London-Edinburgh-London in the Rear View

Stephen is a special kind of cyclist. A multiple completer of both Paris-Brest-Paris and London-Edinburgh-London, he embodies the true spirit of long-distance cycling. With his calm demeanor, methodical approach, and unflappable nature, Stephen has conquered some of the most challenging audax events in the world, both with and without our coaching support.

LEL 2022: Reflections from the Saddle

Stephen's account of his 2022 London-Edinburgh-London journey provides a fascinating window into the mind of an experienced endurance cyclist. In his own words, here's what made this particular edition successful and memorable:

The Challenge

Lesson 1: It's hard; be physically and psychologically prepared to overcome struggles.

It was tough! Tougher than 2017 even with the nasty weather that time around. I think I put it down to a few factors which I'll go through.

The course was longer and seemed to grow in length at every update leading up to the event. There were also several challenging spots identified and highlighted prior which contributed to the 'difficult' outlook. This was all psychological and if I'd just shown up on the start line with a blank slate, I would have just got on with it. None of these things really added to the difficulty but they were carried as baggage from start to (almost) finish. I recognized the constant updates as a problem early in preparation but to 'look away' in the lead up would be to arrive unprepared and I couldn't do that either.

The Course

The course was brutal! No doubt about it, there were sections added to the course that made it very challenging.

In his more detailed analysis he describes one of the climbs:

As I approached the last pinch of the climb (which was always in full view), I thought my eyes must be playing tricks; it couldn’t be that steep. For the last few metres of this hill it’s all I could do to keep the bike upright as I pushed down individually on each pedal. As I passed riders walking I was amazed at how steep this section was. It was almost fully dark by this point so I was unable to easily check the GPS unit and the difficulty of just holding the handlebars pushed that curiosity aside. Telemetry now tells me that it was about 15% at that point which is not a huge number but it is greater than I had trained for.

The Wolds of North Yorkshire were stunning (and I'm lucky I hit them in daylight) but they came with a cost...Out of Helmsley, the terrain got interesting. Amazing views, rolling hills, green forests and grazing goats. It was bittersweet because as spectacular as the road was, the steep pinches which seemed to appear out of nowhere were a constant challenge. Grinding up these walls in the heat was taxing but it wasn’t creating any ongoing problems as walking on cleats surely would have. There were plenty of riders opting to ascend on foot.

Lesson 2: Have a GPS of the route to follow and study it; if you make route errors and correct them as soon as  you can.

I hadn’t looked in detail at this part of the course except to know that it was now headed north of the track from 2017. Drifting along I missed a turn toward Bishop Burton and didn’t even realise it until the GPS took me back to the course. There were several riders on a side road and I immediately knew that I should have been among them. No bother. Back on track.

Crossing the Pennines was an unfortunate detour that had no alternatives. The guidance on the defined course added to my difficulty here. I had the latest course loaded on my GPS but no other riders around me even thought there was an alternative to the previous one (which I ended up riding without having it programmed into the GPS).

The course extending beyond and back via Edinburgh created some difficulty in navigating and negotiating the city centre.

Once I got out into the suburbs I spotted Gracemount high school without particularly looking for it and realised that this was the turnaround point of the 2017 event. Since the Dunfermline checkpoint I had already done 40km and was not yet clear of the city limits. The leg to this point seemed to be quite hard work but from here on it opened up and I was able to relax a bit.

Road Conditions

Lesson 3: Check out as much of the course as you can and be prepared for challenging road surfaces.

During one of my familiarisation rides north of Debden, I rode through patches of water (one was actually a ford at Hadham Cross) which had slime on the road surface from being constantly underwater. The loss of traction gave me pause that a simple slip could bring me unstuck. From then on, every bit of water over the road got the critical look to make sure there was no green in amongst it.

The road surface. OK this was the same as 2017 but it still surprised me. Holes in the road that you could lose cattle in and surfaces that made French cobbles feel smooth meant there was very little respite from the jarring. I dropped the rear wheel into a hole (after attempting to bunny-hop over it) with 30km before the finish and I still don't know how it didn't break. I consider myself lucky to have got to the finish without breaking the bike.

The Weather

Lesson 4: Be prepared for cold, heat and anything in between with the weather.

After a 0630 departure, the day didn’t warm up as quickly as I hoped and it was still single digits for the first hour down the valley...As I climbed, the fog seeped in and it got progressively cooler. I didn’t have a good handle on direction and terrain so I was content to just click through the gears and keep on spinning knowing I would get to a peak soon enough.

The hot weather was unusual but not unmanageable. It was made trickier by me losing one of my bidon lids just before Barnard Castle but that could be dealt with without too much stress. The last two days felt like February at home and apart from stopping a bit more, posed no problem for those with experience in heat. It was a good excuse to stop and savour some of the pubs and cafes. Hey, it's not a race!

What Stephen doesn't mention here is how he ingeniously adapted: "I just continued on with a muesli bar wrapper over the top of the now open bidon." Such resourcefulness is the hallmark of a veteran audax rider.

