Photo: La Nebbiosa di Parma 200km, 22nd October 2023

A month ago I finished my slowest ever 200km ride, ICCs The Great Escape.

La Nebbiosa 200km was always going to be very different. Riding with experienced randonneurs on the flatest 200km course I’ve ever done promised a quick time.

To be on the start line for 08:00 the alarm went off at stupid o’clock. 03:30 to be precise for the fast drive to Parma.

Due to the looping nature of the course we were slowed down by the record number of controls. Eight times we were required to stop to get our brevet cards stamped. One control was only 10 km away from the previous. The food at some of them was very welcome though, especially the copious amounts of parmesan cheese on offer.

Despite the fast pace I managed to get some photos on the way round.

Thanks to Aris for being quick enough to catch this moment on the move.

Thank you to my fellow quick riders and all the volunteers from Filippelli Vecchia Parma.

Slow slow

September 2023. The Great Escape. 212 km. Average speed 23.2 km/h. Elapsed time 12 hours 37 minutes. My slowest ever 200km.

Quick Quick

October 2023. La Nebbiosa. 205 km. Average speed 29.2 km/h. Elapsed time 7 hours 57 minutes. My fastest ever 200km and probably the only time I’ll get under 8 hours.

Slow

Today. A slow day after driving 277 km, riding 205 km then driving 277 km the day before.