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Advice for Dunwichers
from Barry Mason return-coach captain Don't overdo it for a couple of days beforehand. Give your bike a good clean/lube and check the tyres for bits of glass etc. Take an extra layer of clothes. Vaseline, calledula or some other skin balm may be useful - use it before you get sore. Drink a lot of water, don't dehydrate. Don't race off, settle into a pace you like. (When I did it several years ago I met several new people and we rode together at what for me was a perfect pace....and took turns to keep it going). Carry spare batteries - if you don't have a dynamo - a couple of inner tubes and a patch kit. Take a snack or two, plus a treat for when you get there. A small towel is nice if you plan to swim. Carry some food, aim for self-reliance and be prepared to offer support to any distressed pilgrims you meet along the way. Don't let the thought of the distance get you down...we can all do it and will. It's a beautiful ride, enjoy it. Check out the Exmouth Exodus a newish DD-style event starting in Bristol If you want to do more riding on country roads check this... Words from the 24 hours of Moab a defunct dirt bike race in the USA but they fit ok here.... "Somewhere during the night you will hear a voice say, "Why am I doing this? I am never doing this again!" Look forward to this voice. Welcome it. Laugh at it. Embrace it. Look forward to hearing it again next year. Just know that it will come and that you will ride past it and be stronger when it fades into the shadows." -- Chris Tirpak, 4x Sufferer of Canaan and Moab |