The sun sets on the Great British Escapade

Day 4 - The end is in sight

The final Escapaders have arrived, the hall packed down, and tired, smelly riders return to their corners of the country to sleep it all off - quite possibly in a long bath.

This edition has seen the largest field by a long way.  Some are becoming old hands at it, but many others were complete newbies at off-road ultra challenges. Like an series of Friends, the Great British Escapade editions are usually described by weather. There is 'the one with the biblical rain & mud', then there's 'the one with the 100km Headwind' you get the gist.  But for 2023, it's hard to say what the weather memory will be.  There was a headwind across the Downs, and anyone left riding today will most likely have overheated, but other than that, conditions were near perfect. And the riders certainly enjoyed themselves...relatively speaking. 

So, rather than you read any more waffle from me, here are a few thoughts from the riders - after all, it's their thoughts that count, not mine.

*Legend Kev 
Great event 
Great turnout
Great company 
Couple of days I’ll be ready for another go *

*This was one of the most amazing and meaningful experiences of my life.  I had a great laugh,  lost my mind. Met some absolute legends and fantastic chats. How strange it is to be able to be in such immense discomfort whilst having the time of your life.* 

*I still cannot quite get my head around how tough it is, when you speak to friends and family and explain they nod in agreement but really unless you’ve had a go you cannot fathom the extreme lows and huge highs this type of experience gives you. 
I spent most of Saturday swearing at myself for entering and putting myself through the pain and relentless climbing my wife agreeing saying the same thing, “sell the bikes do something normal” but there’s something that's addictive about putting yourself though it. *

__And for my personal favourite__

*It has been brutal and beautiful in equal measure. 
It was brutiful!
See you next year.......?*

![6c085773-9514-4ac3-9686-ba0c14cd5245](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/21JCIlT54ShJHm7Moo6ddy/8cacdb2a407f2e72cf08d0e17e82e7ab/6c085773-9514-4ac3-9686-ba0c14cd5245.jpeg)

As the sun rose on the final day, the remaining riders, of which there were many, put their heads down for the final slog to the end. 
# The south is easy!!
It's an oft stated thing that off road riding down south is easy. But that's not the view I heard from riders who were almost at the end of the South Downs section yesterday. Even riders very familiar with the Downs were looking broken when they passed through. Some were very clearly lingering a little too long in Alfriston as the knowledge of Kevin's 'bonus' climb was almost too much to bear. 'Is it over yet?' was uttered often. I reassured them that after the Jevington loop there would be miles and miles of tarmac, a 24hr McD's, and some flat stuff. 

The problem with the South Downs Way isnt so much that it's hard (it is), but that they had a headwind all the way, and it had been preceeded by 100 miles of North Downs Way and very little sleep. All those that made it through all of this and are still plodding on to the end are heroes, all they need to do is keep turning those wheels, even slowly. Kent will throw a few extra punches before the end, but they can get this finished. There's plenty of time for sleep when it's done. 

![3d47e344-24e8-4c56-b4fd-0f9fc96fbba6](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2dWf4GxT8m8g6tykgR0k3S/c97faf25d0458bc829e2372bb453e6c1/3d47e344-24e8-4c56-b4fd-0f9fc96fbba6.jpeg)

![0f49c4b0-036a-402b-8436-d4d04ea54661](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7p2zexssIhcE9GfUZygeRO/60db6047ecdb163c72d2f0f5eba18940/0f49c4b0-036a-402b-8436-d4d04ea54661.jpeg)

# Road Closed
Riders nearing the end last night found an unexpected obstacle after the Police closed a road on the approach to Charing. The beauty of modern technology is that Kevin was able to quickly research a way around and pass this onto the riders following behind. Crisis averted - for the riders at least.

# Observations
Even in a sleep deprived state, riders can still spot some interesting signs along the way. The lure of a Helter Skelter in the middle of the woods was considered for a moment. 
![50ec61a6-4d84-42af-8736-1ae6038a0ada](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1DA2HiMOBIPBQfMa1CrLey/3882a1c6433cb2549dd3ef575537b0e7/50ec61a6-4d84-42af-8736-1ae6038a0ada.jpeg)

Others cursed the number of gates along the way - however, it's worth noting if you are considering doing a future Escapade, although some of the gates are really inconveniently placed, the vast majority are easy open, and self closing ones - so things coukd be worse. 

