Matt Stevens

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

It felt like a fairly unique challenge and training for it would push me to get out on the bike more. I’m quite into triathlon and cycling has been the area where I’ve had most scope to improve. All of the miles that I put into RTTW has helped a lot!

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

An epic experience that I will remember for a long long time! The organisation of the event was first class and the amazing support from the RTTW team all along the route mad me feel that finishing was never in doubt.

What was your most memorable part of the ride?

Some of the scenery was spectacular – particularly the Jurassic coast section. Riding through the night from Salisbury was a surreal experience. The friendly faces of the RTTW crew at every pit stop kept spirits high. Arriving in West London as the sun came up with the roads completely to yourself was something I’m unlikely to experience again!

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

1 Have good lights and backups for the night leg (my primary front light broke within minutes of it getting dark and I was saved by Rob/Neil – thanks again guys)

2 Get plenty of training miles in on the hills. Cornwall and Devon was non-stop up and down, if you aren’t comfortable climbing you are not going to have fun.

3 Get used to eating a lot on long rides, little and often.

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

Good lights (see above)

Aerobars would have been nice

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

I rode a Cannondale CAADX cylocross with compact Shimano 105 and disc brakes.