Day 9 - Our first finishers

Welcome to the start of the 2nd exciting edition of the Great British Divide.

Riders gathered near Canterbury yesterday from all corners of Britain for registration, and it was great to welcome a handful of international riders this year too. I think the longest journey to the start was from New Zealand.  Now that’s some commitment to come and ride across Britain.

At 10am this morning, 24 riders set off across Kent for their ‘gentle’ start to the massive adventure that lies ahead of them. From the outset, a blistering pace has been set, considerably quicker than last year.  We've had a heatwave, and now a drought in the lead up to this year’s start, so it’s not looking likely that we’ll see a repeat of tales of trenchfoot setting in just yet. In case anyone is wondering, there is minimal risk of rain, it’s not even too hot, but they will have quite a head wind greeting them on the top of the South Downs, and that is likely to sap their energy. The weather couldn’t be more different to last year at this stage. 

It’s mid afternoon now and riders have begun to spread out, but are being led by Rufus Wenlock, Donnacha Cassidy and Joe Nation. Although there is a chasing group hot on their heels as they approach a long tarmac section which may see speeds increasing even more. They won’t want to stop for long if they are to keep up front. Already we are seeing a friendly rivalry between Rufus and Joe.  All eyes however, will be on Donnacha, who finished in 2nd place last year.  He is known for being able to just keep on moving and can surprise everyone with how far ahead he can get whilst everyone else is sleeping. He’ll certainly be keeping Joe and Rufus in his sights.
So far, Rufus has lost his water bottle, and taken one or two wrong turns, and yet still hangs on to the lead. Maybe it’s all down to the Christmas cake he’s carrying.  I’d love to know the story behind that.

It will be very interesting to see what riders 1st night strategies are, especially as a very long off road section across the South Downs Way starts after riders leave Polegate.  They will find no shortage of places to Bivvy once they get to the Downs, if they decide to sleep at all.  But what will they do?


Day 1 – Where’s the rain??

Thankfully the first day appears to have had no major drama's, other than Joe Nation losing a fight with a bee.  That hasn't slowed him down though as he continues to ride in the top 3 with Rufus Wenlock. 

Most of our riders have now reached the South Downs, where they will encounter mostly rolling wide gravel trails, sheep and amazing views across to the sea. Whilst it seems likely that the riders at the front will push on through until morning, others will undoubtably find plenty of options for a sleep under the stars. We shall discover in the morning, who slept and who rode on through.  I'm sure that many are playing the long game, and not rushing through the early stages.

The progress of the riders along the route is fast, and the trails are dry and flowing (what a difference a year makes). I wouldn't be surprised to see a few riders arriving at CP1 before lunchtime tomorrow. 
Unlike the riders, I'm going to get some sleep now, as I plan to get out and about tomorrow dot hunting.

Enjoy some pictures of the first day

![Day 1 - 9](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1cRy93lVpsZqmEvsvVlDk1/2379731688238289bca669c2ffab2ffe/Day_1_-_9.jpg)

![Day 1 - 13](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1TvwpFu6Mpdx9wdPoihBXD/5c98704717b5219b926bbc2d784caf60/Day_1_-_13.jpg)

![Day 1 - 12](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1MQf6Coc51Rgnz4iFtD2QZ/04d8da72c01b3424257fa9f8d014b0f8/Day_1_-_12.JPG)

![Day 1 - 18](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3gYRXXU8czTJs9WjyrusNU/5be9bafd6a7a09c443d828b7d005e885/Day_1_-_18.jpg)

![Day 1 - 26](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7ErHpiYC3agA6W4wfUHitk/ccf18a6b3c8bdd27542cd92604c54737/Day_1_-_26.jpg)

![Day 1 - 31](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1dBSJDpBrKV0ZDCbMFyZas/926a80cace26cf235be622917dcbd661/Day_1_-_31.jpg)

![Day 1 - 27](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6t7t5FlOB2c9Vv9ovxDHth/e88e680af6628bd959dd7d1d485c6991/Day_1_-_27.jpg)

![Day 1 - 28](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5SAuyFf3IARrylY0Nh5BsP/e274685c72bf6622e894702bb876b309/Day_1_-_28.jpg)

![Day 1 - 21](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3zwKkDemGgz5nUoZRFyvmr/17f199fb58ae2e7b60502cba3887e3be/Day_1_-_21.jpg)

![Day 1 - 14](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/63J7Qu6eb3QYJQJdziPGws/9830c465b17803acaddb0e16033d8e07/Day_1_-_14.jpg)

![Day 1 - 17](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6GwHcaWrMY86gMt7RKkziP/8322680db10d8002ba6751104abad068/Day_1_-_17.jpg)

![Day 1 - 10](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1dBj2V0JjZ1SnFjVzvsO5s/4705319f44901517865c16d0cc2340d0/Day_1_-_10.jpg)

![Day 1 - 19](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1S6lrFEpS1qWlpeGeQJeTL/573b032296b8207e3ceea8d945a82b5f/Day_1_-_19.jpg)

![Day 1 - 20](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/66yekrt9cTcOlxQuFroWY4/9e13321734c3e480aeae7ee9cd0041cb/Day_1_-_20.jpg)

![Day 1 - 25](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4ozMbMCNSNcJgIIRVH5AO4/2b5461dc2999c24a29c0c6e17e7e04ba/Day_1_-_25.jpg)

![Day 1 - 30](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/56Gi0A9v4xJRqVYwAupaL2/7ee9d3bd20cb581829c5ab05d9059fb2/Day_1_-_30.jpg)

![Day 1 - 29](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/77VZSSskVveuHYMa3GFmxZ/a62a062828937d8183322bf1e549fa91/Day_1_-_29.jpg)

Day 1 Round up

Good morning from the South Coast. All is quiet from our riders, as most managed to snatch a few hours sleep somewhere on the South Downs, and then got an early start to try to miss the weekend crowds.  Yes it can get very busy up there at weekends.

