Neil Vose

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

The challenge of riding over 300 miles and over 20,000ft of climbing in 24 hours. Also it seemed like a really good idea when my friend mentioned it to me 6 months before the event.

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

Toughest thing I have ever done on and off a bike. The worst bit for me was the last 25 miles. Feeling very tired and washed out but my friend encouraging me, a strong cup of tea and piece of toast at the last feed station in Bagshot really helped.

What was your most memorable part of the ride?

The start was amazing at Pendennis Point Castle and changing a puncture at the Hardy Monument. Also all the encouragement by staff at all the feed stations and other riders en-route.

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

Stop at all the feed stations (even if it is for only 5 minutes) as encouragement from staff really helps, do it with a friend (would have been even tougher by myself), keep eating and drinking (even though you may not feel hungry or thirsty).

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

Mobile Power Charger for Garmin and Mobile phone, change of kit in bag so you can change at main feed stations, good quality lights for the night ride and a comfortable saddle, bib shorts and shoes are essential

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

Completed on my Trek Madone 2017 model which I had done all my training on and had 50/34 Crankset and 11/28 Cassette on the back. Some tough climbs (Abbotsbury 17%) and the 11/28 cassette really helped.