Perfect illustration of why I find ultra endurance in its many forms so fascinating. The actual physical effort and energy involved in keeping moving forward is just a small (but important) part. The pre event training, route planning, refuel and rest plans, the logistics just to get to the start and back from the finish, dealing with mechanicals, diversions, thinking on the move and changing plans while the brain is frazzled through lack of sleep. I am in awe of those who can even set out on such challenges. Chapeau to you, Andy
Honest and no bullshit account . Refreshing. TCR is a mighty challenge when your on top of your game but no chance with a knee injury! Made a great watch though !!😄
That was great, Andy! Almost painful to watch in parts, but honest and epic. It reminded me of "The Hero's Journey", which is something like: 1. The call to adventure: 2. Hero embarks on their quest. 3. The hero crosses the point of no return, and encounters their first major obstacle. 4. The road of trials: The hero must go through a series of tests or ordeals to begin his transformation. Often, the hero fails at least one of these tests. 5. The crossing of the return threshold: The hero makes a successful return to the ordinary world. 6. Master of two worlds: We see the hero achieve a balance between who he was before his journey and who he is now. And I guess then, Step 7, the hero gets back on his bike and starts again...
that is epic mate! I like that a lot, lets see where my story arc goes then, Ive had a really poor result this year but then I'm trying bigger challenges so not so sad about it. I do think I've got it all out now though so better experiences next year, I hope!
Hi from Sydney, Australia. Strength, courage, resilience and a very honest self analysis of, not only your physical jourmey but also your mental journey. Your honesty is very refreshing. I'm sure that what you've been through and what you've learnt will put you in good stead for the next TCR. Good Luck and stay true to yourself. 🚴🚴💪🫶💪🚴🚴
Hi again Andy sorry for repeating myself but well done again. When you retired I just thought blow it guess he will just get a train or plane now to get back home. Little knowing what you had to face. I have been lost in France many times in the depth of night but that was on my motorbike so no where near has stressful as you faced, As I say again well done and I look forward to watching your next video.
Chapeau to you, Andy, both for completing the ride home and also sharing the open and honest footage. You are an inspiration and I look forward to more ultra experiences from you in the future.
I'm a new sub to your channel. Am thoroughly enjoying your content. I'm a 60+ lifelong peddaler of short distances. Only once pushing the boat out and doing a solo LEJOG. Keep peddling and keep smiling.
Andy! Seriously what a brilliant journey. Not the one we or you hoped for but amazing nevertheless, yes truly amazing. Total respect mate, in my opinion you are a winner over adversity. Thank you for sharing this 🎉
Andy, thanks for sharing this trip. Every day is an adventure for us, but some don't always work out the way we plan them. Good luck with the recovery program.
Great video Andy, Probably more useful than watching you cross the finish line and catching your planned journey home. You still smashed out some long miles there carrying an injury. The cling film idea was ‘genius’ disguise the fact that it’s a bike if they won’t take a bike. You still achieved your aim, got home wheels intact, ready to fight another day. “Get on bike, ride….made it back alive ? (No…died, died…happy 😁) made it back alive ? yes🥳Eat….sleep….get on bike simple really. Well done chapeau 🚴
That looked a slog! Great effort though and impressed you rode back. I'd have bailed to Lufthansa. As for the rest, you will thank yourself for your decision in later life as you watch others ride their Zimmer frames around Tesco. We all want to achieve the goals we set ourselves but there is a reality of the spanner of life that sometimes we can't duck. The key is how we get up and move forward again. I really rate the honesty and the context of your videos. I'm still inspired by your journey and working to get on board with my own Ultra experience.
