King Alfred’s Way

Daily Stats

Distance 108kms

Time 5hours 49mins

Elevation 866meters

Speed 18.6kms

When Brett suggested the KAW, a 350km mainly off road route spanning the home counties, a few months ago I was decidedly cautions. But as these things transpire we organised a date and 4 days to do the 350kms +50kms to the route and back. Even I can work out with my basic arithmetic that’s 100kms a day.

We weighed both our bikes. Brett (60kgs)and his bike (20kgs) fully loaded weight the same as I do. My bike weighs 25kgs. No wonder I’m slower up the hills 🤦.

So I found myself waking at 6.30, early enough to finalise setup, then cycle the 30kms to Wantage to meet Brett at 9am.

We were both early so keen we were to get on the way. Straight up Chain Hill out of Wantage then turn left onto the chalk path of the Ridgeway.

As we turned along the path excitement and joy hit me, to be back in the saddle riding an off road route bike fully loaded. The sun was shining. Whoop. As is our want we both set off at a leg destroying pace, Brett faster on the paths and me on the rough stuff. Half an hour past we were plummeting down a steep descent fissures crossing the path our wheels in deep ruts. I clanged my pedal on the rut top and nearly flew to the ground. At the bottom we both decided we were riding at a speed way above our ability. We advised caution to each other and proceeded at a more sensible pace.

The route dips in and out of towns. Out coffee stop was Goring, coffee and cakes the cyclists dream. As we were sitting a group of guys stood by our bikes pointing out different parts. Brett and I too tired/lazy to saunter across to talk to them. But as they walked past us on their way they called across, Great bikes and setup. Brett and I beamed with pride.

On we rode closing to our designated 100kms. I stopped and had to refuel a bit, minutes before we spotted a Sainsbury Supermarket.