In case you've missed it, it's become clear that this has quickly split into 2 races.  The front group of 5 riders, (Donnacha, Carl & Guy, Joe & Rufus), mean business and although overnight strategies have changed the running order,there is only around 30 km between them all.  Donnacha though, as predicted is storming ahead, and looks likely to make CP1 in the next couple of hours. 

The 2nd side of the race is everyone else. They have formed a steady stream across the South Downs, with Craig Bunyan and Sven Brommann leading this group. With dry but dusty trails across the Downs, it's a great time to ride it, although during they day they will likely meet quite a lot of 'traffic' on the route.  Traffic in this case meaning, walkers, runners, dogs, children and more bikers. Hopefully though we'll see most of them reach CP1 before the day is done.

### Scratch Report 
Unfortunately we have 2 retirements today.  
Young Sam Phillips found himself not feeling quite right yesterday, the heat, dust and humidity possibly playing a part. He opted to take an early rest to see if it would settle down overnight.  But sadly he decided that this wasn't going to be his year, so made the call the scratch.  We hope you feel better soon Sam.

Our 2nd scratch was rather a dramatic one this morning. Chris Busby had made good progress across the downs overnight, but on his descent into Amberley, which is a particularly steep one, his bike hit a rut, and off he came.  Although he mostly got away with a few bruises and dented pride, his bike didn't fare so lightly.  A broken frame meant the end of the (gravel) road for Chris. But, of all the places to finish, he was within sniffing distance of a main line train station, so at least his options for getting home are reasonable. He's going to hurt once those bruises come out, but thankfully there were no worse injuries for him.  I hope your journey home is less eventful.

Right, I'm off now to go and chase down some dots.  Have a great Sunday

### Photos 
![Day 1 - Night 3](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1oPMOHmVl4jhZKyusT1WoV/abd886002701b3db022e53d05bd36425/Day_1_-_Night_3.JPG)

![Day 1-1 Peter Justin Gerald at Jevington](//videos.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/OJZl7CG7zfUfxqm0xUeuG/0ae44c2dd662b754339faa53e6a3b159/Day_1-1_Peter_Justin_Gerald_at_Jevington.mp4)

![Day 1 - Night 1](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6jQprjkY738Cbb85ZgGfLY/9e99bf5e65ce8e48338a4a3cd5abc246/Day_1_-_Night_1.JPG)

![Day 2 - 1](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2hzOiUwHVbXBuIgoiHs65A/ccd00386b0ad250d87278bfe978fa34d/Day_2_-_1.JPG)

Day 2 - All is calm

The field has really spread out now as day 2 has seen a mix of fortunes. 

At the front, Donnacha is still storming ahead, spending the absolute minimum of time not moving. He quite possibly has the most efficient stop strategy of all the riders. Although he did stop for a few minutes to catch me up on things after leaving CP1 on a high ridge in the New Forest. I won't give away too much, but when it comes to food, it's a grab and go scenario everytime. He doesn't even waste time charging unecessary tech. As dotwatchers, we often think that some riders never seem to sleep, but he is planning on sleep every night, although it might be somewhat less than the rest of us are used to. Despite being covered in dust, he looked pretty fresh considering he had just ridden 380 brutal km in 26 hours. He did admit however that he's having a problem with his shoes.  They are pinching him, but he has a potential solution, that might involve cutting out a hole to relieve the pressure. So, if you see him on the road, check the side of his right shoe, it might just have a make shift air vent.
![Day 2 - 8](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6H5vCEVjZa92LNXqbdOT27/9af8088e6dabac0280dbfeb365ed2258/Day_2_-_8.jpg)

![Day 2 - 11](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3oANWvDfE5tpl200MtfyuT/e9d251d5fde5d26ae1e5f55739616ee4/Day_2_-_11.jpg)

I then headed to CP2, since it was lunchtime and riders were spending more time there as they refuelled for the next leg.  I missed 2nd place rider Guy Jennings, who is now riding solo having left Carl Simmons at CP1 (see scratch report). I did arrive however, just in time to see the New Zealand riders Joe Nation and Rufus Wenlock arrive into Lyndhurst.  They lost their 2nd & 3rd place last night, as they slept a bit longer than the others, but that meant arriving looking pretty fresh and chirpy.  They are taking the idea of a long distance race being an eating competition to a new level, with Rufus opting to buy 4 cheeseburgers in Winchester, 3 of which he was still carrying in his cargo pockets by Lyndhurst.  Apparently since I saw him, he has now upgraded his cargo pocket stash to include pizza. Maybe salty, warm, hours old burgers and pizza is what's needed to ride at the front of the pack.....I'll let you decide.
![Day 2 - 13](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5jJWtwMElFmK3oj99I2YwH/4d88161a4bfe44753119ca54fa722f16/Day_2_-_13.jpg)
![Day 2 - 15](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1800ELNR5cDqzwXFBZGO7I/dc1a925b85979878a0542371ab72d73f/Day_2_-_15.jpg)

There really isn't much distance between 2nd and 4th place.  It's clear that overnight strategies will make all the difference in the top 4 at this stage, as they all make excellent progress during the day. How much sleep do these guys need to be able to continue at their current pace?  We shall see over the next few days.

