So - I did it (kind of!!).
I attempted the Epic route on the Saturday setting off at 8.10am. Registration was really quick and easy and Covid secure. The only issue I had was that the entrance/ exit road was incredibly dry and dusty. The bike was coated in thick dust. I had a really good pace (for me!) initially and got to the Epic turn off (40 miles) at 11:15. Then it got *hard*. Really *hard*. Sadly by 5.20pm I had only reached the final feed stop with 10 miles to go
. Had to accept a lift to the finish line (the event requires that riders complete by 17:30) 
. But still 90 miles is now my new personal best. I just needed another hour...!
It was a great event though. The people were lovely, everyone looking out for one another. Feed stations were well stocked with gels, bars, bananas, soreen bars, haribo, lotus biscoffs, crisps etc and water or electolyte water to refil your bottle(s).
Anyway - I got up the following day and went with my daughter on the Short route, which was also lovely (mostly), although there was a *lot* of traffic on the Sunday, and quite a few ***holes behind the wheel. A few surprisingly busy / fast roads to go down as well considering the number of youngsters on the Short Route. The dort greatly enjoyed the section through the New Forest proper where we had to negotiate numerous ponies, donkeys and cows. (The cars had a much harder job - particularly with the Donkeys who were clearly enjoying winding them up by blocking the roads as much as possible).
Great weather both days however which was nice!!
I attempted the Epic route on the Saturday setting off at 8.10am. Registration was really quick and easy and Covid secure. The only issue I had was that the entrance/ exit road was incredibly dry and dusty. The bike was coated in thick dust. I had a really good pace (for me!) initially and got to the Epic turn off (40 miles) at 11:15. Then it got *hard*. Really *hard*. Sadly by 5.20pm I had only reached the final feed stop with 10 miles to go
. Had to accept a lift to the finish line (the event requires that riders complete by 17:30) . But still 90 miles is now my new personal best. I just needed another hour...!It was a great event though. The people were lovely, everyone looking out for one another. Feed stations were well stocked with gels, bars, bananas, soreen bars, haribo, lotus biscoffs, crisps etc and water or electolyte water to refil your bottle(s).
Anyway - I got up the following day and went with my daughter on the Short route, which was also lovely (mostly), although there was a *lot* of traffic on the Sunday, and quite a few ***holes behind the wheel. A few surprisingly busy / fast roads to go down as well considering the number of youngsters on the Short Route. The dort greatly enjoyed the section through the New Forest proper where we had to negotiate numerous ponies, donkeys and cows. (The cars had a much harder job - particularly with the Donkeys who were clearly enjoying winding them up by blocking the roads as much as possible).
Great weather both days however which was nice!!
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