my 600km ride was my favourite ride ever. It had everything, great views, highs, lows and an enormous sense of achievement. So I was looking forward to this years 600km, I like the distance as the speed I ride at should give me the chance to have some sleep at the overnight control.

I had selected the Slaithwaite 600 which started and finishes in Doncaster and features an overnight stop in Slaithwaite or Sla-wit as the locals pronounce it! I had booked the Friday and Monday off work and the weather forecast was looking very good ! Sun cream would be needed and after a cold spring this was a real novelty. On the Friday I travelled up from Shropshire and had a short shakedown ride in North Yorkshire riding the famous climb of Greets Moss, this is one of the 100 greatest climbs series. When I'm not riding Audax I enjoy riding these climbs and aim to complete the 200 featured in Simon Warrens first 2 books. It was a very pleasant little 30km spin and shortly afterwards I arrived in Darlington at my hotel. After a 3 course meal at the local pub I had an early night with the alarm set for 4am. 

Saturday morning soon arrived and after a light breakfast at the hotel I rode the 5km to the start point. After signing on the large field of PBP hopefuls rolled out at 6am. The first 100km traversed the Pennines to the first control at Brampton, under an early morning mist we steam rolled the first few KMs I had chosen just to wear a light Gilet and arm warmers at this point anticipating the warm weather to come. Everyone else was layered up !! I was cold 🥶but after about an hour the sun broke through and as others stopped to delayer I rolled on in the lead group. We were flying climbing up the long draggy Yad Moss (another top 100 climb bagged) This climb is 16km at 2% we rode it at 26kmh !! It all seemed too easy and I got feeling we would pay for this tail wind later, but at this point the world felt like a wonderful place. In a group of about 6, warm sunshine brilliant views over the vast North Pennine landscape, it was perfect. We arrived in Brampton around 9:30 a 3.5hr 100km! After a CO OP picnic which was a little rushed because we wanted to keep a little group together. Little did I know at this point the best part of the weekend had already been and gone 🤯

3 of us rolled on towards Shap now heading south. The roads changed immediately from the long constant climbs in the Pennines to rolling roads in farmland, the riding continued to be pleasant without being spectacular. Crucially our change in direction to a southerly heading now gave us a head wind and the going was immediately tougher. We worked well together particularly on the A6, we stopped briefly in Shap and then Continued over Shap fell the famous climb in most peoples LEJOG route. After this I rolled into the next control at Carnforth, I was tired and hungry after a virtually non stop 200km. I rested on a park bench for roughly 30mins and then hit the road again. The next section was across to Settle through the top of the Forest of Bowland, the weather was great mid twenties and blue skies. These temperatures were not something I had experienced for the last 6 months and I felt drained and sluggish. Had we started to quickly ? Was I ill ? Whatever it was I didn't feel great and the terrain exacerbated the feelings. Constant short sharp climbs and descents were tough going, but the weather was still good and time was on my side. 

The next control at Settle was to have an actual control in the form of a camper van serving food and drinks. However it didn't open until about 6pm !! I was early and opted for Chips and a Coke in town. My appetite had gone at this point but I forced chips down. As I rolled back out of Settle I noticed the camper van was now in position, so I stopped again for cake and tea.

The next control was in Clitheroe and was reached along roads I had cycled before on another Audax. The sun was now cooler and I felt a bit better. After a quick stop I again pressed on towards the overnight control. At this point I had a decision to make the standard route followed urban roads through several Lancashire towns, I had made an alternative route taking in an Extra climb the renowned Crown Point (you guessed it another 100) this added a couple of extra kms and also additional climbing. the trade off was it being more scenic. I opted for the extra climb and don't regret it but it was tough, at the top I layered up as the temperature was dropping quickly and also phoned home to briefly say hello to my wife and kids. It was now about 8pm and I had another hour or so of light. The remaining section from the top of Crown Point to Miln Bridge (the over night control) was very urban and I just wanted it to get it done!! However from viewing the route prior to the event I knew there were two significant climbs still to be done. As it turned out they were bloody tough long climbs especially after 300+ kms. The altitude gain really meant the air temperature dropped rapidly and I was really cold for the last bit. 

The over night was great a hot meal was provided and then a large room with air beds, I grabbed a few hours sleep before being woken at about 03:30 be some of the loudest snoring ever recorded 🤣. After faffing with kit and grabbing some breakfast I hit the road again. I had taken more rest than most so was now behind most of the faster riders and was destined to ride mainly solo all Sunday, I was happy with this as my way of riding a 600 is to enjoy it and ride in the daylight hours. 268kms remained and the first target was the next control with a chance of a full English breakfast at the Happy Café on Sandtoft Airfield, I knew this opened at 08-30 and timed it nicely arriving bang on time. The breakfast was brilliant and just what I needed, looking back this early morning section was definitely the day 2 highlight.

Onwards ! Next stop the famous Humber Bridge another feature that had drawn me to choose this route. I had never cycled the bridge before my only previous crossing was by car many years ago. Its a great piece of Engineering and when opened in 1981 was the longest single span suspension bridge in the world. On the run in to the bridge I wanted to get a good picture on what was now a beautiful morning. On a downhill section the view seemed perfect, so in my wisdom I decided it would be a good idea to get a photo while still moving! 

