My first 200km Audax! Cheviots Coast and Castles

Having never cycled 200 km before, I was doubtful that I would get round within the allocated time, but thought I would give it a shot in any case. When I signed up, there was no way I could do it. However I stuck to my training of at least 100 miles a week, and also managed to finish a couple of shorter 100 km Audaxes (see previous videos for one of those). My quads and right achilles had been aching for almost 3 months straight, but thankfully the last couple of weeks they felt much better.

My previous max average speed over a 40 mile ride (with some gravel) was 12mph, and that was really pushing it. The 200 km distance would be a challenge and the only way I could see of getting round would be to go slower and not have breaks.

I started off struggling to find anyone that I could keep up with, then along came John, Janine, and Sue. They are part of the Crewe Clarion Wheelers cycling club, and all are seasoned long distance cyclists. They were such a blessing and encouragement. I had to really push myself to keep up, and often resigned to the fact that they would cycle off into the distance. They didn’t though, and stuck with me, sometimes waiting at the tops of hills for me, or for when I faffed around with my camera or was delayed at checkpoints!

Thankyou John, Janine and Sue. You really helped make it such a special day, and it was a pleasure to cycle with you.

Thank you Andy for being a totally brilliant Audax planner and supporter, and for helping me with pre-ride and gear suggestions.

Thanks also to Keith for helping at the very much appreciated water/fuel stop at the Towford checkpoint.

I had a fabulous day, one I shall always cherish the memory of.

***** Strava, mapping, gear used, Amazon UK Links and other relevant links *****:

Me on Strava. https://www.strava.com/athletes/6083371
This activity on Strava. https://www.strava.com/activities/9952975227
Route planning I normally use (the phone app nicely links in with Wahoo). https://www.komoot.com/
The Audax routes are normally planned on here: https://ridewithgps.com/
Audax UK events and membership. https://www.audax.uk/
British cycle quest: https://www.cyclinguk.org/british-cycle-quest
Crewe Clarion Wheelers cycling club: https://creweclarionwheelers.co.uk/

CYCLING GEAR:

Cycling top. Castelli Gabba RoS 2 Short Sleeve Jersey.
Arm warmers. Castelli Nano Flex 3G Arm Warmers.
Cycle route navigation and recording, Wahoo Elemnt Bolt.https://amzn.to/3F81j9X
Rear rack bag. https://amzn.to/48K8wee
Long lasting wax based chain lube. https://amzn.to/3rpG1lg
Light. Cateye Volt800 (fantastic! but not available now, just get a higher model number).
Great value backup bike light set. https://amzn.to/48yvDrN

I will build up the gearlist in future videos.

VIDEO PRODUCTION:

Video editing: Davinci Resolve v18

Action 3 Camera Adventure Combo. https://amzn.to/3PXYMpp
Settings:
2.7K/16:9, 30fps, Horizon steady.
Exposure – Auto
White balance – AWB.
Color – normal.
FOV – Standard (Dewarp).
Enhanced image quality – off.
Audio channel – mono.
Wind noise reduction – off (but wind DIY windslayer fitted).
Directional audio – off.

Throughout this video, for video recording I managed to get away with using just this:
Action 3 camera (see above link).
Action 3 case/frame (this makes it easier to hold the camera so I don’t drop it, which I did on a previous ride. It’s a great tough little camera!)
1 Action 3 battery was used and it still had charge remaining.

To improve camera audio and greatly reduce wind noise, I used:
Two small pieces of this type of foam tape! https://amzn.to/48BMABI
Two small pieces of a pan scrubber like this one! https://amzn.to/3ZDTNNE
If you want to know how I made a DIY very small wind slayer, then let me know in the comments, maybe I will make a video on it!

Other video production stuff I use (I ditched them for this trip as I had to travel lighter):
Lavalier / lapel microphone. https://amzn.to/46tNZIL
Action cam accessory kit. https://amzn.to/3LH059x
Audio recorder, case & memory cards.
https://amzn.to/45jAqLe
https://amzn.to/3tfN68r
https://amzn.to/3LGADBc

INTERNET ACCESS:
I was unable to post for a few weeks, and this got me up and running again. Uploads are slow, but other than that, I now have reliable internet – yippee!
4G+ ROUTER (no phone line or broadband connection needed, 12VDC power in. https://amzn.to/48AlZoQ
UK unlimited data SMARTY SIM. https://i.smarty.co.uk/1v96k4x
Get a £10 Gift Card from Amazon.co.uk, John Lewis Partnership or Uber using the Smarty SIM card referral link above (Smarty T&C apply).