Richard Krause challenges himself to Skegness and back in a day!

“A random day off work and the weather set to be dry and sunny I decided to attempt one of my own personal goals… a round trip to Skegness and back, 202 miles in total.
I knew it was going to be a long day with the heat so I decided to set off early, I instantly regretted this when the alarm went off at 4am!!!

Coffee and breakfast sorted, I was all set to go. With my longest ride only being 75 miles I was feeling a little nervous about the prospect and didn’t know if I was going to be able to complete this challenge or not!

Leaving at 5am the roads were quiet and I made good progress enjoying the views and trying to steadily pace myself (which I find incredibly very hard to do)

I arrived in a very hot Skegness (31°c) at midday feeling pretty fresh and happy with my time I was currently averaging 19.1 mph.
Fish and chips and two cans of coke for dinner and a little potter about it was time to tackle the journey home.


Shortly after starting the ride back home I hit a block head wind and I instantly knew that it was going to be a very tough 80 miles ride back. Trying to stay focussed and the roads ahead looking ridiculously long I Pressed on. 30 miles into to ride home I started to flag I didn’t think I was going to make it back home, So I took my first of many stops for refreshments and water refills, regained my determination and set off again.
The ride back was more head down and grinding the miles no sight seeing at all.
when I passed the Medbourne sign, I knew there wasn’t many miles left and this gave me a bit of a boost however that was short lived when I got cramp in both legs, both hamstring! unclipping was difficult to say the least and with my phone battery flat I had no choice but to keeping going unable to call for rescuing. From that point the ride became a lot slower and I arrived back home an hour later than originally planned but home non the less and challenge complete.
202.63 miles complete moving time 11:41:16 average speed 17.3mph.”