Half the riders have now cleared CP1, and it's likely that will be it now for tonight as I expect the rest are looking for their overnight bunk.  After a cloudy and sometimes drizzly start to the day, the evening was beautiful. A group of riders cleared the South Downs late in the day, but others are still in its grip. But I do hope that they took the chance to take in the views.  From the top of the eastern end, the Isle of Wight and the whole coastline was as clear as it's possible to be. 

All the riders I spoke to said the South Downs were so much harder than they expected.  There is a perception that it's easy riding down south, but the South Downs is around 100 miles of never ending sharp climbs and descents, with minimal road sections and no let up. There are also a lot of gates to be dealt with. With a headwind, high humidity, and a significant amount of dust, it would have been a sticky & hard day for our riders.  I know some will be sleeping wild again for a second night and I wonder if the combination of salt and dust on the body might start to cause problems tomorrow. 

There are 5 remaining riders out in the Downs, although our Laterne Rouge Tony Marvin headed for Brighton earlier in search of a bike shop as he's been having wheel issues.  Will he get back on route tomorrow?  We shall have to wait until morning to find out.

### Scratch Report

We were sad to say Goodbye to Carl Simmons today at CP1.  He had made outstanding progress across the South Downs over the previous 24 hours riding with Guy, but the pace and the brutality of the terrain had done it's damage. What started as a niggle in his knee was getting steadily worse, and he made a judgement call to scratch rather than risk lasting damage. We hope that things right themselves quickly, and that you'll be back on the trails again really soon.  

I've enjoyed being out and about chasing riders across Hampshire, but it was for one day only. If you get the chance to find them out in the wild over the next few days, get out and give them a cheer,  I know they'll appreciate it. Also, it would be great if you could send us any photos you would be happy to have shared on Dotwatcher.

Enjoy todays photos.

![Day 2 - 3](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6Kfbi5YweMhYyh2Qix3Evv/c249a0a143ce19f07345aa9b745e0df1/Day_2_-_3.jpg)

![Day 2 - 6](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2aWOQJjBATFF0kJfiemXdn/bb1af6856c73775eda20d07758e15c5f/Day_2_-_6.jpg)

![Day 2 - 5](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/15M7QajuuKjibwPqDyprxZ/fe41bac66fcc5d9bdceb7e55cc90bc94/Day_2_-_5.jpg)

![Day 2 - 4](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4x5l0EtAHFXPK44GS4Wd3m/c573c7c240ed6f1ff299d08783b6db17/Day_2_-_4.jpg)

![Day 2 - 7](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7cVuU71IP2MQOkgSNmOSfv/40d086e430c1e6f02bac1119af5871c2/Day_2_-_7.jpg)

![Day 2 - 2](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3xfnUYnjUuhxkAcCGjd8H9/c638f3b528dd463d1db6c871adefaa96/Day_2_-_2.jpg)

![Day 2 - 12](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1496gBpGA968NLFyhSqW1j/e97c26da3b17b7785acd081d2c72094f/Day_2_-_12.jpg)

![Day 2 - 9](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7IBHa6RL638SeN693uoRFX/3743c0a96ec46e25c103067a254039e4/Day_2_-_9.jpg)

![Day 2 - 10](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/gJGrL2NVH9tM9yLdfXdq9/b140f032bd73c2748aa1c9a029c323eb/Day_2_-_10.jpg)

![Day 2 - 16](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4kFR8r2zlazt4Io7CWvQmW/34ae5158e9df33b7f12dd5b6c249988d/Day_2_-_16.jpg)

![Day 2 - 18](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7bCqn20XUVgiXh24JO5HPd/b148ea56100f886984910e81318d6a16/Day_2_-_18.jpg)

![Day 2 - 15](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1800ELNR5cDqzwXFBZGO7I/dc1a925b85979878a0542371ab72d73f/Day_2_-_15.jpg)

![Day 2 - 19](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7IEXt6b8sgSO3tqdD0IVjx/29ab1fc0c7d19733bbc8706df40dba86/Day_2_-_19.jpg)

![Day 2 - 20](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/hn0Flzb2atE1cNKWuWDBE/a3ffd8b310f37b382a3fecb68423c52f/Day_2_-_20.jpg)


Day 2 - Dust, sweat & tears

After 3 days, we still have 21 riders, enjoying the Great British Delight (as Simon Vale described it yesterday). At the point of writing, there have been no further scratches.

