Round Norfolk Epic Sportive, 13 Jun 2021

Total distance: 153.43 miles (Longest ride so far)

Start time: 5.13am

Finish time: 21.45pm started last stretch at around 19.00

Steady ride around Z2/Z3 endurance, tried to keep an average of 12-13mph. The first half felt slightly more challenging with undulating terrain and distance between feed stops. I tried not to think of distance or cut off times and hydrate/refuel on route. My left knee was niggling at around 50 miles getting quite sore at 95miles but decided to press on. At 122 miles I ran out of energy, not helped by the heat, and with anything over 100 miles being new territory, so was picked up by the broom wagon and rehydrated. I got back on the bike and rode the last stretch from Overstrand to Great Yarmouth feeling better as it was slightly cooler. It was a great route and, I’m not going to lie, challenging and a long time on the bike but so rewarding when crossing the finish line at the end!

Many thanks to Tim Phillips (Catenary Coaching) for the bike fit - my position felt loads better. Also for the advice of side loading bottle cages so I could fit two water bottles easily on the road bike. I definitely needed this as it was very hot on the day.

Sara Brown