The longest day, the longest ride

Spurred on by travelling 45 miles in under 3 hours on Saturday, I felt there was no better way to celebrate the solstice than to cycle 100 miles - 18 more miles than I've ever done before. Donning my newly purchased clothing and helmet, and armed with a Snickers, 9 Jelly Babies and some Jam Sandwiches, I hit the road as early as I could bring myself to (5.30 am!).

I chose to cycle through familiar areas to reduce the chances of getting lost, and so I would know where the route could be shortened if I thought I couldn't go the distance. My route took me through Chesterfield, Derby, Ilkeston, Mansfield and Worksop - pretty much as flat as you can get. The weather, contrary to the forecast, was superb. To make the most of the conditions, I cycled for 4 1/2 hours non-stop, fuelled by the odd Jelly Baby. I stopped for my sandwiches and half a Snickers in Church Warsop.

I had to resort to my final 3 Jelly Babies approaching Brimington for a bit of a boost, but I was generally feeling fine. I was careful not to exert myself too much, as I knew I had a slow hill out of Mosborough to contend with at the end of the ride. For the duration of the ride, I convinced myself that the final hill (Quarry Hill) would be devastating after such a distance. Thankfully, it was far easier than I remembered, and I rolled into Sheffield in time to catch the start of the British GP, completing the ride in 7.25 hours (average speed just under 14mph).