Last night saw a variety of different sleep strategies.  Most of the riders that had cleared CP1 by last night, stuck to the usual hedges & fields for their beds, but with the mid pack group having mostly cleared the South Downs by late evening, Winchester hotels saw an surge in hot and bothered cyclists looking for rooms. Those behind them who were still in the Downs mostly managed to find B&B's or hostels overnight, and we now only have 1 rider still riding this section.  Tony Marvin had to wait until this morning for a bike shop in Brighton, but is now back on route trying to make up time.  He told us that he's happy to take as long as it takes, and as our oldest rider, we say "chapeau".

At the pointy end overnight, Guy lost some time trying to navigate the Avon Cliffe aqueduct in the dark, but yet somehow, we still found him in Chepstow this morning with Donnacha waiting for Greggs to open. The top 4 have already cleared CP2, and are making light work of the 'undulations' of Wales.  Donnacha has sorted out his shoe, by cutting a small hole in the side, and apparently it's working a treat. 
![Day 3 - 13](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/nOl60Yw10prwGYuaskXL0/22405931c6124f2dd2332989a1a0561e/Day_3_-_13.jpg)
![Day 3 - 14](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5rh1NR2VLub6ANsqLbN48h/119a59be02174c39712d60bf2772372c/Day_3_-_14.jpg)
NZ pair Joe and Rufus are still loving life, and seem to be unable to wipe the grins off their faces, despite being shattered.  Maybe it's because they have moved up a place, and left Guy at the bottom of the hill.
![Day 3 - 15](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/11OfS5mE7TY9p4sVq5kqP5/1a5ba6638060c9408a25993cd7fa8a92/Day_3_-_15.jpg)

![Day 3 - 21](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3wP3i0NEgVodCySXXDh57r/64e2d895d03b800fd39c4bb1c124aa9e/Day_3_-_21.jpg)

![Day 3 - 19](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5PGCWIeSWBvksMlkmTqNg1/c07a79b61342986fafe4e775ae8fe4d9/Day_3_-_19.jpg)

![Day 3 - 17](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5M3jJShqEP5L6GtqWaeyAz/acb7d01c05754c7372314f9eaf1929b5/Day_3_-_17.jpg)

![Day 3 - 16](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4OWBLnU6VHHJ2uSdEWNcFq/ba291abba02fded411815cc78e26309b/Day_3_-_16.jpg)

![Day 3 - 20](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5pYJ1UHVSNejwrsB908PXf/f63b557f136e5d42f229de7755fe1ba9/Day_3_-_20.jpg)

Craig has now crossed into Wales, with the group that is Olivier, Sven, Nick, Ian only a few km from the bridge.  Callum and George will also easily make country number 2 tonight. My guess is that Alan, David and Simon might make the crossing in the morning, with maybe another hotel stop before Wales.

There haven't been too many dramas today.  Simon somehow managed to lose his Tailfin pack off his rack this morning, but retraced his steps and found it. Justin decided he had too much stuff, and posted the excess home. There are tales of numerous saddle sores at the moment, so riders are starting to take care of their nether regions now, before the route gets more remote & brutal. 

I'm sure the weather gods will throw in a clanger at some point over the next 10 days or so, but for now riders have dry and fast conditions to ride in, even if it's all a but dusty and clammy.

Enjoy today's selections of happy looking riders, thoroughly enjoying the ride.
![Day 3 - 18](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3BU8IchAXCCIlVraXGZZ8u/0b369f6502279b1af3dac646ee9d9533/Day_3_-_18.jpg)

![Day 3 - 9](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/30QjYVp8MNZtj73wakyRyB/8906193ca8cb1a19c44b9c80fff04718/Day_3_-_9.jpg)

![Day 3 - 11](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/40dUbwcCNRu34bsqjQkIoh/a1c5baa0eab09b996df9d3f80b977c76/Day_3_-_11.jpg)

![Day 3 - 7](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/74f47jbaluiXHzxo1HPytf/0a7750c9b4e392cabdd62c3a5b5986db/Day_3_-_7.jpg)

![Day 3 - 8](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7vvzG5Iid0wxbFsebEytlV/6c1a321147ce6db51782ea0beda7d3e0/Day_3_-_8.jpg)

![Day 3 - 2](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1BkbELL0LlWv0Pomy55X4S/68b1787ff4f34a08b5e6d5c95fc9e7ad/Day_3_-_2.jpg)

![Day 3 - 12](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4rK3JvBMR5Ih0xMFk7BSnX/bc9c21d5096de9d9c19e499330d3ff58/Day_3_-_12.jpg)

![Day 3 - 4](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6HN41cHYNDsdTK0uwKVS7X/f3c7ca40b8e3c94504061710f1340c94/Day_3_-_4.jpg)

![Day 3 - 5](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3O54rm7k0JisFGASESWF39/a5ab7cf8c05127c421d9da4f473597c9/Day_3_-_5.jpg)

![Day 3 - 6](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/WqcYXdKmfC2Jch4HX4U6A/fbafded1592cb82a8c811f13b8eac918/Day_3_-_6.jpg)

![Day 3 - 3](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5AapSmWJRruVAt00FVlMJz/d9e7d1f6efff65ac28778a5819187d19/Day_3_-_3.jpg)

![Day 3 - 1](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3UsRVCGFCjtCyS3R8mMXkr/b365747e1efe20ec759f80a3389dade6/Day_3_-_1.jpg)


Day 3 - Busy Checkpoints

When you watch riders at the sharp end of races, it's easy to make the assumption that they are simply quicker and stronger than all the other riders.  But, that's not always the case. Our current top riders are riding at a strong consistent pace, that's for sure, but some of the riders further down the field are also close to matching their moving speeds. What really divides riders progress is efficiency. The stats show an interesting picture.