Disaster struck I dropped my phone, It could have been so much worse as I could have easily crashed. I quickly stopped and retrieved the phone, the screen was smashed and the display totally black. It dawned on me how stupid I had just been. Never again, that picture can always wait till I have pulled over. I continued in a black mood, how can I contact my family ? Can I repair or replace the phone? What do I in case of emergency ? I crossed the Humber bridge under blue skies but was struggling to get my head back in the game.

The next control was North Ferriby a few KMs after the bridge. I stopped at the coop and gathered my thoughts, the phone was useless I could not unlock the screen to phone home but it was still connected to my Garmin so it was alive. Later in the ride the route passed through York I decided this would be the only real chance to get it repaired. I pressed on feeling better that I now had a plan but I had to reach York before the shops closed which would be 16:00 on a Sunday. The terrain had now changed to pleasant lanes through the flat lands of North Eastern England, The final control before York was a quiet village called Elvington, it was here a kind lady let me borrow her phone to contact Emma my wife and tell her all was well apart from the phone situation. Next stop York.

In York city centre I asked various people for directions to a phone repair shop. Anyway what transpired in the next 2 hours is a long (boring) story so I will be brief, no luck with the phone and after waiting 90 minutes for a failed repair I spent £250 on a new one. At least now I had a working replacement but a much lower bank balance. I had also lost 2 hours! 

The next leg was a 65km push to the McDonald's at Lemming Bar, It was now I started looking at the time! I'm not normally a full value rider and time limits don't normally enter my head, I had gone from thinking about my fastest 600 to having half an eye on control closing times etc. As it transpired lemming bar McDonald's offered a good refuel and the final 35km from there back to Darlington passed by relatively uneventfully apart from sharing the last section with my new friend "Il Pirata" !! I had cycled with this gentleman on the Saturday morning and himself and his kit bore more than a passing resemblance for the that of the legend Marco Pantani ! I never did get his name but I just called him the Pirate. We rode the last 20km hard and fast through and off, probably riding harder than either of us really wanted, but we could virtually smell the Arrivee.

Back at base in 37 hours, I had a mixture of emotions ranging from relief to disappointment at the slow time. Ultimately I am was very happy to be a 2 time Super Randonneur and also I had finally Qualified for PBP 2023. I'm going to France 😁 

Llanfair 400

Of all the Super Randonneur distances in 2022 I found the 400 the most difficult and least enjoyable.

So this was a date and event I was looking forward to with a huge sense of trepidation, I knew I could do it but would I enjoy it. The event I had chosen was theLlanfairpwllgwyngyll gogerychwyrndrobwll llantysiliogogogoch 400. Lets just call it the Llanfair 400 😁.

Its start was in Stockport at 9am which meant I could have a good nights sleep before hand and drive to the start from Shrewsbury.

The date was the 6th of May which coincided with some Royal nonsense down south so hopefully this would mean quiet roads and also it was a 3 day weekend with the Monday being a bank holiday.

In the days before the event every weather forecast was predicting heavy rain virtually all day, I really wanted to use my new Summer bike which would be a huge advantage on this course compared to my heavy winter rig. However I also didn't want wet feet all day and the mudguards would definitely offer some protection from the spray. So after spending a huge amount of time worrying and looking at a variety of forecasts along the route on Friday afternoon I got the winter rig ready and put my big boy pants on !!😋

I had just settled down for my dinner and noticed a message from a cycling friend saying forecast looks better ! 😕😍😎 Q a mad rush getting the fast bike ready.

We set off at 9am towards Chester. Downwind it was rapid and as we progressed a few in the group started to worry that the control at Connors Quay wouldn't be open !! We arrived at 11am bang on the time the control opened. God knows what happens if you're early, surely its not an issue.

The traffic free section of Cheshire greenway was nice, its always good to be away from cars but it also slows progress a little. Out of Connors Quay we headed on to the longest climb of the day, Halkyn Mountain. what a nasty little climb really steep in places with lots of  mini descents and a rubbish surface. Not one I would ride again. We then hit the coastal section from Abergele to Penrhyn bay (the second control). I stopped for lunch and paid £12 for a Jacket potato 😕. With my wallet lighter I pressed on towards Conway and the Sychnant Pass. The wind had changed now to a headwind and for the first time I was solo and felt a little low, I regretted the café stop which had left me alone. After the beautiful Sychnant Pass ( what a great climb) I started to catch riders again In a group of 4 (including Amy Hudson of YouTube fame) we worked together against the wind. I eventually pressed on alone and arrived in Holyhead at just after 5pm. An 8 hour 200 is very good in most peoples book but the return felt daunting to say the least. The control at Coffee cups Café was brilliant, I quiet garden in the sunshine with lovely staff and great food. I stopped for approx. 30mins, shoes off feet up it was bliss I could have stayed much longer but had to get moving. 200 k to do and the prospect of lots of kms in the dark spurred me on. I set about doing as many kms in the remaining light as possible.

It turns out Anglesey is hilly 😂 but it was really nice in the spring evening sunshine. I was soon at the Menai Bridge and after a quick photo back onto the main land. the next control was in Llandudno junction at a shell garage. I stopped and had a quick snack but also layered up. This would be the last stop in  daylight. 15km up the road I knew there was a McDonald's so I stopped again for a hot meal. 