I'm glad top hear this mate, thanks for the feedback too. It seems far away, but now is an ideal time to start planning for next year, ultra takes a long time to prep your body and bike etc, then still it may not work out haha
Great video! I'm sure I enjoyed watching it more than you enjoyed filming it, though. Stomach issues: I can't tell you how much I can relate to that. I suffered badly from that for 5 whole years! Basically almost every single day. I had months where I could barely leave my house. My issues (I think) stem from a problem that happened with some surgery that I got where nerves were damaged due to a botched epidural. Stress is a major trigger for me, especially lack of sleep. At the same time, I discovered I suffer from very bad sleep apnea (60 waking episodes an hour, so basically I don't sleep at all). I need a CPAP machine or my life is a disaster. So now my "bike packing" trips have me lugging a 2 kg CPAP machine, making sure I have accommodations booked and ready, and where I have mapped public toilets all along the route at 1 hour intervals (oh, did I mention the prostate issues?) When you were saying that you thought about chucking the racing, I could feel your pain. I just want to assure you that no matter what happens, you can find a way that works. During that 5 year period I hardly cycled at all. I was feeling miserable, afraid and defeated. But then my wife suggested a bike packing trip for our anniversary and it changed my life. I got back to training. I got my IBS under control (practically full remission). I got my sleep schedule working for me. I prioritised reducing my stress (more bike time, less worrying about work). I really enjoy your videos and find them a great inspiration. I'm not going to do the kind of ultra cycling you do, but it's helped me realise that I *do* want to ride all day, have adventures and see the world. Yes, I'll be tucked in comfortably in a hotel at night. I'll sometimes get late starts because toilet time is important. It's going to cost a lot more money (so some bike budget needs to be going to travel budget... not necessarily bad). I've got to be careful about how and when I eat. But this is what I want to do and it's fantastic even with the caveats. Hope you recover quickly!
hey, that's quite a crazy story, the extra 2kg you carry puts things into perspective. I'm glad you can make it work mate. Hopefully you stay healthy :)
epic ride back Andy and some great insights and reflections on both APN and TCR - for me the boulangerie hopping to Dieppe carrying an injury, fatigued and with the choas happening in Paris at the time seems tougher than making it to instanbul (and kens kebabs is better than the istanbul grill in Southsea!) - that's ultra cycling and mate you are strong! Keep it real, well done, hope the knee mends quick, keep up those gentle MTB rides around Pompey - all good for the headspace :) cheers
Another superb honest video! Watching from the finish in Istanbul. Wish you were here buddy 🤙 next time I’ll be cheering you on I’m sure. Anything I can do to help you’ve got it. I’m rooting for you to reach your goals 😊
When I wanted to do Lejog (Lands end to John O' Groats) I was faced with the fact that Coming from the Netherlands, points A & B were very hard to reach logistically, as you also have to account for the bike, transporting it with you. Bikepacking races have similar logistical challenges that are hard to overcome and not necessarily fun. The way home is also a bit of a downer mentally having to deal with that rather than having the high of having reached your goal. As such bike-packing race organisers should do well to be logistically more accommodating, with transport of extra luggage and bikeboxes, as well as having start and end points close to centres of transport. (some aren't cheap, at 1/3 to half the cost of a cheap organized cycling holiday, so where does the money go? we should expect more for an A list event with high costs on entry)
Hi Andy. First well done. And I feel your pain. I had to scratch from TCR no 9 last year, just as I was getting into the Swiss Alps. Similar issues to you. I was gutted and devastated. But Like you , it was the right decision. If I go any further, can I safely get out of the mountains, if things get worse. Listening to what your thoughts were. Am I good enough, I'll never do one of these again. These things went through my mind too. Great hearing from another ultra distance rider. And yes I think I will have another crack a TCR . un finished business. Keep up the good work. Interesting content. Cheers.
Andy have you thought about joing Audax UK, plenty of challenging events that you can use to train and learn about yourself on testing rides, having a calendar of events also helps to motivate rather than just another training ride, just a thought.
Andy, great video and insight into the trip back, the lows, the highs, the reflection. You’ll learn have learnt heaps from the whole trip that will make you a far stronger endurance cyclist better prepared for the next event big or small. Keep the video’s coming, for me I’ve taken a lot from each one no matter what the outcomes have been 👍👍
There is no perfect way of getting home after injury but you done it. Tip don't not finish it sunks but if have pack your bike up try find a bike shop for cardboard cycle boxes. Keep smiling 😮
I think that's the biggest take away from this year, don't quit basically, and rest well before planning on getting home or a car crash like this happens haha
Thanks for sharing the road home, I can imagine how hard that was mentally, I’ve spent the last 2 years working my way up to the full iron distance, it’s got ups and downs but nothing like the culmination of a years work not going your way. How’s the knee doing nearly a month out. I got my longest ride 200 k. Brevet coming up this weekend 😂
@@theroadprovides Portland Oregon USA. It’s about an hour from my house. Just went back and watched your tips for my first 100 miller, gonna se the 2 part 200 mile ultra serries tonight as well that you made. I got the fittnes, but the longest ride I’ve done in a year is 50 miles so I’m pushing my limits for sure to ride 124. I just got off a marathon training block, and my VO2 max is as good as I’ve ever had it. I’ve done an 8 hour ride on this bike 3 years ago and I think my fit is better today tha it was then so here goes nothing. I know I will hit the wall at some point and I also know that I will bounce back, alittle at least after that and perhaps even hit it again. We will see wish me luck buddy.