The top 4 riders are averaging between 240-250 km per day. Donnacha and Guy yesterday logged moving times of over 23 hours. Suggesting very short sleep times, and stops limited to single digit timescales. We also know that Rufus and Joe are averaging around 4 hours wild camp sleep per night, but as their moving speed is slightly quicker than Guy's, they can still keep him on his toes.
But it's early days yet, and the next group have had more rest, despite having quite simlar moving pace. 

Let's not forget that at 2000 km, with such a huge amount of tough off road sections, this is a long race. Is 4 hours or less sleep each night maintainable for the leaders, or will they need some longer stops along the way?  At the moment there is a gap of around 100km between the lead group, and the next riders.  Building up that gap makes it less risky to take a longer stop further along the way. I look forward to seeing how this plays out as they cross Wales.


GBD Early Stats

Event organisers are a funny bunch, but all have one thing in common.  They want to create the very best experience for riders whatever their chosen niche.  Some rides are simply brutal for the sake of it, whilst others are routed to be beautiful and take riders to places that they might not ordinarily discover.  The Great British Divide is a healthy mix of both. Over the last 12 months the route has been fine tuned, and in some places completely rescripted to include more of the beauty of the landscape, whilst removing a few of last years more brutal aspects. The riders are certain in for a treat. They are certainly look to be enjoying it so far.

Repeat visitors to this event will have already noticed route changes after the New Forest with the route heading straight north across the Salisbury plain ranges.  And now that riders have arrived in Wales, there have been a few more subtle route amendments. At 830km the route takes a completely different route towards Ellesmere, which should mean a much more flowing but still tough ride back towards England.  Donnacha is in the new stretch now, and it will be interesting to know his thoughts on this section.

The next major route changes won't been seen until riders hit Scotland.  There are some small changes down south which will improve the flow, but after Kirkintilloch the whole route has been redesigned. The new route looks stunning, and I'm sure the riders will love it. 

Will the route change again next year?  I guess that will depend on feedback from the riders.  A route is never 'final', but this year's route looks pretty darn close.


Day 4 - New and improved

It's been said many times that many endurance sports are 20% physical ability and 80% mental ability. To some extent that's true, but without months of physical preparation your body is going to break down pretty quickly. Riders of an event like the GB Divide, are having their bodies tested to the limit.  No only do they have to ride 2000km, but a huge proportion of that is off road.  Not just simple bridleways, and canal paths (although they do feature), but the relentless South Downs, Rocky Welsh climbs, and the Penine Bridleway, and that's all before they hit Scotland. Factor in being self sufficient and having to find all their own food & sleep arrangements, then you start to understand how events like this can break people pretty quickly. 

The mental side of a race like this is harder to train for.  Experienced ultra riders, or even those who have come from another ultra discipline will have honed their problem solving skills and mental toughness over the years.  And that's the thing to remember.  It takes practice.  Until things go wrong and you have to solve a problem on the road, it's not always certain how you will react.  On a long race, the riders start to spread out fairly quickly.  Currently on the GBD there are around 700km separating the leader from the Laterne Rouge. That in itself takes a lot of guts to not be despondant. The riders near the back of the field will be spending many more days out in the field, and mentally that's a tough place to be.

Many of the riders have encountered issues along the way, but they've been solving them and moving on.  This is a gutsy bunch of riders this year, and it's a pleasure to follow their dots.

### The last 24 hours
5 days in, and there is all to ride for in the top 3.  Irishman Donnacha is still clinging onto the lead, but NZ pair Joe and Rufus are hot on his heals giving him no margin for error. Donnacha has been spotted in the wild, and the NZ boys are keeping us updated with videos of Wales, weather and waterfalls, yes they do reappear when it rains.
![Day 4 - 9](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7QQox0WYkKGKsqV3O1ILU/f2f38bb3363b0d874c4cdb5f256452ee/Day_4_-_9.jpg)

![Day 4 - 16](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/23Uk8Rqzmd3imXZ3NZNKO3/d20a637ad0e023faf9f3a424918bb7ec/Day_4_-_16.jpg)

![Day 4 - 17](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5pYUyg9prwieUxsKRpIV9k/284ebe95c8f88ef9cb4795b54bd07805/Day_4_-_17.jpg)
Guy who is still in 4th place however, is not having such a great time.  After another nightime navigation error last night, he has been suffering some significant neck issues.  For him, his 'race' is over, but he's still with us for now.  We hope that after some rest he'll be back riding and can still enjoy the rest of the route with the pressure for a top place off him.

There's a steady stream of riders now heading through Wales and they are experiencing all kinds of weather - there is a good reason why Wales is so green. 
Craig had a bit of a GBD21 reunion at CP2 as he was welcomed by Jon Kelley who is manning the checkpoint and was one of last years finishers. I'm sure that a cwtch from Wales was very welcome.

As they entered Wales, we noticed that George and Callum were no longer riding together.  Callum was having a few issues with pain management and decided to slow his pace down into CP2, so George went on ahead.