Ok so now lets get serious 100 km left to do ! Dark but dry conditions so I hit the gas and rolled on. The route was really well planned because in went through the north wales industrial areas and around Ellesmere port which would be unpleasant in the week but late on a Saturday evening they were virtually deserted. The last control was Elton services on the M56 at about 350km by this point I was feeling tired for the first time and stopped for Coffee / Red Bull / Chicken Bites & a Donut 😋 all very healthy and nutritious !! But hey needs must.. The Last 50km was the hardest of the day and seemed to crawl by, I was chasing a violent thunder storm which I could see ahead, although I stayed dry the roads were very wet. All in all I was very glad to arrive back at Poynton at 02:40. 

My 2nd 400km done and it was faster and much more enjoyable than the first. I had good legs all day and the route was very good.

One more qualifier to go !! PBP getting  closer. 

  

To The Chapel 300km Qualifier.

My first properly long ride of 2023 was looming on the 15th of April and as normal I was looking at weather apps for various locations along the route! As has been the norm for 2023 so far the outlook wasn't great.

The forecast for Friday was abysmal, it rained and rained and rained. This made my mind up that it was winter bike weather. A choice of comfort over speed.

So after a night in Alfreton Travelodge I set off for the Start at 05:30, at the sign on two things occurred to me A = Wow there are lots of people here. B = Oh shit I've forgotten my water bottle !

After a mad dash back to my car and 5 minutes behind the rest of the competitors I started  with an extra 10km in the legs! I started to pick off riders as the KMs ticked by, but I don't think I ever really caught the faster riders. 

The roads were very wet for the first few hours and the bike choice seemed a good one. It soon became clear though that my saddle was a little to high, I had recently fitted a new one and perhaps foolishly not properly tested it. At the first control in Newark I dropped it a few MMs and all seemed well. After the Greggs in Newark it was onwards to the Second control at Woodhall Spa at 100km, the weather was improving by the minute and the sun was breaking through and roads drying out. In Woodhall Spa (somewhere I had never been before as was everywhere on this route) I intended to visit the dam busters memorial and Woodlands Café both were worth the effort 😀

After the 2nd Control at Woodhall we were faced with a headwind through to Chapel St Leonards but the sun was shining and the riding fairly easy. I planned fish and chips by the seaside and the village chippy delivered nicely so far the food stops had been 10/10. From this point on it would be Coops and petrol stations so for now I enjoyed the luxury.

I now turned north west for the long ride home to Alfreton. The next few hours were absolutely brilliant riding, the Lincolnshire Wolds are definitely worth a visit. The last control was Gainsborough and petrol station picnic. After stripping of it was time to layer up and take on the last 65km section into the twilight hours. I reached Alfreton about 30 minutes after dark for well earned Tea, cobs and cake.

In summary a great route (better than expected) and really good weather just a shame I couldn't use my fast bike. Onwards to the 400km in May.  

 

   

3 County Towns Audax 200km BRM PBP Qualifier

 Where do I start with this ride! Getting myself to the start was even a challenge.

After several months of waiting for spring and qualifying rides to begin, in the days leading up to the event the news and weather was awash with warnings of upcoming snow fall for the UK. After a mild and very dry February it was hard to believe that my local midlands area would be covered in the white stuff. As a kid like most I loved the snow but now as a cyclist I know that snow is the only weather that can in theory halt all cycling for days on end. The event which started in Crewe with controls at Stafford, Shrewsbury and Chester hence the name, was unique for me as I could have lunch at home in Shrewsbury. This also gave me a great knowledge of the local road conditions.

Thursday it snowed heavily in Shrewsbury, I ended up helping my daughter Isla with her paper round in a good 50mm of snow. I thought Saturday isn't looking likely to happen from a Safety point of view. That evening Brandon the organiser sent an event update saying the event is on but make your own decisions on safety etc. 

Friday morning a woke at 6am to yet more overnight snow and it continued throughout the morning. The temperature was also only hovering around freezing. At midday I was 90% sure I would be a DNS at the Audax. However the afternoon brought Sun and a rapid melting of Snow. I was 50/50 again. 

Saturday morning as forecast was very cold but DRY ! I loaded the car and set off for Crewe at about 06:30. On the journey I discovered my cars heater was not working so rather than a nice warm hour in the car it was a cold hour. At the start the hardy 20/30 riders who had braved the cold all chatted about what the weather may or may not have in store for us today. I met Paul Jennings of YouTube fame !! From what I could see from the Met office weather app It was a forecast to be cold but dry day with a tailwind from Shrewsbury to Chester, the only real concern being rain coming in around 4 to 5pm. Estimated I would be close to the finish by then.