All true mate, when it gets tough it will get better again. Sugar always helps me, at the roughest point just have a cold full fat coke 👍 good luck mate!
I also had stomach pain last weekend. Stomach and intestines? really cramped up. Eating and drinking was not a good idea (for me) it was so cramped up that nothing went through. I looked like I was pregnant. I did ride on for 3 hours but then I gave in and had my g/f pick me up. Took like 9 hours for it to pass. Thank goodness I wasn't in a foreign country suffering.
Re stomach cramps. For years I’d wondered why I get random cramps and put it down to food or something like IBS. I recently discovered that my migraines can manifest themselves in the stomach.
Where were you riding during the intro - Brighton-ish, but can't put my finger on it. Please enlighten me! Sharing the pain is a lot easier for us than for you, thanks for suffering for our entertainment.
@@theroadprovides Would be really interested to learn more about those exercises that helped you, Andy. I scratched last year on a ride from Bath to Edinburgh because of knee issues (and can totally empathise with how painful, psychologically, it is). Managed to get it done this year thankfully but still had to nurse it through. Thank you for producing this stuff - it's ace.
@@theroadprovides Understandable. Even what works for you would be super insightful because, so far, I've not found anything that works for me :-(. Doesn't necessarily need to be a video - just exercise names would be a great starter and hugely appreciated!
Perfect illustration of why I find ultra endurance in its many forms so fascinating. The actual physical effort and energy involved in keeping moving forward is just a small (but important) part. The pre event training, route planning, refuel and rest plans, the logistics just to get to the start and back from the finish, dealing with mechanicals, diversions, thinking on the move and changing plans while the brain is frazzled through lack of sleep. I am in awe of those who can even set out on such challenges. Chapeau to you, Andy
Cheers buddy, it is a tough sport and the actual peddling is such a small part really
Did my first 200mi because of this channel the other day! Thanks for the inspo, dude.
Ah nice mate, hopefully it went well and enjoyable 😁
Honest and no bullshit account . Refreshing. TCR is a mighty challenge when your on top of your game but no chance with a knee injury! Made a great watch though !!😄
Thankyou bud I appreciate that :)
Loving the videos you've created out of this dude. Maybe a DNF, but the journey is still epic.
cheers buddy, it was a really cool trip in the end, even with the disappointment...
Well done Andy for bringing us a positive and useful look at your lessons learnt.
Thanks for watching bud :)
You're a natural, at allof this Andy!
Cheers buddy 😁
That was great, Andy! Almost painful to watch in parts, but honest and epic. It reminded me of "The Hero's Journey", which is something like:
1. The call to adventure:
2. Hero embarks on their quest.
3. The hero crosses the point of no return, and encounters their first major obstacle.
4. The road of trials: The hero must go through a series of tests or ordeals to begin his transformation. Often, the hero fails at least one of these tests.
5. The crossing of the return threshold: The hero makes a successful return to the ordinary world.
6. Master of two worlds: We see the hero achieve a balance between who he was before his journey and who he is now.
And I guess then, Step 7, the hero gets back on his bike and starts again...
that is epic mate! I like that a lot, lets see where my story arc goes then, Ive had a really poor result this year but then I'm trying bigger challenges so not so sad about it. I do think I've got it all out now though so better experiences next year, I hope!
@Jaqaroo what a fantastic comment 👏🙂
Hi from Sydney, Australia.
Strength, courage, resilience and a very honest self analysis of, not only your physical jourmey but also your mental journey.
Your honesty is very refreshing.