![991eba2a-cfcd-4a07-b502-50d1b5953ccb](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3EPEMQMIoOYY04wEEnyN9H/691093cc46255dc2b130930d5570dbc6/991eba2a-cfcd-4a07-b502-50d1b5953ccb.jpeg)

![f4968a05-db94-4c4c-9e32-63cf378cfadc](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1HdPTFgxm0DoDRDjabfojS/377b3d0560bd3a9d7f71a615c70d7c26/f4968a05-db94-4c4c-9e32-63cf378cfadc.jpeg)

# Early Finishers
![e18872cd-bdb1-4b06-9a8b-11785e2b7514](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/kTXYByj5FGwknLAeiEVh5/331c53936c57beaacbdef5973c8d1c4e/e18872cd-bdb1-4b06-9a8b-11785e2b7514.jpeg)

![fc1e4e71-3f79-49cc-b87a-1fd0fb47f950](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4j9A3WjutSCE6PVX4Fkn6U/3d77df999b29c94b77cacb3e1465d85f/fc1e4e71-3f79-49cc-b87a-1fd0fb47f950.jpeg)

![a7bd6529-c6ba-4ca7-aa5e-c3ed780140bf](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6Wlf9bkmndkh5h44VHilBU/46165a6e7a9dcda797e277165e08641c/a7bd6529-c6ba-4ca7-aa5e-c3ed780140bf.jpeg)

# Scratches
I havent listed the scratchers this year as the field is too big, but there have been quite a number. Although a handful were due to mechanicals, the main reason was sheer exhaustion, or not having refueled sufficiently. On the South Downs section in particular, there aren't any shops at all on route until you reach Alfriston, and the handful of cafes along the way are usual cafe hours only. Even if you were to ride off route, options are limited. You have to have enough onboard fuel after Haslemere to be able to sustain you to Alfriston, especially if you aren't crossing in peak hours. This caught a few riders by surprise, and its a long section. 
Riders who camped on the Downs were caught out by how cold it was too. These are all factors in sapping emergy. 
I do hope that those that scratched though arent to discouraged - it's a hard event and even getting theough the first night is an achievement. we hope to see you back to finish what you started next year. 


If you passed through CP2 yesterday, you might find your mugshot here. 
Out of hours tea & coffee available through the night by me - after all it was a further 20 km over a few more Downs before any chance of coffee!

![97367396-AEBE-466F-B896-2F491ACE5B47](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1u7iBljYx2wSuKlwt4nJtc/1b9a13a1595c6201136c922f93d93c2c/97367396-AEBE-466F-B896-2F491ACE5B47.jpeg)

![8667bc9c-50d9-4cb7-af17-f4b9614e5b35](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2GBEdo2ujbnCHdVGPLQK3n/f7bed9e9cc6bb13370dd73d10ef2fd49/8667bc9c-50d9-4cb7-af17-f4b9614e5b35.jpeg)

![IMG 8071](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1lbBDF9YWD8edE328IN7sQ/1287ff41576f5ee1454cbea735fa0058/IMG_8071.jpeg)

![IMG 8086](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/19GfQDmJ85g8hmGDNIMZZn/90f11c4b54eadcf30cc7031ebbc4db7b/IMG_8086.jpeg)

![IMG 8101](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2cOyrtfIGS6Fd8MYpGh0Dm/b255183ffce108d30dd566652040fb2b/IMG_8101.jpeg)

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![IMG 8107](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1SkVR2V5kVoV4hiaIkDPLf/694f0ac34952fa4cb00651e01ec5104d/IMG_8107.jpeg)

![IMG 8103](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5sszGAr1Ib5cP3qT5Imx96/34a22c072816de2e6f902c4cfa00b15a/IMG_8103.jpeg)

