In 2012 I had the pleasure of reporting from The North Face Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc following The North Face athlete Jez Bragg around the course as he attempted to repeat his 2010 win. (Link to blog). In 2013 I'll be back but to attempt the CCC, a shorter version of the main event featuring a 100km route from Courmayer to Chamonix via Champex with 5950m of ascent

Saturday, 22 June 2013

Hadrians Wall C2C Challenge


 Following the line of Hadrian's Wall

I've just returned from guiding a Hadrian's Wall Challenge for Activius. 24 hours to get 100 miles from Bowness on Solway to Tynemouth by trail  and mountain bike. A surreal start to the day in Keswick saw us holding up Jeremy Clarkson as we backed a minibus with 18 bikes on a trailer onto the main road! Wonder if we'll feature in one of his rants?
The event itself provided great triathlon 'brick' training with 15 miles on foot immediately after a 45 mile bike ride. A couple of soggy hours kip in a field and we were on our way again at first light for the final 40 mile cycle ride through Newcastle and out to the coast at Tynemouth. To quote the late Brian Hanrahan - "I counted them all out and I counted them all back". A very successful event with all 16 participants completing the course in 22:30 for a barbeque on the east coast. The team from Legal & General raised nearly £20,000 in the process.

The majority of the route was on good cycle paths


Great dry conditions for the whole time we were on the move

 Just over half way on the classic central section of Hadrians Wall

 Rest break leaning against the wall!

 Stunning early morning light

Crossing the Tyne on the approach to Newcastle

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