Simon is in the middle of the pack, but is thoroughly loving his adventure through the British countryside, even the Welsh rain doesn't seem to wash the smile off his face. Justin is the same.  Although he's finding it tough he's still smiling.  Let's hope they still feel the same when they leaves Wales.

Towards the end of the group, it looks like Steven, Scott and Phil will cross the bridge today. We were a little concerned about Steven earlier when we saw his dot at Bath railway station, but he's back on the move now so hopefully everything is ok.  All remaining riders have now cleared CP1.

### Scratch Report
Sadly, we had two scratches on Day 4.
David Winton called time on the ride near Bristol, but consoled himself by having a proper pub lunch, and using Bristols fab & flat cycle lanes to get to a hotel. 
After leaving CP2, the pains that Callum was suffering from, in particular with saddle sore and a bad knee became too intense, so he scratched at Brecon. 

I mentioned at the start that these events are tough on the body, and I know that some other riders are also beginning to feel the cracks appearing.  As Wales does it's worst, and then riders reach the Penines, I wonder how long some can continue. It could be a very interesting few days coming up.

![Day 4 - 2](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6HXr4HZe1Bp6RbakDRtt35/ef11c323fbafa0782f0016348037bdda/Day_4_-_2.jpg)

![Day 4 - 5](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/tgzQC4mX0jwi2WAi2e6DB/236089521eb0cb91db3aa4b54b35158e/Day_4_-_5.jpg)

![Day 4 - 3](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2IuS0i199KwoO6huxY2BHK/e7faa2066cd623b7858b9ec57a9266f4/Day_4_-_3.jpg)

![Day 4 - 6](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/49h0UXN4CzcRx4j1iAsPTh/1ccd48bf9b74dac0e4ebb193917fcfe0/Day_4_-_6.jpg)

![Day 4 - 4](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7JzHqqxL411cSAfgYP4M8n/1e24aed45215b3882f15cea72ee6bb48/Day_4_-_4.jpg)

![Day 4 - 7](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/WgUdn1NA3WmrM2sRsSNPR/2b99e06258d79328bd3fd6177ee0a016/Day_4_-_7.jpg)

![Day 4 - 8](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7mSvXaSh3D3SbVfL5mJ6pF/b6c64061cb503a37a6e66faec9f5f6ae/Day_4_-_8.jpg)

![Day 4 - 1](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3pIrqPrajFZJXoairccDCb/8731967699a8b72ad9fd33d7578fc7ef/Day_4_-_1.jpg)

![Day 4 - 11](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1CN4woiqronkeJGP4auBhr/0bd95d61cbfa673041c464b756659fa5/Day_4_-_11.jpg)

![Day 4 - 10](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/23mW96OJWckkNxLBaafcYC/e589935d5d297f9859129dc6345f8e85/Day_4_-_10.jpg)

![Day 4 - 13](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7r8VWKal5Q6i8KUP393pK4/247450cfe3119292aa480f397f8fe6c3/Day_4_-_13.jpg)

![Day 4 - 12](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/36WHEVlZkTNaV3qYcCAnUC/ca5309a3fb8e0913bec128c26a211d9c/Day_4_-_12.jpg)

![Day 4 - 14](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7Lk57tfusXplbEglpwKha0/fd7ce128203317935ffe4c8f5547a98f/Day_4_-_14.jpg)

![Day 4 - 18](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/64BTVjJvho6eYKkzPM0P9A/b354f6a98e35092d914bcd9073daeeed/Day_4_-_18.jpg)


Days 4 & 5 - The cracks are starting to show

It's day 6, and our lead riders are approaching CP3 at the Dales Bike Centre (hosted by more of last years riders Ceri & James Bicknell).  There really is nothing between the top 3 now, although Donnacha just manages to stay in front. They've managed a few soakings along the way, which is certain to be making the going fairly tough in places.  Also, I believe these 3 are spending most of their nights outdoors, so it must be particularly grim at times.

South African guy is still currently holding 4th place, but it's clear that his neck issues are still causing him problems and Craig is catching him up.  I do hope though that Guy is still enjoying the ride as much as he can.  He came a long way for this.

The next group of riders to have cleared Wales are Nick, Olivier, Sven & George. Ian is a little further back, but should make quick progress through the next 60km, which are largely flat with lots of resupply options. There's a sense of relief from these guys that they are now half way through.  There's something to be said for knowing that you have ridden further than you have left to go. 

Our next group are heading into North Wales now, with time having been spent in Machynlleth for recovery and resupply. Simon & Alan are keeping each other on their toes, and are very close together.  Peter is currently in Mach, undoubtably eating his body weight in food.

Further back in South Wales we have Steven who has just cleared CP2, Scott & Phil.

I admit that I'm fascinated by Phil, and love watching his progress.  This is a seriously tough event, and one riders need to be in full strength for. For Phil, this really is a passion and a huge personal challenge.  He is riding to fundraise for CMTuk, which is a charity that supports people living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (No I hadn't heard of it either). CMT is a progressive disease that damages peripheral nerves that affect muscles and movement.  Muscles in hands and feet gradually become weaker which is naturally a big issue if you are a cyclist.  Phil suffers from this condition and has poured his heart & soul into getting in the best possible shape to be able to even get to the GBD startline.  He may be the Lanterne Rouge now, but he's still moving forwards, dealing with each problem as it arises. Like everyone else, his body is struggling with the task it's been given, and I am willing him forward with every pedal stroke.  Follow his Instagram, and maybe encourage him in the comments, or even more with a donation.