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![IMG 8112](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4V1VkgDaWU481LRoyt1my7/f10808db31464cedffe681f5bc7f8a47/IMG_8112.jpeg)

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![IMG 8091](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2EcTNNCYbLvrEyVWHoy4Fu/d5904e33efaaedd3f5c90e8bc9e35750/IMG_8091.jpeg)

![IMG 8121](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7g1Pt2RDEXJIdnlWYPzU3u/392818f3315f02b7a0a7f494f07769dd/IMG_8121.jpeg)

![IMG 8119](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2rYaba9yBw2jLarPFBc913/5dd940f5599cd72918803df60c362c57/IMG_8119.jpeg)

![IMG 8130](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/0bQlvNv0npcD97svZAA3H/4a586c747e90a1fa5c2f782a24eeca30/IMG_8130.jpeg)

![IMG 8149](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3IjQKH16YWU8lgKtWvVbXd/f52d5bbe7970b9936e57cd35be65e214/IMG_8149.jpeg)

![IMG 8133](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/cpvvxHJbtICBSjkOO9Q0Z/2bc8a499169566f53febe8af64d543f7/IMG_8133.jpeg)

![IMG 8141](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3dKHVTCaBzZD0tyDqVqAET/f4baf3bfc6211f1b4f6f1a9570720343/IMG_8141.jpeg)

![IMG 8134](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5R4nuNhsacBYGelKqzb3T5/38210ab85af2d0c5ff910fa5379bdeba/IMG_8134.jpeg)

![IMG 8146](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5GHfeNKNBiHUuV1CChfsLS/f34738b112efc89b0795b562367d61c7/IMG_8146.jpeg)

![IMG 8144](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/xHKAUq9whlX3Y3aSLzKaT/b1d42c0338d8f5a32bc88beabf719cb4/IMG_8144.jpeg)

Photos from CP2

Welcome to Day 3 and Saturday has seen a steady stream
of finishers, many of whom just grabbed a very short sleep somewhere on a very windy South Downs and cracked on in the early hours. 
![IMG 8069](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6WDyA4OqpbmKiU0C0kS1Fs/395f5eaa803dc135856b866477284d39/IMG_8069.jpeg)

In the middle, CP 2 has been active since 6am, with back of a van coffee provided (proper Audax style), by yours truly until the shops and cafes opened at 9am. And the lovely team at the Singing Kettle cafe in the centre of Alfriston have been keeping riders fed & watered all day. The Deli has been popular too for riders just passing quickly through. All something for our Lantern Rouges to hopefully look forward to in the morning. 

# It's harder than I thought!

The word from the riders has been that they’ve been loving it, but doing the South Downs Way after a night of riding the North Downs Way is some kind of specialised torture (I agree - it broke me too last year). Combined with wall to wall hot sunshine and a headwind, there are broken riders all wanting that bit of reassurance that the South Downs is over. Sadly, not quite, Kevin isn’t quite that kind, and has added a special loop…the reward being an amazing coastal view over Eastbourne. What I have been able to reassure riders of is the promise of plentiful tarmac, once they complete the Jevington loop, and a much more forgiving final 100km. 
![b6c04126-bc53-4d8b-8732-8d6f0d7f08c1](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2Mho5plFVFUtKWs5rdi7ZV/a893aae2eb5560feea58c6c7e7a59122/b6c04126-bc53-4d8b-8732-8d6f0d7f08c1.jpeg)

![321f7852-2189-4cbc-84f2-6988f9f1f4ec](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6ADqf3v9zacfPDYzGIerJ8/2d6b7d003596c7312df6ead27c644f73/321f7852-2189-4cbc-84f2-6988f9f1f4ec.jpeg)

![88648513-d77e-47a0-aab5-0e898981d0f1](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5rmXTI8YTeeF7gdCpJ3NkW/f10288884beea13782c40a69b3e048a6/88648513-d77e-47a0-aab5-0e898981d0f1.jpeg)

