Photo: Brevet cards at the ready.

It was supposed to be a warm up. It proved to be a test.

Four days before driving to Germany for a much bigger challenge I found myself riding the 27 km to the start of the San Ferry Ann Summer Dream 200, in Bethersden on Sunday 28th June 2026.

Why I thought riding to the start was good idea I’ll never know. A few days before I’d caught a bug. Headache, nausea, sensitive skin. Drained of energy. The 200 km audax was a sufficient test so why add another 54 km to it? Idiot.

This idiot started with Graham from Tenterden Cycle Club. He had an incentive. The course passed his house at 99 km so he had a lunch date with his wife. He’s stronger than me so it wasn’t too long before I encouraged him to go on.

My first 99 km was awful. Weak and a little nauseous I seriously wondered if I’d finish and have to cancel my trip to Germany. I resolved to just keep riding until I couldn’t. Hoping that would be enough. The second half of the course passed close to home so I could always call it a day then. That option became increasingly tempting. I felt shit. Approaching the half way mark I stopped at the control just before Benendon to rest and decide what to do.

Never underestimate the restorative effect of a toasted teacake, fizzy drink and a double espresso.

Never underestimate the restorative effect of riding along familiar roads.

These two factors made me feel so much better as I passed familiar sights.

At the finish I really regretted my decision to ride to and from the event. I had another 27 km to get home. Oh how I dreamt of driving home, a shower, then walk to the pub for a pint.

Instead I rode home, showered and fell asleep to this view out of the bedroom window.

Amazingly I averaged 23.4 km/h moving speed over 255 km so I must have nipped across the flat Marsh at a decent pace.

A big thank you to Bob Watts and all the volunteers from San Ferry Ann Cycling Club for an event part of Audax UK’s 50th anniversary celebrations. Bob later confirmed that “Across the four distances we had 134 entries, 114 starters and 110 finishers. We are pleased to host such a good turnout of riders, including many new to audax. Well done for giving it a go.” It was a great route with plenty of food at the end. Always welcome.

Congratulations to Graham for finishing his first audax and his longest ever ride.

The critical decision would be 24 hours later. If the ride hadn’t destroyed me then I’d drive to Germany. After a nap on Monday afternoon I made my decision and messaged my German riding partner…