At 08-30 we set off from Crewe for Stafford, after a few miles I was left at the front with just one rider Dave Brown. we rode the first 100km together and it was great, dry roads and we had lots in common including PBP but also crucially we were very evenly matched on the bikes. Dave is a goldilocks wheel man for me (not to slow not to fast) but at Shrewsbury we split as he headed for a supermarket lunch, I headed to my Dads house for sandwiches and coffee. At this point I couldn't help but notice the sky turning darker 🤔 

After lunch I headed away from Shrewsbury using EBrevet as validation (this helps massively when reducing faff) peddling away from home at this stage was very strange. It was now I started to realise the rain was going to arrive early! It got more and more heavy during the next couple of Hours towards Chester. It became truly miserable, not only wet but very cold. The roads still covered in debris from winter meant the disc brakes on my winter bike were soon making some lovely noises 😡

At Chester the route followed the river Dee though the tourist area past Grosvenor park, this is a lovely area on a nice day. Today it was miserable. At least I was now on the last leg back to Crewe. However with this change in course brought headwind that made the rain feel colder and heavier. Grit your teeth and dig in time! I don't remember much from the last couple hours apart from numb fingers and toes.

Eventually I got to the finish in Crewe market hall. 2nd rider back after Dave Brown, I just wanted to get validated and into dry clothes and back in the car.

In summary:

Good route, although a little strange for me to be doing an Audax on home roads. 

Good organisation 👍👍

Probably the hardest 200 I have done because of the weather, the last 100km probably the hardest most miserable I have experienced.

Still writing this a few weeks later I'm glad I did it ! That's the beauty of cycling even on the worst days you feel good after the evet. Type 2 fun.

Onwards to the 300km

 

2023 Entry & Qualification !

On the 28th of January at 11:00 GMT I could finally enter Paris Brest Paris. Two week after those with 1000km BRM pre qualifier, it was the chance of us with 600s to our name to snap up the remaining prime starting times.

Long story short, after a very stressful 30 minutes on the computer, with a the PBP site crashing twice I was IN !

50 euros paid and validated. My start time was set 18:30 in wave K on the 20/08/2023.

Starting at this time of the day is not really what I'm used to but it seemed the best option.

My plan at the moment is pretty lose, but I hope to ride through the first night and get 40 winks sleep at one of the controls. Then continue to Loudeac control and have a proper rest there after 400km. After that point I will rest as and when required at further control points.

The next step is to complete qualification. Results from a 2023 Super Randonneur are required from BRM events. As its PBP year there are loads of great options for each distance. The events I have selected are:

Three County Towns 200km Event Details| Audax UK - The Long Distance Cyclists' Association

To The Chapel Event Details| Audax UK - The Long Distance Cyclists' Association

Llanfairpwllgwyngyll gogerychwyrndrobwll llantysiliogogogoch 400 Event Details| Audax UK - The Long Distance Cyclists' Association

Slaithwaite Event Details| Audax UK - The Long Distance Cyclists' Association

I have also got a few events ear marked as reserves just in case I miss one of the above for any reason.

Onwards to a long Summer of cycling!!😊

Randonneur Round the Year

After completing my 2022 SR I was looking for another challenge to maintain focus for the remainder of the year.

So having completed qualifying events in the previous 4 months I decided to have a bash at an RRtY award, to complete this award you must complete at least 1 Randonneur event (200km or more) each calendar month for 12 consecutive months. 

So with 8 months to go I thought this would be an ideal way to keep fit / motivated through autumn and winter.

July

Barmouth Boulevard.

This event immediately appealed, Its start is local in Corwen, the route looked great with mountains and a coastal section. So I signed up along with 3 fellow club mates. What a day it was clear blue skies, scorching weather with tarmac literally melting in the afternoon. This route is amazing, as good as it gets in the UK. Bwlch y Groes was probably the highlight, having completed most of the steep climbs around the UK I would say this climb from the Dinas Mawddwy side is as tough as they come, and completing it in 30℃ heat with 100 miles in your legs is quite a challenge!

The top of Bwlch y Groes. 30℃ ! A harder climb you will Struggle to find.

August

For the last Summer Audax I went DIY and organised a Ride from my home in Shrewsbury to conquer the mighty Stwlan Dam climb. This is a closed road climb like no other in the UK with multiple Alpine style hair-pin bends at the top. Again with club mates from Shrewsbury this was a great day out in late Summer bank holiday sunshine. But with a heavy heart I couldn't help but think that summer was on the wain. 😕 Also it once again highlighted how difficult I find Audax rides with friends. Even though riding in a group often makes you quicker on the roads when moving, café stops take ages, mechanical faults more frequent and when as in this case you have a mix of abilities keeping a group together on a hilly route is virtually impossible. I decided that day that in 2023 and beyond club rides would be social but Audax's I would complete by myself. This way I could make new friends on the road but not feel obliged to stay with them at all times.

Stwlan Dam looking down on the probably the most Beautiful climb in the UK

September

This weekend in early September brought about a unique opportunity, with the queens funeral falling on a Monday and an additional holiday was issued. To say I'm not a royalist is an understatement (#birthlottery) but I will happily accept additional holiday's and the prospect of quiet roads was too good to resist !! So I planned another DIY Audax and this time it would be a 2 day ride. 200kms on Sunday and another 100km back to my car on the Monday the route was planned around the goal of ticking off Simon Warren 200 greatest climbs of the UK. Over the 2 days I did 9 short sharp climbs and was able to complete the south west climbs from the books. FYI now done 139 out of the 200 climbs. 

October

Its really starting to feel like autumn on the morning of this ride. Another DIY this time out to Bala and the Horseshoe pass, I started in the dark for the first time and it was a good opportunity to test my new lights. After 80km on the shores of Bala lake I had the best Breakfast of the Audax year a proper full welsh breakfast! Starting at near freezing temps, rising up to about 18℃ in the afternoon kit choice was difficult to say the least 😆

Top of the Horseshoe Pass in Autumn sun.