![0d7ce390-2725-4ce4-9bc8-c6ebe316686b](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5xa12o3V4nGFNI5PGSq5EZ/aa4b6cc02c59f0f28c80140767800c20/0d7ce390-2725-4ce4-9bc8-c6ebe316686b.jpeg)

![e23437fc-b40a-4bb3-92f1-ffdd4f738a82](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/761AdJDNBkpP2T8snOjEhJ/5fdfea4d6880d3c912491d61517afc3f/e23437fc-b40a-4bb3-92f1-ffdd4f738a82.jpeg)

So far, everyone who is through CP2 is on target to finish, even if they plan a hotel stop, hopefully they believe me. We'll carry on following those dots, there's still plenty of opportunity for remaining riders to get to the end on time.
(Sorry about the limited pics, weak signal is preventing upload) 

Day 3 - hot, hot, hot

# A wide field
The field this year spans a vast area of the south east. This eveing, whilst some riders are just leaving the North Downs and looking for a Sunday finish, there are others very close to finishing. But for the bulk of riders, They are closing in, or doing battle now with the South Downs and a rather annoying and energy sapping headwind. 

# Everything could change
Many riders have yet to stop to sleep, and after the headwinds across the Downs, the dozies will be setting in. So will our riders just take a short nap and crack on, or will some seek out a hotel to rest up in? Decisions made overnight coukd change everything. But one thing is for sure, with the number of riders who have already passed through CP2 at Alfriston, Kevin is in for a sleepless night tonight at the finish. 

# What else has been going on?
Last night we found out that Phil had an altercation with a Badger, luckily they both appeared to come oway unscathed, but he's now more wary about what other animals he might encounter in the night. 

Craig came across a wildfire on some heathland and promptly called the Fire Brigade - what a hero!

![76170de5-d2e6-4536-ac3d-0a94c69cfc1e](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5uiytmEl2kWjbsQ8Ike3pi/cfbf96c6511fa9910194c36bff47e5a1/76170de5-d2e6-4536-ac3d-0a94c69cfc1e.jpeg)

As always, food is featured, but the ice cream at Ditchling Beacon was certainly a winner today.

![5a4206f6-4a0e-4ee6-8b32-eda20b497c4a](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/56xdwotNPyI1eSGU28hkiC/ecafb895c13ef464192050ad5badb3cc/5a4206f6-4a0e-4ee6-8b32-eda20b497c4a.jpeg)

# Sunset

Sunset on the South Downs is always magical, and can make you forget the hell of the headwind briefly, and a great photo is just the reminder you need when considering whether it's Type2 fun or not.

![d48ccfb7-484e-4ebe-ac34-7fdabb9114eb](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3r0DEmjip9OTV39Ap9viVC/bff42e0e17f8a49fbaaf3a611038025d/d48ccfb7-484e-4ebe-ac34-7fdabb9114eb.jpeg)

Enjoy a few other moments from today.

![61e2ae23-5e8b-41c8-9e4d-87195f4e002f](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7qsgpGR0ofqXwTfzT248yV/d2d63b385ed72cafea771911fd0b545f/61e2ae23-5e8b-41c8-9e4d-87195f4e002f.jpeg)

![fc8d615e-6864-4ed8-86db-f4670a1c9401](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5Tic9e4jNsEBIDfGxuJCcO/69803ce2225c16e948b416b66491ccff/fc8d615e-6864-4ed8-86db-f4670a1c9401.jpeg)

![65fbc6f2-d687-437c-aec4-fac5f9cfaaef](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3QdxzDd5pyIUQKUT8KMEF6/6494d1485d2f20baf95eb558c833bb67/65fbc6f2-d687-437c-aec4-fac5f9cfaaef.jpeg)

![f609b8cd-3868-4968-9d80-862d3a44940f](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6sAAAAynL1Qk1toosIazhU/852d5c95447eac49dbdbd85544d8a982/f609b8cd-3868-4968-9d80-862d3a44940f.jpeg)

![d950e325-6a5c-424f-8285-f1ade6ff6cea](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2KPDE6gaLTHwkFdghAhrU0/dc252220ad993da7f51ce3bc68d9ce0f/d950e325-6a5c-424f-8285-f1ade6ff6cea.jpeg)

![38e39e27-fbdb-4fc1-bcd7-86a7329ced0d](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/DIoxnsX55WUYVGVyLvOgR/6fef75880d75f5ef9635cf9c1ef9c2a9/38e39e27-fbdb-4fc1-bcd7-86a7329ced0d.jpeg)

2nd Day Wildfires & Sunsets

# A Very good morning
Good morning all, Marcia here, reporting from my very comfy bed, not riding through the night like our intrepid Escapaders.

