Less than 2 weeks to go now until my provisional date for attempting the out-and-back on the Pennine Bridleway and I’ve got the best part of the navigation done and logged away both in the Satmap Active10 and visually in my own memory. I pride myself on my trail memory but it has to be said that the Active10 is such an invaluable piece of kit to have when things go a bit wrong or your brain gets a bit fried after hours and hours in the saddle.
I’ve done 4 rides now out on different parts of the trail itself and from four rides I’ve been absolutely soaked and freezing cold twice. Not the best odds, I’m sure you’ll agree. The South Downs Way it is not and the training rides I’ve done up there have created a deep respect for the slightly more hostile nature of those hills compared to some of my previous challenges. This time around I am quite apprehensive.
I’ve even gone as far as to properly clean and re-proof my goretex shorts and jacket; both of which have been neglected for far too long and required on so few times as to be able to count them on my fingers. I didn’t even carry them on the SDD, so certain was I that they would ot be needed. This time around I really don’t know, having been caught twice and frozen to the core despite carrying them and contrary to the weather forecasts!
I’ve also managed to find just a few taps (two to be precise!) that I will have access to at any time of day - someone recently asked me why I couldn’t just stop at a pub? The answer being that the pub is unlikely to be open at 3 in the morning! There are certainly some pubs and shops along or near the route but I need to choose my window carefully and be absolutely certain that refuelling options are available. Particularly as this is to be an unsupported attempt - only my second ever unsupported 24.
For anyone wanting to know more about the Pennine Bridleway why not check out the report on Nick Craig’s one-way ride last year. This was the main inspiration for me attempting the out-and-back as part of the 7ds series. Nick was one of the riders that inspired me most when I first started riding and remains to this day as one of the riders I respect most for not only his ability and accomplishments but for the way he conducts himself whenever I’ve met him.
It’s a real good read and hopefully I’ll be able to have an adventure that’s just as good to read about in a few days time. The mapping is almost there, I’m preping my bike, the living room is full of maps and energy bars and plans. My heart is full of anticipation, nervous energy and an eagerness to get on with it…