I'm sure that what you've been through and what you've learnt will put you in good stead for the next TCR.
Good Luck and stay true to yourself.
🚴🚴💪🫶💪🚴🚴
Cheers Leigh, thanks for stopping by 😁 and the kind words
Hi again Andy sorry for repeating myself but well done again. When you retired I just thought blow it guess he will just get a train or plane now to get back home. Little knowing what you had to face. I have been lost in France many times in the depth of night but that was on my motorbike so no where near has stressful as you faced, As I say again well done and I look forward to watching your next video.
Thanks mate appreciate it :) it was character building that’s for sure!
Chapeau to you, Andy, both for completing the ride home and also sharing the open and honest footage. You are an inspiration and I look forward to more ultra experiences from you in the future.
Thanks mate I’ll be back l out there :)
I'm a new sub to your channel. Am thoroughly enjoying your content.
I'm a 60+ lifelong peddaler of short distances. Only once pushing the boat out and doing a solo LEJOG.
Keep peddling and keep smiling.
Cheers buddy you too :) I have to do LEJOG at some point
Andy! Seriously what a brilliant journey. Not the one we or you hoped for but amazing nevertheless, yes truly amazing. Total respect mate, in my opinion you are a winner over adversity. Thank you for sharing this 🎉
thankyou buddy I really appreciate this comment :)
I loved the presentation style, you’re a natural !
cheers buddy, not so natural, I had to practice to not send people straight to sleep haha
Andy, thanks for sharing this trip. Every day is an adventure for us, but some don't always work out the way we plan them. Good luck with the recovery program.
cheers, very nearly there now :)
An epic story......very rounded insight into your experiences.
Great video Andy,
Probably more useful than watching you cross the finish line and catching your planned journey home.
You still smashed out some long miles there carrying an injury. The cling film idea was ‘genius’ disguise the fact that it’s a bike if they won’t take a bike.
You still achieved your aim, got home wheels intact, ready to fight another day.
“Get on bike, ride….made it back alive ? (No…died, died…happy 😁) made it back alive ? yes🥳Eat….sleep….get on bike simple really. Well done chapeau 🚴
thanks buddy I appreciate you watching :) It was an epic journey and taught me a lot, so hopefully will help some folks here too
Andy really enjoyed watching your journey home you are an incredible cyclist to do what you do and keep going take it easy 👍🏼
thankyou buddy :)
Well, I set out thinking "I'll watch a bit of it" and I watched it all. Fascinating. Brutally honest. And a great view of the other side of the coin!
I'm glad mate, I was in. two minds to even put it up but getting hoke post scratch is something a lot of people will have to manage someday
That looked a slog! Great effort though and impressed you rode back. I'd have bailed to Lufthansa. As for the rest, you will thank yourself for your decision in later life as you watch others ride their Zimmer frames around Tesco. We all want to achieve the goals we set ourselves but there is a reality of the spanner of life that sometimes we can't duck. The key is how we get up and move forward again.
I really rate the honesty and the context of your videos. I'm still inspired by your journey and working to get on board with my own Ultra experience.
I'm glad top hear this mate, thanks for the feedback too. It seems far away, but now is an ideal time to start planning for next year, ultra takes a long time to prep your body and bike etc, then still it may not work out haha
Thanks Andy. I’m loving all the behind the scenes stuff!
thanks for watching them, I wasn't sure about posting this one but seems to have helped people so I love that :)
Great video! I'm sure I enjoyed watching it more than you enjoyed filming it, though. Stomach issues: I can't tell you how much I can relate to that. I suffered badly from that for 5 whole years! Basically almost every single day. I had months where I could barely leave my house. My issues (I think) stem from a problem that happened with some surgery that I got where nerves were damaged due to a botched epidural. Stress is a major trigger for me, especially lack of sleep. At the same time, I discovered I suffer from very bad sleep apnea (60 waking episodes an hour, so basically I don't sleep at all). I need a CPAP machine or my life is a disaster.