As dawn broke, the riders began to spread out, and as I write this, they are spread from Rochester to Steyning – yep on the South Downs Way already.
Way out front is John Hale, he’s certainly seems to be going for the FKT, which currently stands at 26 hours and 8 mins (correction from last post),  although based on current timings, it will be close.  This is certainly the dot to watch.
He’s being chased though by Harry Johnson, Peter Batt and Rhys Clarke at around 20km behind him. It only takes 1 mechanical, or a long break to change everything. It won’t be long before more riders hit the South Downs, as there are some very strong riders in the front group.

# McD's takeover
For the rest of the Riders, a reroute through Rochester meant an extra 24 hour refuel opportunity, and although the petrol station at BlueBell Hill is usually the first such opportunity, many riders ignored that in favour of the 24 hour McDonalds, which had a steady stream of hungry riders through in search of food, coffee and facilities. Something as a previous rider I am envious of, as I only ever managed to glance at it from high up on a bridge – never willing to venture down the hill for an off route feast. 
Refuelled and ready for action, they are making their way along the North Downs & Pilgrims way towards CP1 at Farncombe, no doubt looking forward to all the sand that will greet them shortly - parts of the Surrey Hills are just 1 big giant sandpit - always a joy!!
For the faster riders breakfast in Haslemere is a good option which has plenty of choices, but most will hit the petrol station on route.  There aren't many options from here as the route winds it's way through woodlands, and country lanes towards the South Downs, so filling up will be a wise choice.

# Overnight scratches
There have been a few issues for some riders and we’ve lost 6 overnight. Harry Whiles had been making excellent time, but tore his sidewall with a hole way too big for sealant or a tube to fix. 
There’s no getting away from the fact that the Escapade is no timid affair, as bodies began to say no to the task being asked of them, so we wish those that have left us a swift recovery.
Enjoy a few photos of the ride from the first 14 hours

![bc32fdb5-955a-4070-9cb2-697eb17703e2](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6X2aoz1WVm3rPQItsWeQo3/d19be6148f44213d5b4f6b9fb078e321/bc32fdb5-955a-4070-9cb2-697eb17703e2.jpeg)

![E4D60941-279B-48D8-A7B1-CA133AAA99E5](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/55QvYApkb5McZt7qXtSasj/e22bd4485e99d43c9ac3f78457a52c01/E4D60941-279B-48D8-A7B1-CA133AAA99E5.jpeg)

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![0217347f-839f-4f24-8d7f-c863d56950f0](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4jkZ71cuA3DbINy76uwOP1/fe5a4486f30485f9fd0966b3bf6b2262/0217347f-839f-4f24-8d7f-c863d56950f0.jpeg)

![7c3e2474-0909-4cf8-aa52-4578b634d2ef](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6OhJY3iyoYic82NTcBK6f6/a62b65dc056b4f47fec1d8ec0fa16b2f/7c3e2474-0909-4cf8-aa52-4578b634d2ef.jpeg)


Day 1 - McD's takeover and rusty nails

# Who are the riders?
It's Thursday, and the 6th edition of this South Eastern classic is just kicking off. But what should you expect?
First off, this is the largest number of riders that have ever attempted the Escapade in one go. Around 110 will be setting off, that's almost double previous editions.  There are a number of GBE veterans, but also many new riders, to both the Escapade and off road ultras.
The Rider WhatsApp group has been very active with conversations about the weather - and the weather is always a strong talking point in this race.  Thankfully there isn't any rain forecast, but there will be an ever present headwind for all riders as they tackle the more exposed South Downs. However, the main thing that has caused many clothing concerns has been the overnight temperatures.  Despite the sunshine, a cold couple of nights has caused a few rethinks.

