Life In The Saddle

What would be your ten ingredients for a perfect cycling event? Mine look something like this: Great weather - it is always better when it's warm and sunny Great roads - a mixed terrain (preferably mountains), adds variety Great planning - a good route and signage; no-one likes getting lost Great people - riding companions and event helpers are a key feature Great food - tasty pre, during and post ride refreshments are vital! Adventure - something new and different is exciting Competition - a bit of gentle rivalry always adds some exhilaration Back-up - sometimes things go wrong; it's good to have a contingency for peace of mind Nice kit - your bike and riding kit are all part of a good ride Atmosphere - friendly support fuels an incredible willingness to take on a challenge! On Saturday, I rode the Mallorca312: a sportive/race around the perimeter of the Mediterranean island, it had all of these perfect ingredients and more... It was, quite easily, one of t...

"Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing at all." Helen Keller Last year, I rode a number of "endurance rides"; including a 200 mile ' New Forest 200 ', the 303km Dragon Ride , and a non-stop 483km (300 miles) from Falmouth to London along the Trafalgar Way. Some would call it masochism, some madness; but in all honesty, I just enjoy riding my bike. I enjoy riding my bike, and seeing how far I can push my boundaries; there's no greater feeling than breaking them down and setting a new horizon. Earlier this year, I heard about the Mallorca312 challenge; a 193 mile sportive around the perimeter of Mallorca. Perhaps it's because I'm an Islander, perhaps it's because I've spent my life-to-date doing laps of an island either in a boat or on a bike; whatever it is, I felt a real urge to take part in this sell-out sportive. 312 kilometers is a challenge in itself, a big challenge; especially when the route features 4000+ metr...