So now my "bike packing" trips have me lugging a 2 kg CPAP machine, making sure I have accommodations booked and ready, and where I have mapped public toilets all along the route at 1 hour intervals (oh, did I mention the prostate issues?) When you were saying that you thought about chucking the racing, I could feel your pain. I just want to assure you that no matter what happens, you can find a way that works. During that 5 year period I hardly cycled at all. I was feeling miserable, afraid and defeated. But then my wife suggested a bike packing trip for our anniversary and it changed my life. I got back to training. I got my IBS under control (practically full remission). I got my sleep schedule working for me. I prioritised reducing my stress (more bike time, less worrying about work).
I really enjoy your videos and find them a great inspiration. I'm not going to do the kind of ultra cycling you do, but it's helped me realise that I *do* want to ride all day, have adventures and see the world. Yes, I'll be tucked in comfortably in a hotel at night. I'll sometimes get late starts because toilet time is important. It's going to cost a lot more money (so some bike budget needs to be going to travel budget... not necessarily bad). I've got to be careful about how and when I eat. But this is what I want to do and it's fantastic even with the caveats. Hope you recover quickly!
hey, that's quite a crazy story, the extra 2kg you carry puts things into perspective. I'm glad you can make it work mate. Hopefully you stay healthy :)
epic ride back Andy and some great insights and reflections on both APN and TCR - for me the boulangerie hopping to Dieppe carrying an injury, fatigued and with the choas happening in Paris at the time seems tougher than making it to instanbul (and kens kebabs is better than the istanbul grill in Southsea!) - that's ultra cycling and mate you are strong! Keep it real, well done, hope the knee mends quick, keep up those gentle MTB rides around Pompey - all good for the headspace :) cheers
cheers buddy, it certainly was not easy but was really gutted to not get to Istanbul... Pompey will have to do :)
Great video Andy and to see your luck changed with getting the bike on the bus 🚌 I hate to DNF but sometimes we have to eh? Keep us healthy 😊
yeah its always looming but there are ways I can avoid this in future for sure, thanks :)
Another superb honest video! Watching from the finish in Istanbul. Wish you were here buddy 🤙 next time I’ll be cheering you on I’m sure. Anything I can do to help you’ve got it. I’m rooting for you to reach your goals 😊
cheers buddy, hope you're enjoying Istanbul :)
Another great video and a great look into a totally different aspect of the TCR we never really see.
Thanks mate 👍
When I wanted to do Lejog (Lands end to John O' Groats) I was faced with the fact that Coming from the Netherlands, points A & B were very hard to reach logistically, as you also have to account for the bike, transporting it with you. Bikepacking races have similar logistical challenges that are hard to overcome and not necessarily fun. The way home is also a bit of a downer mentally having to deal with that rather than having the high of having reached your goal.
As such bike-packing race organisers should do well to be logistically more accommodating, with transport of extra luggage and bikeboxes, as well as having start and end points close to centres of transport. (some aren't cheap, at 1/3 to half the cost of a cheap organized cycling holiday, so where does the money go? we should expect more for an A list event with high costs on entry)
I defo agree on the LEJOG point, I really want to ride it but the trains here are so expensive I can fly to Spain and rent a bike for the same price…
Hi Andy. First well done. And I feel your pain. I had to scratch from TCR no 9 last year, just as I was getting into the Swiss Alps. Similar issues to you. I was gutted and devastated. But Like you , it was the right decision. If I go any further, can I safely get out of the mountains, if things get worse. Listening to what your thoughts were. Am I good enough, I'll never do one of these again. These things went through my mind too. Great hearing from another ultra distance rider. And yes I think I will have another crack a TCR . un finished business. Keep up the good work. Interesting content. Cheers.
Hopefully I’ll see you on the start line then mate 😁
Andy have you thought about joing Audax UK, plenty of challenging events that you can use to train and learn about yourself on testing rides, having a calendar of events also helps to motivate rather than just another training ride, just a thought.