November

An actual Audax with other people ! the Salinae and Cotswold 200. 12th of November and the last ride on my Summer bike. Warm conditions, almost but not quite summer kit. A great event and route that almost ended a Garmin related disaster. At the first control in Tewkesbury I misplaced my Garmin in The Royal Hop Pole pub. Luckily after a frantic search a member of staff found it, continued and completed the event.

December

Its getting difficult now to find a good day and match a route to stick to good roads and avoid high altitude. Again I did a DIY that started and finished at my house. The day kicked off early on a uninspiring route, it rained all day but at least it wasn't freezing cold. That's the great thing about cycling compared to other sports, no matter how bad the ride was you always feel a sense of achievement when you've finished.

January

The new year started with floods and weeks of rain, I was worried about fitting the ride in. 15th of Jan, I made my move ! Another flat local DIY, to avoid forecast rain in Wales I headed east. This decision was great to begin with as the wind blew me along. Normally though I always try to avoid headwind on tired legs. The last 70km was very hard but again happy I made the effort. 11 down 1 to go !

February 

After a couple of DIY months of I entered an official Audax ! Spring Tonic 200k from Tewkesbury, a Mark Rigby Audax starting and finishing at the Royal Hop Pole. We were great on the day with mild weather for the time of year and the roads were fairly dry, although not yet summer bike weather. The first 2 controls at Leominster and Hay on wye passed quickly and then the hills began. I always find the first hilly ride in spring a bit of a test and this was no different. I rode on and off with a strong rider called Carlton but after about 120km I found he was pushing a bit harder than I wanted and we split up, this is always a tough call for me to make as its against my competitive instincts. However I will never just sit on some ones wheel letting them work. It was a tough second 100 after riding to hard at the start. I must learn to keep a lid on it early doors. Great post ride grub and beer back to the Pub. Well done as always Mark Rigby. This event was also a BRM PBP qualifier.

Well that's it 12 in a row. Really glad I kept going through winter. I now have the Badge and am on the roll of Honour 😃

Tour of the Borders and Galloway 2022

Last leg of my Super Randonneur.

After completing my 400km event in May one large obstacle stood in the way of my 2022 SR.

600km and around the Scottish Borders and Galloway forest, this is the ride that would define my 2022 season and the one I had been looking forward to most of all. This anticipation was also filling me with a few pre ride nerves in the days leading up to the event.

With the Audax starting at 6am in Carlisle on Saturday morning the obvious decision was to head north on the Friday. With the majority of England gripped by the first heatwave of Summer (30℃) it was surprising to say the least when my Friday warm up ride up Hartside Pass in Cumbria was completed in rain and mist, 12℃ at the summit. Most of Friday evening was spent eating and checking every available weather app for forecast around Scotland, it looked as if my luck would change and the weekend would be dry if a little windy.

600k day.

46 riders made the start line at 6am outside McDonald's in Carlisle after a brief pep talk from Andy Berne we rolled out at 6am. I was aware that the first 150km to Kirkmichael would be into a significant headwind, luckily I was able to get into a strong group and we shared the work. The kilometres ticked by quickly that morning to a point that I thought we are riding too hard for a 600! The desire to stay with the group and my natural competitive nature meant I stayed with them snatching the chance to remove my jacket at an info control I had to pedal hard to get back on. We were in Kirkmichael at lunch time for the control point and some food included in the entry.

Kirkmichael 144km

After eating and refilling bottles etc I was off again, this time solo this made a nice change being able to stop and take a photo etc when I wanted. The 150km were good in a group but quite stressful, a means to an end. The next section would see me negotiate the highest point of the entire course, the Shoulder of Shalloch on Minnoch at 1421ft at the top. This really took me into the Galloway forest and it was beautiful. After the climb I descended into Newton Stewart for another control. This was 200km a nice milestone to hit at 3pm.

Newton Stewart 200km

My next major target was to get to Abington Services at 302km before 10pm, this was due to the Burger king closing time and I wanted a Whopper !! The next 50km from Newton Stewart to Moniaive were some of the best I have ever rode. It seemed all planets aligned, The sun was now out it was finally warm (Scotland is cold even in June), I had picked up a tailwind and the scenery was nothing short of stunning. At Moniaive I knew there was a shop that presented the best opportunity for food and water before Abington. I bought some crisps and nuts and water but nothing else really took my fancy. Big Mistake. I phoned home and spoke to my Wife Emma and the Kids briefly, Moniaives local pub was very tempting in the evening Sunshine but unfortunately not an option. So onwards towards Abington (50km), It was at the top of the Dalveen Pass that I began to realise I hadn't ate enough. The sunny skies were replaced by foreboding clouds and the temperature dropped like a stone. I layered up and began the decent to Abington, my vision and concentration seemed impaired and I generally just felt rubbish. I picked up two other riders from the the original morning group the 3 of us rode the last 10km together..