# __Strategies__
With regards to strategy, there are three main schools of thought.  
1 - some riders have packed very light, and plan on a 'don't stop til you drop' approach. 
2 - The bulk of riders will ride through Thursday night, and plan 1 or 2 stops before the end
3 - Some plan on a full value experience, camping for all 3 nights.

Whichever approach is followed, as this isn't technically a race, I'm certain they'll have a great time.  The route is mostly dry, and fast, so regardless of what type of bike (& tyres) adopted, this should be good for all of them.

# Can records be broken?
Given the favourable conditions though, we wonder whether or not there will be a new FKT.  Is 26 hours possible?  I'm not quite sure of the current FKT, but it's somewhere between 28-30 hours, and we know there are contenders this year.  Keep watching those dots to find out.


Pre-race faff & preview

With just weeks to go until the Great British Escapade North and South Downs in June 2023, first-time entrant Dan Ricketts has shared what he’s learnt about the short, but certainly very sharp shock of a ride that is The GBE.

__I think that says “Escapé(ade)”__

What can you do over a long weekend on your bike in the south of the UK? How about 74 hours of potential riding, climbing and descending on a treasure trove of cycleways, single-track and quiet country lanes in the garden of England?

Kevin Francis, creator of both the Great British Escapade and its bigger longer, country crossing, Great British Divide, has made something of a gateway to ultra-distance bikepacking adventures for the droves of us who got firmly back into cycling in the lockdown (and have stuck with it since). At around 500km, the Escapade is what could be called a sprint ultra: riders need to maintain the usual high pace of a multi-day bikepacking event but over just 3 days and one evening. Additionally, the start and finish are in the same place which lessens the logistical challenge that is navigating the UK rail network with a bike! 

__The Terrain__

The planners have made use of every possible surface over the 300 miles. The North and South Downs are a mix of single-track and bridleways shared with walkers and horse riders, plus a maze of country lanes (remembering that the vast majority of public roads in the UK are paved) giving some relief to the moderately technical off-road sections. A former railway line turned paved cycleway, ‘The Cuckoo Trail’, could be said to mark the point that riders make the turn for the still distant finish line after a punishing 50 miles of what Kevin Francis once described as a ‘saw-blade’ elevation profile on the South Downs. And with 8,000 metres (21,000 ft) of climbing over the whole course, saw-blade is the word. 

The route passes through or near plenty of small towns and villages along the way, with plentiful options for rider strategy. This gives ample opportunity to resupply and rest to those of us who are unfamiliar with riding for hours across wide-open, isolated stretches of terrain. Incredibly, the route spends a lengthy stretch inside the M25, the motorway that encircles London but once you’re more than a couple of hundred metres away, its noise fades and the sounds of the countryside (and whirring drivetrains) take over. Thanks to this ‘close enough’ to civilisation route, there are endless ways to attack this formidable opponent.

__Ch-ch-changes!__

This edition of the Escapade sees a few route alterations. First, riders now pass through Rochester over the old bridge as there are roadworks closing the cycleway on the majestic M2 bridge that’s crossed some time in night one. This does, however, open up a number of resupply locations. Second, checkpoint 1 has moved from Pilgrim Cycles which sadly closed its store near the famous Box Hill in Surrey. Riders will now do a short out and back south off the main route to Guildford Rugby Club. Finally, the start/finish line has travelled a little from the Ivy Barn Café in Littlebourne to the village hall of Bekesbourne. You can’t get much more English than starting a bike ride in a village hall!

When it comes to bikes, a mountain or monster cross-type bike with 50mm or wider tyres is recommended. That said, everything from 27.5+ mountain bike to a Trek Domane with 38mm knobbly tyres on has been used previously. It all depends on the tolerance for bumps!

