Last week, I achieved a significant milestone in my academic journey: completing the first full draft of my PhD thesis. This extensive work, totaling 100,000 words across 350 pages, delves into the social inclusion implications for interns with special educational needs, specifically examining their transition from education to employment. It marked the culmination of three years of intense writing and significant personal sacrifices, particularly in the realm of sport. To celebrate this accomplishment, I decided to undertake a challenge of a different kind—a coast-to-coast bike ride across England, covering 158 miles and 15,000 feet of elevation in a single day.
The idea for the ride came to me just five days prior, with little in the way of recent cycling preparation or fitness. I reached out to two of my friends, Kris and Craig, to see if they would be interested in joining me on this challenging endeavour. Both agreed without hesitation, and my father also offered to support us by driving the support vehicle. The plan was set: we would take on the St Bees to Robin Hood’s Bay route, a challenging and scenic path that crosses some of England’s most stunning landscapes.
The Route: St Bees to Robin Hood's Bay
The coast-to-coast route we chose is one of the more challenging cycling routes in the UK, spanning 158 miles from St Bees on the west coast to Robin Hood’s Bay on the east coast. This route, inspired by Alfred Wainwright’s legendary fell-walking trail, traverses three of England’s most beloved national parks: the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales, and the North York Moors. Unlike other coast-to-coast routes that cyclists often complete over several days, we aimed to tackle this one in a single day.
The decision to take on this specific route was not arbitrary. I had walked Wainwright’s coast-to-coast trail several times in the past, and I was drawn to the idea of cycling a path that held personal significance. Additionally, I had been inspired by a documentary from the Global Cycling Network that highlighted the route's hardcore nature, including Hardknott Pass—the toughest cycling climb in the United Kingdom.
Hardknott Pass: The Ultimate Challenge
The climb that stood out the most on this journey was Hardknott Pass, a notorious ascent located just 30 miles into the ride. Hardknott is renowned for its difficulty, with a maximum gradient of 33% and an average gradient of 12% over 1.6 miles. The climb begins at an elevation of 126 feet and rises sharply to 1,159 feet, resulting in a height gain of 1,033 feet (290 meters).
Although I had tackled Hardknott Pass before during the Fred Whitton Challenge, this time was different. I was on a new road bike, purchased just weeks before the ride, and was concerned about the harder gears and more aggressive riding posture. Despite these concerns, the climb was as brutal as I remembered, but the sense of accomplishment upon reaching the summit was equally rewarding.
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| Wrynose pass |
The Journey: Fuelling and Support
Throughout the ride, I maintained a strict fueling strategy, consuming 60 grams of carbohydrates every hour to sustain my energy levels. The route took us through picturesque locations such as Ambleside in the Lake District, across Lake Windermere, and through towns like Kendal, Sedbergh, and Hawes in the Yorkshire Dales. We passed by Catterick near the large army barracks and continued into Grosmont in the North York Moors.
My father’s role as the support driver was invaluable. He met us every 20 to 25 miles, allowing us to refill our water bottles, stock up on energy gels, and minimize our stopping time. The goal was to complete the ride within daylight hours, which added an additional layer of challenge to the already demanding journey.
Reflecting on the Ride
Completing this coast-to-coast ride was more than just a physical challenge; it was a symbolic way to celebrate the completion of my PhD draft. The journey was a fitting metaphor for the last three years of my life—demanding, exhausting, but ultimately rewarding. The experience reminded me that with determination and the support of friends and family, even the most daunting tasks can be conquered.
As the sun set over Robin Hood’s Bay, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction. This ride was not just about crossing England on a bike; it was about marking the end of one challenging chapter and the beginning of another. Just as I had conquered the hills and valleys of the English landscape, I was ready to tackle the final stages of my PhD with renewed vigor.
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| Robin Hoods Bay |
