In my ice-cold feet, soaked socks and mud-filled cleats there is an answer. The question I’d set out to answer is how badly can it go when an unfit middle-aged, bikepacking novice and gravel virgin sets out to ride 234km around Kent on his own? The answer my very soggy feet are telling me, is pretty badly.
I waddle out of what I suspect is the only deep muddy puddle in the whole of the ‘Garden of England’ after a week of dry weather and curse my lack of bike-handling skills. Then I pause and realise that with aching legs, one sunburned arm, no idea where I am and with around 100km left to ride that I didn’t even need to be here.
I’m stood in Orlestone Forest (I think) because when I planned this route in my usual gung-ho style I decided to insert a couple of extra off-road sections to spice up the experience – something Cycling UK, who developed the Cantii Way route I’m tracing, actively encourage. But in a blind panic as my front wheel bogged down in a deceptively deep puddle, I unclipped. Now my feet will remain wet for the rest of the day.
Until 24 hours earlier I’d not done any bike-packing or any gravel riding, it was inevitable something would go awry and now my road shoes, filled as they are with mud, are struggling to clip into the pedals.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
CLASSIC BIKE COLNAGO SUPER
A trailblazing bike immortalised by Merckx and Saronni
"Strava activities are the only way I know some of my friends are still alive"
...or that Bernard is doing his weekly shop
AN EXPERT'S TAKE ON... SADDLE SELECTION
Crucial advice to guide your next purchase
JUST A NUMB#R?
Approaching a landmark birthday, Charlie Graham-Dixon explores how ageing affects cycling performance and what can be done to stay ahead of the curve
RURAL PERIL
More UK cyclists are killed on rural lanes than on busy city streets. Rob Kemp investigates why and what can be done to keep us safe while riding in the countryside
A BLESSED RIDE THROUGH THE FOREST OF BOWLAND
Forgoing cloak, cassock and cross, Trevor Ward goes in search of the holy roads that helped make a Tour winner
Dame Sarah Storey claims road and 19th gold double
More success for Team GB's Paralympians in Paris, but Storey slams women's time trial course
Roglič matches Vuelta win record
Slovenian takes fourth Tour of Spain title after hunting down O'Connor's lead, writes Adam Becket
Williams crowned Tour of Britain champion
Welshman leads home resurgence at the stage race to crown an Israel-Premier Tech clean sweep, reports Tom Davidson in Felixstowe
CLASSIC BIKE CLAUD BUTLER OLYMPIC ROAD
Iconic British brand's Holdsworth-era road bike