I’m riding the 3 Peaks cyclocross race this weekend. Never done it before. No idea what I’m letting myself in for really, other than most people telling me it’s one of the hardest cycling events it’s possible to do.

Here’s an example of what I mean:

Thanks Guy…

If you’ve never heard of this race before (how? it’s been running for 56 years) and wondering why it’s so hard, well it is basically a route comprising the three peaks Ingleborough, Whernside and Pen-y-ghent in the Yorkshire Dales, producing 5,000ft of climbing in 38 miles. All on terrain that isn’t really designed for a road bike and the rules stipulate you have to do it on a cyclocross bike with a maximum tyre width of 35mm. So no mountain or adventure bikes with big tyres and suspension then.

There’s not much I can do about preparing the body for the event now, too late for training, so instead I’ve been worrying about bike, tyre and equipment choice. In the video above I discuss some of these choices and reveal the bike and tyres I hope will get me through the event with no mechanical issues or flats. Fingers and toes crossed.

If you’ve done the 3 Peaks CX before and have any last-minute advice I’d love to hear it.