Hey, I have ridden a few audaxes but not in a while actually, that’s not a bad idea
Andy, great video and insight into the trip back, the lows, the highs, the reflection. You’ll learn have learnt heaps from the whole trip that will make you a far stronger endurance cyclist better prepared for the next event big or small. Keep the video’s coming, for me I’ve taken a lot from each one no matter what the outcomes have been 👍👍
I learned a ton mate, still no guarantees of future success but I reckon a much better chance in future
@@theroadprovides “if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again”. 👍👍
hey, at least you´ve got an interesting content for a video to show. lets see what u bring next ...keep it up
There is no perfect way of getting home after injury but you done it. Tip don't not finish it sunks but if have pack your bike up try find a bike shop for cardboard cycle boxes. Keep smiling 😮
I think that's the biggest take away from this year, don't quit basically, and rest well before planning on getting home or a car crash like this happens haha
@@theroadprovides I think once injured has healed. Do smaller audax and then move up
For sure, I’m gonna do a few hours this weekend and if still no pain then will go higher the following etc. summer is slowly expiring 😬
Thanks for sharing the road home, I can imagine how hard that was mentally, I’ve spent the last 2 years working my way up to the full iron distance, it’s got ups and downs but nothing like the culmination of a years work not going your way. How’s the knee doing nearly a month out. I got my longest ride 200 k. Brevet coming up this weekend 😂
Nice where abouts are you doing that? Sounds like you’re building up a good pace there you’ll be fine 😁
@@theroadprovides Portland Oregon USA. It’s about an hour from my house. Just went back and watched your tips for my first 100 miller, gonna se the 2 part 200 mile ultra serries tonight as well that you made. I got the fittnes, but the longest ride I’ve done in a year is 50 miles so I’m pushing my limits for sure to ride 124. I just got off a marathon training block, and my VO2 max is as good as I’ve ever had it. I’ve done an 8 hour ride on this bike 3 years ago and I think my fit is better today tha it was then so here goes nothing. I know I will hit the wall at some point and I also know that I will bounce back, alittle at least after that and perhaps even hit it again. We will see wish me luck buddy.
All true mate, when it gets tough it will get better again. Sugar always helps me, at the roughest point just have a cold full fat coke 👍 good luck mate!
@@theroadprovides I got her done 124.2 miles and 5008 feet of vert my legs where great thanks for the tips buddy
Have you ever had a bike fit? I'm wondering if that would help with knee pain? Congratulations on the overall distance though - 1500km is amazing 🎉👏
Thanks :) I did have but not recently. I’m hoping for a new bike day soon and plan to get a fit after that actually, probably a good idea
Great video again Andy! And if you won't use that Flixbus voucher, I sure will haha 😅
thankfully they let me on, that could have been a disaster! haha
I also had stomach pain last weekend. Stomach and intestines? really cramped up. Eating and drinking was not a good idea (for me) it was so cramped up that nothing went through. I looked like I was pregnant. I did ride on for 3 hours but then I gave in and had my g/f pick me up. Took like 9 hours for it to pass. Thank goodness I wasn't in a foreign country suffering.
it hurts eh, I was in agony, so bizarre. the only thing I can put it down to is dehydration and being trapped if you know what I mean
I have a question because I often ride my bike around Southsea. What do you think about that bike path between the parking lot and the sidewalk?
Hey, I use it if I’m riding really slowly but otherwise it’s just dangerous. So many people cross it from their cars and pay zero attention 😬
Re stomach cramps. For years I’d wondered why I get random cramps and put it down to food or something like IBS. I recently discovered that my migraines can manifest themselves in the stomach.
I never had it till recently (last few years) but stress has caused it in the past, who knows mate but it bloody hurt!
Whaaaa
Where were you riding during the intro - Brighton-ish, but can't put my finger on it. Please enlighten me!
Sharing the pain is a lot easier for us than for you, thanks for suffering for our entertainment.
Portsmouth, around Eastney and up the Eastern road coastal path.
You took a risk, a risk of making it a permanent injury.
Not a big risk really, I know how my body reacts. Done my physio and I’m pain free on the bike this week so 3 weeks to almost full recovery 😁
@@theroadprovides Would be really interested to learn more about those exercises that helped you, Andy. I scratched last year on a ride from Bath to Edinburgh because of knee issues (and can totally empathise with how painful, psychologically, it is). Managed to get it done this year thankfully but still had to nurse it through. Thank you for producing this stuff - it's ace.
I could do that actually, I just have to do that stuff carefully as it works for me but I’m not qualified or anything
@@theroadprovides Understandable. Even what works for you would be super insightful because, so far, I've not found anything that works for me :-(. Doesn't necessarily need to be a video - just exercise names would be a great starter and hugely appreciated!