Bryan Chapman Memorial 600 Audax

600 kilometres, from Chepstow to Menai Bridge, and back.
The Bryan Chapman Memorial Audax event is one of the most well-known, and iconic audax events in the UK, with some spectacular scenery and incredibly well-run.
I have wanted to take part for many years, but this year was the first opportunity, and I used it as a good ride to test and prepare for the Pan Celtic Race which starts in early July.
Starting at 6am, things were looking great, making easy work of the distance despite riding solo. Reaching Menai Bridge, and using it as a chance to stock up, the ride ended up being a turning point in more ways than one. On the return to Aberdyfi I had multiple issues, with a repeat of the persistent hiccups I have been suffering with during longer (12 hour+) efforts, which caused sickness and stomach discomfort.
Despite a really tough spell through the night I managed to finish after multiple stops, attempting to eat what I could and keep my body going.
Strava link:
/ strava
Official website link:
www.pedalution.co.uk/events/b...
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Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
1:45 - Start
3:28 - Llanidloes. Checkpoint 2
6:39 - Kings YHA, Dolgellau. Checkpoint 4
9:52 - Menai Bridge. Checkpoint 7
12:58 - Machynllech. Where it all fell apart.
15:01 - Gospel Pass
16:34 - Post audax thoughts
Music by: www.bensound.com/free-music-f...
License code: ETVXGHO2WEME8GTT
License code: IVL1ELYOD65OXY6Y

[@MRC10MAX]

Well done Matt, takes strong mental strength to finish it as well. Did you find out what the clicking was in the end 😬💪👍

[@MattPage]

Thank you! The clicking is something in the bottom bracket, although it still isn't fixed, but I am fitting a new BB soon.

[@TheMrAPRise]

Really enjoyed your video record of this event.....great effort.

[@MattPage]

Thank you, I appreciate it.

[@pandeyes]

Impressive - for such an athlete as yourself to be honest about the challenges of long distance events- it gives mere mortals such as me confidence to give them a go. Filming makes Wales look stunning . Looking forward to riding some of these roads in June on the Solstice Sprint 1000km event

[@MattPage]

Good luck with the Solstice Sprint! Wales has stunning scenery all around, but Mid Wales, and West are best :)

[@johnvine5731]

Another great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@MattPage]

Thank you.

[@huwsparky175303]

Good job Matt, well done 🙌

[@MattPage]

Thanks Huw.

[@roadcc]

💪💪💪

[@MattPage]

I'm looking forward to seeing Dave's!

[@simonleeofficial]

Cracking effort..

[@MattPage]

Thanks

[@jonathanbliss1945]

I would say you need to slow down and start to enjoy these events, especially if you're to take on Pan Celtic. Always finish and finish smiling is the best approach IMO.

[@MattPage]

Not everyone gets enjoyment in the same way, and for me, I enjoy these events by challenging myself, and not simply trying to do the distance.

[@tefer1982]

great vid Matt, audax looks slightly mental but has a strange draw to it.

[@MattPage]

Thank you. I'd absolutely recommend it. Although I knew almost all the roads, it was still a brilliant way to see the country.

[@Richz2]

Nice paint job. The SystemSix is just about the fastest you can have. What bike lock do you carry for when you pop into a shop?

[@MattPage]

Thank you! I didn't bother with a lock for this one, and the control was just 50 metres away, and the bike was left there. But it is rare that I take one anyway. When I do, its either just a reusable zip tie - simply to prevent the grab & go, or I do have a metal cord with a digit thing. For Pan Celtic I'm looking at Hiplock.

[@Richz2]

@@MattPage Thanks, I currently use the Hiplock.

[@fionahunt8530]

I thought with an audax you could work out your own route between checkpoints. If so could you not have avoided the scary bit of road?

[@MattPage]

Some, and perhaps most are like that, but others have a fixed route to stay to.

[@ryand141]

Why's everyone wearing the Pogacar's helmet? Do they want to be him, like Lance back in the day with Livestrong? Those guys would be last guys I'd want to be my hero. Bunch of dopers.

[@MattPage]

I had this before he was known. It's a really comfortable, well ventilated helmet.

[@alexanderlawson1649]

Riding events like this, as a race should be stopped. Carbon bikes and all the latest razmataz in bike tech should be banned. Events like this should be a celebration of the bike and all the health advantages it brings to the human race, not a platform for failed athletes to grandstand about their mediocre results. I love the bike, I hate shite like this.

[@MattPage]

While I appreciate your opinion, when did I ever mention that I was racing? I participated in the event exactly as it was intended: as a physical and mental test for the rider and a reliability test for the bicycle.
Would you ban someone from participating simply because they only own one bike, and it happens to be carbon? Or prohibit someone because they are a strong rider? Audax events have speed limits in place to prevent racing, and they fulfil this purpose effectively. I started on my own and I finished on my own.

[@davidmurphy9151]

Walking only - bikes are cheating.

[@christopherthomas3403]

Wow! You're a nice friendly and cheerful chap aren't you. The max average speed for an audax and between controls is just over 18mph, so it's hardly racing. Each to their own for riding these events. I love cycling, but hate miserable shits like you. 😛

[@Markhypnosis1]

Oh dear. What a pathetic comment. Events like these are about challenge, pushing yourself to the limits whether it be distance or speed. Who the hell are you to state why people should be doing these events and what bike they use, and how fast they want to do it in.
A bike is a bike regardless of what it's made from and the marginal aero gains.
AND, an athlete is someone who is skilled at and takes part in a particular physical sport regardless of their results. There is no such thing as a "failed" athlete.
How about getting out and DOING something like this instead of dictating what it should be and mocking those who take part.
Idiot!