Abington 302km

I got there at 8pm plenty of time for the a double whopper meal. I felt cold and weak under the service station air conditioning, so after finishing my meal I put on air warmers gilet and jacket. I needed gloves and leg warmers really but alas they were in Carlisle which seemed a million miles away at that time. When I got outside I found it was now raining 😠. So when all else fails deploy cycling rule #5 - Harden the F*** up. I was only left with 45km to Lockerbie lorry park and this was all along the motorway relief road. After 5mins the rain stopped and the road although a little boring was ideal for evening / night riding.

Lockerbie lorry park 348km

I arrived at 10:30pm solo and tired but I was now able to eat, grab a shower and try and get a little sleep using the bag drop facility provided by the organiser. I got about 2 hours sleep and after eating breakfast provided by the team of volunteers at the lorry park I began day 2. It felt good to be over halfway, and the first part of day 2 was a fairly benign stretch of B-road to Gretna Green. I love cycling early mornings everything is fresh virtually no traffic and you feel your getting one up on everyone. I passed a few groups of fellow Audaxers on the road, my 3-30am alarm must have been a lie-in 😄😄, but I was flying apart from the nagging pain in my right knee. This is an injury that's plagued me for 20 plus years, a legacy of amateur football days. Its generally ok but flairs up from time to time. the cold air wasn't helping (Scotland is cold - I wish I had leg warmers), I soon arrived in Gretna and Café was open, more coffee and second breakfast soon had me feeling human. I chatted to a few others who arrived while I was there, before continuing this time with another rider Sophie from Newcastle we rode back to Lockerbie together before splitting up again. A few miles with company was much needed after many hours solo.

Moffat 429km

I stopped again in Moffat another control point and took the opportunity to have my 3rd Breakfast of the day, a full Scottish this time. I was determined to stay fuelled today and not repeat yesterdays mistake. Straight out of Moffat was the days biggest climb The Legendary Devils Beef Tub, it was a climb I had done before on fresh legs, I was far from fresh this time and the Strava segment time reflected it 11 minutes slower this time!! The headwind since Gretna had been very hard going and my knee was very sore at this point but after the descent a right turn would mean the wind would be cross and eventually tail as the day went on.

 

Peebles 482km

Peebles had seemed a very long drag from Moffat and my lowest point on day 2. After a simple lunch on a bench outside McColl's I pressed on again the Sun now out and with only just over 200km to go I felt happy. I can do it, I thought. A traffic free section through Glentress and two spectacular climbs from Innerleithen and even more spectacular descents led to the next control.

Eskdalemuir 539km

The best control ever, bathed in sunshine after food and drink I didn't want to leave but I had 65km to go. These km's flew by with the feeling of satisfaction filling my mind, my knee was sore and now my right Achilles was very tight probably as a result of favouring the knee. I didn't care nothing barring a major accident / or mechanical could stop me now. After a quick control stop at Annan for ice-cream. (£1.10, I 💓 Scotland) I set about finishing by 6pm. I punched the air as I rolled through 600km on my Garmin and into the finish Control at exactly 6pm. 5 hours inside the time limit.

Carlisle 605km

The Brevet card was verified at the finish by Andy Berne. The finish point was conveniently also a pub. I spent the evening there drinking and eating with Andy, Sophie and various other riders who rolled in after me. Tour of the Borders and Galloway 2022 what a brilliant event, with organisation second to none by Andy and his team. Of the 46 who began 35 finished within the time limit. some rode through the night and although I could have pushed on into the dark, I think my decision to rest and enjoy the sunny afternoon on Sunday was wise and definitely more fun.

One step closer to PBP2023. Pre qualifier ✅ 

My fundraising is now at £960 for MND association.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/hamsterrides

The Longest Day

 For my 400k ride towards the my 2022 Super Randonneur I choose the Not Quite Spurn Head Audax.

I decided on this event as the date fitted well with my 300k and 600k events. It is also fairly flat which seemed a good idea for another ride into unchartered territory.

The Start was at Mytholmroyd just outside Hebden Bridge in Yorkshire at 5-30am 14th May.

Given the early start is 110miles from my house I decided it was a good idea to travel up the night before and take advantage of the sleeping facilities on the Community centre floor. I am still not sure if this was a mistake or not but in turns out a hard squash court isn't conducive to a good nights sleep. So at 4-30 after about 2 hours sleep it was time get up and get ready for the Depart.

We rolled out at 05-30 prompt and headed east through various northern towns on large fast roads, after only 10 minutes my rear light fell off and hit the deck. luckily I recovered it and it still worked, this was a huge relief as I knew I would need it later! The first 60k were hilly on mainly large A roads these were quiet given the early time of day but couldn't help but think they may not be so friendly on our return.

After the first control the hills and built up areas gave way to nice flat plains and great views across green fields broken up by the bright yellow of rapeseed crops in full bloom. Its so flat on the east of England and with a light tale wind I made good progress riding mainly solo but with the odd rider for short periods. This pattern continued with exception of a 10 mile ride through the suburbs of Hull which is not a place I will be looking to relocate to any time soon. The last 20km towards spurn point was into a light headwind I was getting hungry by this point, but with the Control at the café / visitor centre looming my spirits were up. 2 slight concerns were my feet starting to ache and an unusually sore bum!!