### Scratch list
Tony Martin scratched officially yesterday, after he had more bike woes and decided enough was enough for him.
This morning we also said goodbye to Justin Dean and Gerald Herradura.  For Justin, the ride was taking too much toll on him generally, and Gerald was suffering saddle sore upon saddle sore.  His description was saddle sore with small babies around mummy saddle sore....I think we get the idea!

And then there were 16.  Not bad actually at this point in the race.

![Day 5 - 1](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7C2GGqpG8iPzAmZp39PBw6/fe9ee1f7dd3cb3cac9c5e8ca5fc40f3a/Day_5_-_1.jpg)

![Day 5 - 4](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2wx936U1wJusiEY3UZLuYP/3a983345420156cd74b1644cb4defe94/Day_5_-_4.JPG)

![Day 5 - 2](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2En7txA7gEDkHrUEvM41VH/66ef5037eae8c516ec9e8fa62efd595f/Day_5_-_2.JPG)

![Day 5 - 7](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/56HYUX0iWNd72uKTsiA7Ba/3205e976e6fececdfe1a49ea45a8743e/Day_5_-_7.JPG)

![Day 5 - 6](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5tag81YLenLl2xsUJ8h7SD/7b3a0849b037f7ce3cc5a523eaa90ae8/Day_5_-_6.JPG)

![Day 5 - 11](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7h1QCeZbHvueFVRquAdeka/d77e026ae901915d323990b257ef0f5f/Day_5_-_11.jpg)

![Day 5 - 12](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5hoWvndJfTGtUKdVq8Q8pY/06b7643655a8d10839d5ec6bc8bece1c/Day_5_-_12.jpg)

![Day 5 - 8](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3nluHN8kKuJjNwgGUwCRDn/914ed63d246ab0f5a6ba19905e73c074/Day_5_-_8.JPG)

![Day 5 - 10](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5zUEiGh50oAyS4DhNImH5G/131d429f95212bbb00a80099ff032c90/Day_5_-_10.JPG)

![Day 5 - 3](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2Ui44k5pCVZ1TffKUgcKG3/75c84c7e70c9de4ded69922be1ccefb5/Day_5_-_3.JPG)

![DAy 5 - 13](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2IHFqviAsrbZwKeJqy96PE/dea61514e5de1e7ebe12995ed7084081/DAy_5_-_13.jpg)

![Day 5 - 16](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/OiEsjMPJlDNBFhjL4OJNG/878c0d9dbc65d91ffcad859d310c5618/Day_5_-_16.jpg)

![Day 5 - 14](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/Ei2dVRqe04mQsrIPHXbTj/12fe89725182b945a86c18c9badb4198/Day_5_-_14.jpg)

![Day 5 - 17](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7hCAz43DVihw7uVosi0AuJ/d798c44e3009219ecc045ed37944f2f0/Day_5_-_17.jpg)

![Day 5 - 15](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/I5bRQrEJYyQUhJ5d9ZE4l/dc4f510cda1f5f2583dd20bc75469ab8/Day_5_-_15.jpg)

![Day 5 - 18](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3kiWGrLNYlKgNcLMLwBPvV/af935d122e239a226cbbe0932134bf47/Day_5_-_18.jpg)


Day 6 - Weather the saddle sores

This is turning out to be a pretty exciting race to the finish.  It really is too close to call whether riders from Ireland or New Zealand will get to the end first.  Donnacha and the Rufus/Joe pair have been leapfrogging for the last day and a half. If they all survive it, I think it will simply boil down to who needs to sleep more, as they seem to be really evenly paced when moving.  Rufus did falter briefly earlier today, and the pair split so Rufus could sleep, although he then somehow managed to overtake Joe and the happy couple are riding together once more.  What’s even more impressive about these three is that they have already reached Scotland…outstanding. They will I’m sure be relieved that the sun has come out again.
![Day 7 - 5](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/48QAp0fkjTPH5GfRWUj0jV/d9dc129163ca1ffc463cf3c46bb2921d/Day_7_-_5.jpg)

![Day 7 - 2](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3Mod2JsabpilVMKncbk1ha/8b967b0097cb765604e7fc20ce9008e1/Day_7_-_2.jpg)

![Day 7 - 3](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5fcF2GRcjI9ABAoI8QDHuq/bdce0165d7fde9d6af1e1513750383ff/Day_7_-_3.jpg)

![Day 7 - 4](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/DpZMx24j0zLBGqRdAalyh/79cbb5875e18a8f666e74ea7b443e6e4/Day_7_-_4.jpg)

![Day 7 - 6](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/WO4EeMfWPSArX6uoXEIc6/1da99969b71f801fb87f5d6fb5734d06/Day_7_-_6.jpg)

![Day 7 - 7](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3LJwM1vxyUQmRyHYH2WV0Z/ea51ef3e027a756afc1d12cc3df795bb/Day_7_-_7.jpg)

