Another write up but I didn't go for a full blow by blow account, more an analysis of my performance.

http://www.composite-projects.co.uk/201 ... s200-2014/

Excellent mate and a superb write up.

Lots of comparisons with my ride, especially buggering about with drive chain at 11th hour. Loosing my granny ring at 60 miles in cost me a sub 24 place but actually taking a positive from that, I dug deeper than thought previously possible and gained time at the end, missing out only by 40 mins or so.

What I learnt is that I was saved by high base miles on a road bike (3400 prior to the 200) and that sticking with a strong team between midnight and first light helps you keep moving forward when all you want to do is stop (apart from fitzys 1 minute power naps which were allowed!).

Preparation is everything but being strong enough to deal with the unplanned things that always crop up when pushing the limits is where you learn the most about yourself.

Bring on next year!

Neil, sounds like a lot of parallels with my ride. Lack of studying the last 20 miles meant I couldn't understand why the end wasn't just round the corner! And the hike a bike bits were just something that needed to be done.
And bike issues should be sorted first time and quickly - I think I pumped up my rear tyre 5 times before I put a tube in, then fixed that tube another 5 times before it finally sealed. That must have cost an hour in all.
Good write up, a lot of these endurance events are about self learning, not the route itself!