At the café I refuelled and took the opportunity to get my shoes off for a few minutes. So with 160km in the bag we turned north this was the first significant change of direction so far. The road took us past various north sea oil plants and many wind turbines but the flat lands continued.  Around the 200km mark I joined another 3 riders and we took turns on the front towards the next control a petrol station after 240km's it was now about 25 degrees. Surely the hottest day of the year so far and my feet were now killing me. At various points now for the remainder of the ride I would have to stop and readjust my shoes, without ever finding a solution to the pain caused by them swelling in relatively new shoes. My rear end was also becoming increasingly uncomfortable, this was a surprise as I have been using the same type of saddle across all my bikes for a few years. I was now learning the hard way that any small flaw in kit choice will be exposed on rides of this length. I kept going though, in my mind there was no alternative.

Various controls passed and the end edged ever so slowly closer. As the sun dipped towards the horizon I stopped and added a layer of clothing for the night section. At this point I learned my beloved Liverpool had won the FA cup. A beer would have be lovely but unfortunately not an option.

After hours and hours of flat riding the last 70km would be hilly and dark. This 70kms were the hardest of my life so far. Riding through various large towns and the connecting roads on a Saturday night was tiring and dangerous. I arrived back at the community centre at just after 1am I felt dangerously tired after the lack of sleep the night before, my feet were sore my bum was also glad to sit on something other than a saddle. The feeling of achievement were also mixed with relief after seeing a fellow rider knocked off his bike 5 miles from the finish by a drunk driver.

The event was superbly organised and the facilities at the base were the best I've experienced, but the event has taught me a few lessons:

• I need a wider saddle.
• Either new insoles or wider shoes are needed for future hot Audaxes.
• I will definitely be picking Audaxes in more rural locations where any night riding is required.

Onwards now towards a 600km in June.

Unknown territory! 200 miles 😬

So up until the 23rd of April my longest bike ride was 135 miles in 2018, I had done a few rides of similar distances and am now fairly comfortable with 200km / 130 miles. However I need to go further, much further! So the next hurdle towards achieving a 2022 Super Randonneur is a 300km event. I chose to enter the Oasts and Coasts 300 down in Sunny Kent. My club mate Eddie was keen to give it a spin as well 👍.

Having booked a Premier inn near the start I realised with the ride to and from the hotel it would be a 200 mile ride #doublecentury 🙂.

So after a 04-30 alarm we rolled out of the hotel at 05-15. After a quick coffee and croissant at the start we headed south at 6am. The first 100km were easy and fun, all new roads for me lots other riders in various small groups the first 3 control points passed and onwards towards the coast at Rye. It was here I was reacquainted with my old Nemesis.... Head wind and wow what a head wind this section was the dreaded Romney march, pan flat and the local riders had warned us to beware 😳. The flat featureless land accentuated the wind, but we had 8 riders in our group so we started a chain gang to share the work. This 25 mile section was hard but would have been brutal solo. We reached Hythe at 160km for lunch. 

by the shingle beach we found a pub for lunch before heading once more into the wind. The next 40km through Dover and Deal was quite frankly horrible. Just me and Eddie rough roads lots of slow shared use cycle ways and hills with very strong headwinds. When we reached deal I was grumpy like a bear with a sore head. We still had another 100km to do we had gone from flying along to a snails pace. After a mars bar and Lucozade we pushed on now with another group of riders, we knew as we gradually rounded the coast the wind would eventually be across and then maybe just maybe help. 🤞🤞🤞🤞

After dinner at Herne Bay we eventually had a tail wind..... Ohhh I love a taily 🌪

We now flew along weary but eventually making good progress. The last pitstop a 24hr garage and with the light now fading Eddie was finding things tough 😕,  his back aching and his bike making some worrying noises 😢 we limped along lights now on full power in the dark. I however was having a second wind, so was keen to keep pushing this wasn't what Eddie wanted 😅 but reluctantly I kept myself in check. Then he punctured the tyre sealed but it would not hold more than a few psi. We limped to the finish Ed and his bike battered tired but we had done it ! Pizza waited for us as a reward for a hard long day in the saddle. 

201 miles,  10774ft of elevation. 

Door to Door it took 17 hours but i felt good and could have carried on if necessary.

Great confidence boost for bigger challenges ahead.

400km next up in May all for the MND Association. 

Before heading home the next day I even bagged 4 @100 climbs in the area in another 40km ride 😃

Another 200k just for Fun !! Delightful Dales 03/04/2022

I decided another 200k would be a good idea to help get my body used to long distances. The Delightful Dales seemed to fit the bill nicely it included a top 100 climb that I had yet to bag. Another challenge I set myself few years back was to ride all the 200 climbs from the first 2 Simon Warren 100 graetest climb books before turning 50. I have done 120 so far including todays 25% Park Rash 6 and a bit years to bag another 80 but I must admit its getting harder due to the distances involved to get to them !! Anyway back to the Audax, Delightful Dales is renowned as one of the hardest 200k calendar events so it seemed ideal prep for longer challenges in the next few months. I arrived at the start early having slept locally the night before in a Airbnb, after a nutritious breakfast... yep McDonald's Muffin Mc sausage 😜 I shivered and drank tea at the Pendle village hall waiting rather impatiently for the 8am start. Then off we went, I planned to sit in the wheels to Park Rash at about 50k but as normal my competitive instincts took over. Will I ever learn ?? Probably not so I ended up chasing down quick riders and was eventually the second rider to hit the savage Park Rash. So how to ride 25% gradients when you have another 150km to go ?? slowly !! The weather was lovely cold but bright and we seemed to be flying along.