![Day 7 - 10](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/ECHqzlT7gOPnaSLIyqmsS/42421f9dedc82536d3bf567346ef0e81/Day_7_-_10.jpg)

![Day 7 - 11](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/64xYlHWyFriVUBME0nNwJw/30aa0ce138d274b124c7713f7146bd96/Day_7_-_11.jpg)

![Day 7 - 8](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7hI08Vp1iMfVSw1WECQshu/3b063479de4c3df8fd0a822512fddc02/Day_7_-_8.jpg)

![Day 7 - 12](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2xOYSsXa6Lf57MxKk02tuq/a07a93afdcc8a4dce3d48bca2fba1a9d/Day_7_-_12.jpg)

Dotwatcher Tim Roberts has been Dot hunting over the last couple of days, and has sent us some photos of the mid pack riders out on the course.  They are all looking in fine form, taking each day as it comes. He caught up with Craig, Sven, Olivier, Nick & George yesterday.  Great photos Tim.

![Day 6 - 7](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/bQkX4HkJO1MZ9Q1TVUznR/b8669a05b92a674f5b62ecd9020106f1/Day_6_-_7.jpg)

![Day 6 - 8](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/RWX2WtG2zNHI9W859hgTV/04fa8682bba77336afec9f411e70089a/Day_6_-_8.jpg)

![Day 6 - 6](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2P2PKa7F602uWLTn9j9tnN/2ff23c6f3c02f029a4fb390934019c9f/Day_6_-_6.jpg)

![Day 6 - 2](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3fO2YKlKTonKGMC0eXTsQS/02d6bcfc5ecf5a2b76defe9e0d9f971c/Day_6_-_2.jpg)

![DAY 6 - 1](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/37oaNNQpn3kMkp96DtSH7V/78a723da2f1c0eb34c095bbe3be388b3/DAY_6_-_1.jpg)

![Day 6 - 4](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/48ZnHoenSiyYWb9cjmudVS/f68e10627fc822a2481b26cd93cc2ac0/Day_6_-_4.jpg)

![Day 6 - 5](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1tcABvLvO6m4q0SaYiMGli/40f8afe272161cb0ee9f94ab21c58b68/Day_6_-_5.jpg)

![Day 6 - 3](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4ve5P5GYrq16vD0O0Mjvx7/3755fd534bd139542203bde09007b573/Day_6_-_3.jpg)

![Day 7 - 19](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4sKu4Yk9aXdqiPmhqcRUaO/0e0edd633c8da581834170fec77a9f82/Day_7_-_19.jpg)

Today he caught up with Simon Vale, who is still entertaining us with his video diaries, which include talking to himself, singing to viewers and generally having the time of his life. He also found Alan Velecky who also has a similar ‘no camping’ approach to the event…no wonder they always look so fresh.

Craig is closing in on CP3, and I suspect it will be tomorrow before Nick, Sven & Olivier get there. Ian, Alan, Simon and Peter are further back still, so it will be Sunday/Monday before they check in. Our one remaining rider is Steven.  He’s reached Machynlleth, and is riding at a pace that works well for himself and his body.
And talking about taking care of bodies……

### Scratch Report
We have lost a few riders over the last 24 hours, as the impact of the journey, takes its toll on riders bodies. Phil was really happy to get to CP2, but after clouting his knee with his pedal the day before, it had swollen up significantly, and made it too painful to continue riding. 

![Day 7 - 14](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/62AktiRXEDjGhNYPqrD3sy/dc8084d2465742622a087fa502fafcc9/Day_7_-_14.jpg)

Scott also decided it was too much for his body.  Like many others, his knees had taken a battering, and he called time on his battle with saddle sores.

Guy, who had been riding in the top group, had been struggling for a couple of days, in particular with issues with his neck.  Somehow he managed to get out of Wales, across the Midlands as north of Manchester with his neck in a brace.  He came up with some creative ways to continue riding to take account of his inability to hold his head up, but called it this afternoon when it just became impossible.  You have to give him 11/10 for determination and grit!
![Day 7 - 1](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5LxfiUaRYTGfKpJ3KTEAha/3d51c62d3a2a2a0b2bb3f91b3c9cdf24/Day_7_-_1.jpg)

And finally we said goodbye to George.  He continued solo after Callum retired at CP2, but by the end he too was broken.  His hands and feet took the battering, and he called time at Mam Tor. 

As far as I am aware, the remaining riders although really tired, are in reasonable condition after a week on the trails. 

If you can get out and cheer some along at the weekend I’m sure they’ll appreciate it.

![Day 7 - 17](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3t0JAfGyhOPPusZiSiBQ2i/b8738b48e3061c33549fed81b4c0cc68/Day_7_-_17.jpg)

![Day 7 - 18](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2k5OYB15aEnbybrUt4Xz42/b1e8b0ebcccbe41e0d603b6c52e7c43e/Day_7_-_18.jpg)

![Day 6 - 9](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3EZSqK884XFIxDo5FaWpgd/500246a9c80df85167b43ab6ac5e2ad9/Day_6_-_9.JPG)


Day 7 - Sunshine & Scotland

Marcia Roberts

The second edition of the Great British Divide is set to be wildly exciting; big names, high passes, rough terrain, unreliable ferries and undoubtedly a good sprinkling of the notorious British weather.

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