Checkpoints

Lesson 5: Get your brevet stamped. Forget anything else but not that.

Sleep: In 2017 I was a bit quicker and was generally ahead of the bulge so there was never a problem finding an empty bed. This time I was riding more slowly and started on the tail end of the field (which didn't bother me) and that meant that when I really needed a sleep, there were few comfortable options. Stopping and closing my eyes beats riding into danger so I always took some respite but there was only really one spot where I slept properly (and that's because it was a B&B and not a checkpoint).

Lesson 6: Sleep will not be in a quiet dark room unless you book a B&B; public sleep etiquette goes a long way.

Lesson 7: Get good food and don't assume the checkpoints will always have what you want/need.

Checkpoint food: Even though I knew it could be problematic, it was an extra task having to work around it. 

Arriving in Malton at about 9am it seemed like the day was still young, I felt like I had the balance right and was making steady and enjoyable progress. 

The available food consisted of either cereal or bread to make toast. There was not even any milk for the cereal. I was flummoxed. After a small snack of yoghurt on cereal, I left the checkpoint to find something more substantial. I rode back into Malton proper and found a cafe offering a full English and a coffee. Now we’re talking! Notwithstanding the additional time to eat, I felt much better for being full and a bit more rested.

The Unexpected Joys

Lesson 8: Take a moment to enjoy the highlights.

"I stopped at a cafe in Biggar to fill the bidon and get an iced coffee. Determined to take my time on what was shaping up as a hot day I thought I would take a seat in the shade."

A photo here. A coffee there. A sit on the grass in the shade here. It seemed to extend the ride (compared to the last attempt in 2017) but I didn't want to get to the end and regret not stopping in St John's chapel for an ice cream in the shade. I took more time but I experienced more as well.

Once on the (Humber) bridge, that changed and everyone became animated again. Not that it was a party but crossing the bridge in the early morning light, seeing the sunrise off to our right, was quite spectacular. Both times I crossed this bridge in 2017 it was in full darkness so even though I'd been here before, this time was special.

The Human Element

Lesson 9: Connect with, smile and thank all those helping in any way.

I mention to the locals how I'm loving the warmer temperatures in the UK after leaving the Australian winter behind, I get (more than once) dismissed because 'Australia is not really that cold'. It seems that Australian marketing has done a fine job of hiding the cold from at least the UK potential travellers.

I stopped at Whittelsey when some supporters offered water to cyclists. I could have made it to Boston but thought I should chat with some locals. It turns out they had someone in the ride and knew this stretch to be hot. Even they were nearly out of water such was the success of their roadside venture. I unloaded a token koala here much to their delight.

The Mind of an Audax Veteran

Lesson 10: Be prepared to deal with expected and unexpected challenges and learn from them.

After about 400km heart rate never went above 139 and in the last 400 never went above 132. Without accounting for terrain and other factors, Average heart rate dropped from 140 to level out at under 110.

On the last three 1200+ rides I have done, I have gotten to a stage after about 700km where my sense of smell (and subsequently taste) goes haywire. The two notable smells that get corrupted are food (annoyingly) and grass. This translates into some very weird (and unpleasant) experiences both out in the countryside where grass smells are quite abundant and also at each checkpoint foodhall. I've learned to ignore it as a familiar anomaly but it's quite distracting.

What did I not prepare for that I should have? I should have been on a few longer rides with more kit than I trained with. The kit that I rode with turned out to be a bit heavier than I packed in training and while there was not a problem in carrying it, the task of organising it into packs was unfamiliar.

By the Numbers: Stephen's LEL Stats

For the data-minded cyclists (and we know there are many of you), Stephen meticulously tracked various metrics throughout his journey. These stats not only paint a picture of the ride's challenges but also reveal Stephen's methodical approach to endurance cycling:

• Total number of gear changes: 8,164 (Average of every 34 seconds)
• Longest stretch in one gear: 37 minutes (Boston toward Spalding)
• Time spent on big chainring: 64% (which Stephen notes was "a big surprise!")
• Total pedal strokes: Approximately 280,000 (Moffat to Dunfermline estimated before a sensor battery change)
• Maximum heart rate: 156 BPM (hit within the first 5km while setting a second-best 5-minute power peak record)
• Heart rate evolution: After about 400km, heart rate never went above 139 BPM, and in the last 400km never exceeded 132 BPM
• Overnight low temperature: 6 degrees Celsius at night in Scotland (in fog, so it was wet as well)
• Maximum temperature: 34 degrees Celsius experienced crossing Killhope Cross on Wednesday, in Lincolnshire on Thursday, and arriving back into London on Friday

Power Management: Keeping Everything Charged

Lesson 11: Make sure your electrical equipment is able to last/be charged.