 

Having reached the top I was greeted to beautiful views, cows and Snow !! more snow than I had seen all winter in Shropshire. Yorkshire in spring !! Next stop Leyburn at 80k and it had been a breeze so far after a coffee and pasty pavement picnic from the local Coop I was off again, aiming to not spend too much time stationary I turned east for the 50k section to Kirkby Stephen. Ok so remember me saying it had been easy thus far ?? Well it was payback time the next 50k seemed to take forever, the clouds rolled in and the block headwind combined with long long draggy climbs made progress very slow. I was 4th rider on the road at this point. If only I could catch someone we could share the work, I could see 2 riders in the distance as we climbed towards Catterick Garrison firing range. I set about trying to reel them in but also not expend to much energy. I eventually caught the first rider but he was a lot slower than me so I pressed on eventually catching Russell Carson who I had rode with earlier and chatted to in the carpark at the start. We worked well together for a few Ks before he dropped back and once again I was alone. climbing up towards Kirkby Stephen. 

I knew from the Etape Du Dales route in 2018 that a long decent was my reward. Finally I dropped down Lamps Moss and into Kirby Stephen Costa for lunch. 2nd rider again I had lunch with the young chap who had kept ahead of me all day so far, his name eludes me but after a chat and re-fuel we continued towards home and the dreaded Coal Road (Garsdale Head) surely now a tail wind would help us ?? Nope cross head wind and my bike has developed a rattle.😡 I hate a noisy bike especially when riding solo, I was now out front but had to stop and tighten the bottle cage that was causing the noise in this time a few riders passed so now at least I would have a bit of company for the Coal Road. I have rode the coal road before with 100k in my legs today I had130k in my legs and it looked and felt like a wall but we got up it and at the top it felt like a victory. That's all the climbing done I declared !! The rider next to me shook his head and said Cowgill is next !! Well I couldn't hold his wheel on Cowgill I was flagging, wind and cold were getting to me I stopped regrouped had a pee took a gel and decided to harden the F*** up . #rule 5!! Eventually at the Ribblehead viaduct we turned left got a bit of relief from the wind, crosswind home now but I was low on food and water. I remembered Settle was on the route and would surly be a good place for scoff. I got a quick mars bar and Lucozade and headed off again the last few miles on a busy A road really stung my legs were cramping then out of nowhere 3 riders came flying past I got on the back and when flew the last 5k back to base. first group back what a ride.  It turns out I overtook the 3 riders in settle they had fish and chips !!

I know its not a race but it was good to get around quickly, next time I will smell the roses more, and have fish and chips !!

300k ride on the 23rd April #strapin

The First Step to my 2022 Super Randonneur!

 March the 5th 2022.

Myself and 6 friends from my cycling club - Paramount CRT headed south to Tewkesbury for Mr Pickwick's March Madness 200km Audax. This was a first Audax of the year for myself and I had been itching to get started for the last month, after the awful wet weather of February it was a relief to see the promising weather forecast on TV in the days leading up to the event. The only problem now was the fact I am still recovering from Covid and feel like 💩. We stayed in Tewkesbury the night before and did some carb loading in the local Italian restaurant and managed to avoid too much beer. 

On the morning of the event we arrived at the starting point which happened to be The Royal Hop Pole public house, after a nutritional breakfast 😉 we were off ! First stop Bromyard after a quick pavement picnic at the petrol station (yes Audaxing is very glamourous) the bulk of the riders who started in large groups were now splitting up into small groups or solo riders. We generally were left as a group of 7 after the first 50km. I noticed on the day that as a group of 7 we were some of the fastest riders but we took longer faffing and eating periodically during the day and as a result slower solo riders kept overtaking us. A cycling version of the tortoise and hare 😐.

Next stop was an old mine in the forest of dean, this site is now used as a café 100km in the bag and wow did we wolf down some food to compensate. 🍗🍖🍕🍔  

Out of the forest and on towards the Severn bridge, I had been looking forward to the river crossing. Its a big bridge on a bike what's not to like 😂. After a few team photo's and a pummelling from the northerly wind we turned back into the that very same northerly ! We had been spoilt for a large part of the first 130km we now had 70km left into the the teeth of the wind (oh joy). The 7 of us worked together all taking a turn in the wind at the front and soon enough we were at the last checkpoint after 160km. Another café another table full of cakes 😋. After refuelling we headed out again and on to the gravel sector ( yes Audax is hip and cool). I love a bit of gravel but on 25mm tyres and with the sun rapidly setting I was a bit nervous of a potential puncture. 6 of us got through the 5k section unscathed  unfortunately Eddie " tarmac only "  Emblen had a tumble. He missed the canal and just got a bit muddy, Ed dusted himself down and we pressed on through Gloucester and back to the Arrivee in Tewkesbury. 

A great day out in chilly spring sunshine with good friends. I feel good after 200km but the thought of 300 400 600 1200 is a little daunting to say the least. Oh well in the words of Captain Webb "nothing great is easy". In April I have a mega hilly 200k and my first 300k to look forward to. Onwards and upwards.

"If you know you will succeed it's too easy"