Things I learnt on my 300km audax

1) If you're packing for a 300km audax and you have a choice of mending a small hole in your best, comfiest shorts or packing some other shorts, MEND THE HOLE IN YOUR BEST SHORTS.

2) Check your equipment. For example, if you make sure your charging lead for your phone isn't a loose fit then you won't have to fashion a rudimentary cable support out of zip ties halfway round and spend the rest of the ride only able to see half the screen. For example.

3) That Jamis Quest. That's a cracking Audax bike is that.

4) If you're starting at 6am in May after a clear night, and you've only packed your mitts, don't expect to be able to use your hands for the first hour or two.

5) If you're riding to Cheddar in a headwind, that doesn't necessarily mean you'll get a tailwind RIDING THE EXACT SAME ROAD IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION AN HOUR LATER. Grrrrr.

6) Chamois cream is your friend. Take some extra with you to reapply half way round. Suntan lotion doesn't work quite as well, although it's better than nothing. Probably.

7) Anyone who thinks the country is too crowded and the roads are narrow and dangerous should try the B3227 from Barnstaple to Wiveliscombe. Lovely wide smooth tarmac, graded climbs, not a soul on it. Magic.

8) You can never have too many home made energy bars.