GPS Unit (Edge 530): The Edge 530 is near new and still has a good battery life from a full charge. If the unit itself is to be believed, it will go for 24 hours or more on a single charge. I have suffered in the past from poor battery life on GPS head units and so I am usually keen to keep it topped up where I can. I used a mix of dynamo charge via a unit run by the hub and 240v plug pack at checkpoints. Checkpoints never supplied a full charge but did a lot of heavy lifting that the hub wouldn't. I also carried two small USB power packs and the 240v plug pack enabled two devices to charge simultaneously.

Headlights and Taillights: The headlight/taillight bolted to the bike runs on a dynamo and worries about battery life have been a thing of the past since 2001 when I got my first hub. I also carried a battery taillight just in case but never turned it on. Even on its lowest setting it would not have gone the distance but it was just a backup anyway.

Helmet Lights: Given that these lights were only supplementary, there was no issue with their life. I had two separate battery packs (one in the drop bag at Brampton) and as they theoretically last eight hours on a charge, I never got close. In training they are a necessity to find and avoid animals, but I found that I didn't need them in the same way in the UK.

Satellite Tracker: During training this was powered by rechargeable AAA cells which was OK for several rides but for the event I powered it with brand new lithium disposables which would last significantly longer (and easily able to make the six days required).

Phone: This was put into flight mode between checkpoints (which enabled it to still be a camera) and topped up in similar fashion to the Garmin unit; on the road or at checkpoints.

Di2 Battery: This was the most difficult to plan for but in hindsight was the simplest to deal with. I had, in training, tested how far the battery would last on a single charge. I used it for about 1400 km (over several rides) down to under 20% so knew it was likely to make the distance but not likely enough to not plan for charging. The dedicated charging lead meant I needed to carry it with me the entire distance but as it turns out, never needed to use it. I finished the event with 30% remaining.

Battery management was relatively easy not least because there was no weather to deal with. Had there been rain then the option for charging on the fly would have been removed and powering up made more complex."

Note: for LEL 2025 battery packs are for hire and there you will not be allowed to use sockets at checkpoints for good reason:-

Support

Lesson 12: Have some personal support even if it's just over the phone.

I stepped up to the door of the school and spotted Melani immediately on the check-in table. I thought I could take my shoes off and surprise her but I also didn't want to miss the look when she spotted me. I'd been riding a long way to come and see her and the beaming smile I got when she saw me didn't disappoint.

I spotted a nice green patch under some trees and sat and pondered where I was at. I continued to drink (as I had two full bidons) and tried to make a call to Mel. I knew that there was no magic bullet but I needed to have a conversation with someone outside my head to realign where I was at, the conditions I was seeing and where to from here (not literally).

Looking Ahead to LEL 2025

As LEL 2025 approaches this August, Stephen is preparing for another journey across the heart of Britain. With his experience, methodical approach, and unwavering spirit, there's little doubt he'll conquer the challenge once again.

The Secret to Stephen's Success

What makes Stephen so successful at these grueling events? I've observed several key factors that set him apart:

Disciplined Training: Despite his modest self-assessment about "not doing enough long rides," Stephen consistently puts in the training miles when it matters most. This is particularly impressive considering his major build period (the crucial 12 weeks before events) typically falls during the heart of the Australian winter. While others might find excuses, Stephen gets out there and puts time in the saddle when it's needed, building on the substantial base he's developed over years of endurance riding.

Meticulous Planning: Stephen plans in extraordinarily fine detail—from projected timetables for each checkpoint to moving times, bike parts, and assembly packing systems. Nothing is left to chance. Any changes from one event to the next are thoroughly tested, then tested again, ensuring each modification is a true improvement rather than an experiment during the event itself.

Adaptability: Stephen has a good plan but he can adapt as situations present themselves: fixing punctures, having a makeshift cover for his bidon when he lost the lid, going off the GPS when required and sense demands. Being able to solve problems on the ride is a major part of success, particularly as fatigue can really impact your cognitive ability; if needed Stephen will ask for help.

Commitment to Learning: These reflections weren't originally intended for public consumption—they were Stephen's personal way of assessing his performance, analyzing what worked, and identifying improvements for next time. This systematic approach to learning from each experience enables continuous improvement, even after multiple completions of these legendary events.

Generous Spirit: Stephen's willingness to share these insights demonstrates the generous spirit he brings to the ultra-distance community. By allowing us to publish his reflections, he's helping other audaxers learn from his vast experience—a perfect example of the camaraderie and knowledge-sharing that makes this community special.

If you're lucky enough to be on the route—whether as a rider, volunteer, or supporter—keep an eye out for Stephen. You might just be rewarded with one of his famous koalas, a small token from a cyclist who embodies the true spirit of audax. For Stephen, the distance isn't just about the kilometers covered—it's about the stories collected, the lessons learned, and the people met along the way. And that's what makes him not just a cyclist, but a true ambassador for the audax world.

Want to join Stephen on the journey? Whether you're contemplating your first LEL or looking to improve your previous time, our coaching services can help prepare you for the physical and mental challenges of this epic ride. Contact us today to learn more.