Will Hancock

What was your reason for wanting to ride the Trafalgar Way?

I am easily roped in to such challenges! When good friend Ben mentioned it to me it wasnt long before I was enrolled. Being proud of my Cornish roots the route appealed to me. The challenge of Riding to London (rather than Ride London) seemed a stiff, but attainable challenge! When Ben suffered a health scare just before the event it became more profound, a bit of a life affirming event.

How would you sum up your ride of the Trafalgar Way to a friend?

For the average club rider it represents a challenge that is just about within grasp. I have done several Audax rides (including a 600K) but this represents my toughest cycling (and arguably running) challenge to date. The combination of distance at reasonable pace (15 mph) represents a serious endurance challenge.

What was your most memorable part of the ride?

Leaving the final control at Bagshot Parish Hall and realising we were going to make it. Passing Buckingham Palace, having ridden all the way from home on my own bike was a surreal experience!

What are your top 3 tips for anyone thinking of riding the Trafalgar Way

1 Don’t underestimate the speed you will need to maintain over the whole course - perhaps throw in some TTs to develop top end speed to have in the bank
2 Embrace the hills in your training, this is a seriously hilly route which doesn’t really get easier until beyond Salisbury
3 Practice riding at night as you will do this with lots of miles in your legs as you tire

What are your top bits of equipment or kit you wouldn’t want to ride the Trafalgar Way without?

Pebble Charger to keep the GPS topped up for route finding, good lights to make progress easier at night, good bar bag/top tube bag so that you can access everything you need easily en route, whether that be food or spare batteries etc.

What bike (make and model) and chainset / cassette set up did you ride the Trafalgar Way with (if available)?

Genesis Zero Carbon Road Bike, 50/34 11-28 which was just about right for the hilly route!