__I love it when a plan comes together…__

And so to strategy: Do you push on through night 1 after the 5pm start and seek to reach CP1 near Guildford and then the South Downs as soon as possible? Or take an overnight halt in the first major stop-off area in Rochester – around 6 to 7 hours in – for an early start to day 2? As said before, there’s more than one way to tackle this beast depending on rider and rig and also the wonderful and predictably unpredictable British weather. More on that later.

Riders are encouraged to enjoy the route and all it has to offer, so while some will take advantage of the relatively short nights in early June (sunset to sunrise is 9pm to 4.30am) and brave the wooded single track by lamplight, others will opt to rest up overnight. Again, options abound as there are fewer rules here than in other events. The majority will camp in bivvies or tents, either wild or at commercial sites along the way – keeping in mind that wild camping can be classed as a crime in the UK. Others will choose a solid building around them and a proper bed. A small band will target a non-stop blast and indeed the route was completed in as little as 26 hours by Ollie Beresford in June 2022. There may well be others who are intending on going for this FKT, if the weather is on their side.

__The rain in England falls mainly on the riders__

That word keeps coming up. Weather. It’s a topic that fascinates/frustrates all cyclists but perhaps even more so here in the UK, especially having just had the wettest March in over 40 years, preceded by the driest February in 30 years! Who knows what April and May will bring.

June Escapades can be one of two things: either dry, dusty and fast, or muckfests of epic proportions. The June 2022 edition saw torrential rainfall in the first 24 hours that all but wiped out the field. Climbs become sloppy ‘hike a bike’, the flats a soaking trudge with navigation waterlogging, and descents a terrifying ride with brake pads disintegrating as every unwelcome abrasive material is sucked into them. For a video, check out YouTube for the video diaries of Katie Kookaburra or Adam Colvin to get an idea of conditions. 

Strategy and planning are one thing but if the weather goes Full English, it could be a very long, long weekend! Not forgetting that there’s a 74-hour cut-off to be placed on the finishers’ list. 

__Rollers and Riders__

And so to the competitors who will hope to roll back into Bekesbourne before that sunset on Sunday. There is a record field of over 130 entrants with a massive proportion being first timers to ultra distance cycling. Returning riders include Adam Colvin ([@Airborneelvis7](https://www.instagram.com/airborneelvis7/) on Instagram) who will be out to better his time from June 2021, riders who featured in the UK ultra-cycling-season opening Dales Divide, and a group back for another attempt after the washout in June 2022 including 2 of the 11 finishers Adam Stewart and Darren Blackwell, neither of whom will want to spend as much as they did on tyres, inner tubes, brake pads and axle brackets! Get ready to watch a vast array of dots, both the fast and less fast make their attempt!

__And as for me…__

As a beginner to this ultra cycling business, I decided to take the approach of The Martian’s Mark Watney and ‘science the s ** t out of this’. Before I even entered I had already modelled the time and distance on a spreadsheet to see if this was feasible. Apparently I can make it to the end. 

If you’ve never played with making a custom Google map I highly recommend it. Google has revealed where I can find every shop, café, pub and fuel station on or near the route and I don’t intend to go hungry (if I run out of my home made flapjacks and rice cakes that is). I’m raising money for the Essex Air Ambulance so if you’d like a copy of the map, make a donation and I’ll send it to you!

Honestly though, I’ll just be aiming to finish before the cut-off time. I’ve got to teach Science to a class of teenagers the next morning!

*Dan is riding the Great British Escapade in aid of the Essex and Hertfordshire Air Ambulance, a charity that fly two helicopter ambulances across the East of England and rely on donations to cover their £750k monthly costs! You can donate to Dan's fundraiser at [https://www.justgiving.com/gbe4ehaat](https://www.justgiving.com/gbe4ehaat)*

A Rookie's Preview by Dan Ricketts

Marcia Roberts

Dan Ricketts

The Great British Escapade 2023 Tracking + Commentary: A weekend event starting in the South East of England taking in many a bridleway and byway, with the famed North and South Downs en route. 

The Great British Escapade 2023 Tracking

A weekend event starting in the South East of England taking in many a bridleway and byway, with the famed North and South Downs en route. 

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