Simon Pipkin

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

I like a challenge! I’m a big believer in setting tough goals for yourself.

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

As much a test of your mental strength as a physical test, your body will do what it’s told! But mainly a real chance to see parts of the countryside you wouldn’t normally visit, bookmarked by two iconic locations. The support on the ride was awesome, one of the best signed events I’ve done, which given the distance and night cycling is a real achievement, the food and encouragement at the Pit Stops were spot on.

What was your most memorable part of the ride?

As our group rode past all of the iconic buildings in London as we headed to the finish. I put in a big effort at the end to catch up with Jim’s (Morrison) group so I could finish with some other riders - that made the finish even better.

A few others: The sunrise at the start, the tomato and avocado salad at Whiddon Down, the views along the Bridport to Abbotsbury road, a deer jumping out in front of me, Ingeborg and Domingo in the late hours!

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

Do a >200 mile cycle beforehand, test your lights (and test them again), think about your food and make sure you have savoury as well as sweet.

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

My Garmin (if it isn’t on Strava it didn’t happen, right?! Also, so I could upload the route to give me piece of mind.

My cateye powershot light.

Puncture repair kit (although thankfully I didn’t have to use it).

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

Wilier Trestina GTR with Shimano 105 semi compact 52/36 chainset and 11-27t cassette