Summertime Blues 2024 - My First 400 km Audax Event

With an emerging idea of achieving Super Randonneur status in my first full season of audax, this 400 km event, organised by Dean Clementson of VC167 (and of which I'm also a newly joined member) seemed to offer just the sort of terrain and profile I felt would suit me. Starting from the extremely popular cycle rally held annually on the Knavesmire, in York, the first and final 45 miles or so are extremely flat while the scenic middle part, through Wensleydale, Mallerstang, Vale of Eden and Teesdale offers the ideal amount of hilly challenge. Knowing the area well and being able to enjoy maximum daylight, on the longest day of the year, as well as decent sleep options meant that I'd have a reasonable chance of finishing. With a decent weather forecast, for good measure, it was with some confidence that I decided to sign up and see how I'd deal with an additional 100 km.