360 Miles on a bike in 36 hours? Follow SG’s Andy on his journey back to fitness as he aims at a challenging ultra experience in Norfolk.
After a couple of years where cycling has taken a bit of a back seat, I wanted to enter 2025 with a plan. To give myself something to aim for. To keep motivation high and get my cycling (and fitness in general) back on track.
When I came across a relatively new event in Norfolk (UK) – part of the country that I have long wanted to explore further – I knew that I had found my Spring target.
The brainchild of Tom Levy of All Pace Races, the Norfolk 360 is described as “The Best Beginners Ultra-Cycle Event” with its unique concept: Get a limited number of riders together at a safe base location and ride progressive loops North, South, East and West coming back to base in between for rest and recovery if needed. In total a stunning 360 miles touching almost all the sights of Norfolk in the process.
The beauty of the concept is that it is significantly less daunting for those new to ultra than many other point-to-point events. You’re always relatively close to base, you can carry less kit, you have a guaranteed safe space to sleep in the Village Hall and, if you decide to call it a day after one, two or three loops, nobody will judge you – you’ll still have had an amazing experience.
If that sounds like your cup of tea, there may be a couple of spaces left, but be quick! https://www.allpaceraces.com/events/norfolk-360-1-1
For me personally, training has started but I’m a long way behind target. Following an injury in December, and still needing physio treatment, my first ride of the year was 12 miles. It took me nearly an hour and I was exhausted at the end. As I arrived home, the idea of cycling 30 of those IN A ROW seemed almost comical. But, thankfully, I have been here before and know that with a bit of effort and consistency these things usually come good.
Since then I’ve managed a 30 mile ride so things are looking a little better – but it’s still a far cry from the full 360!
If you’re curious about ultra cycling and interested in the journey, I’ll post some updates as we get closer to the event: How training is going; Tips for your first ultra and some Kit Selection thoughts. And as a way of keeping myself honest, I’m going to include all the numbers!
So here we are – I don’t yet know how training will go, I’m not yet sure what bike to choose, what kit to take or what to expect from the route. Honestly, I don’t even know for certain if I’ll make it to the start line, let alone the finish. But isn’t that really the point? If you can, choose to chase experiences, have a go at something new and embrace the adventure. Exciting times.
Finally, since we love to get involved with projects that inspire us, we of course prepared a fabulous jersey for the event, available to all. Check it out here:
Route to 360 by the numbers:
- Training rides : 19
- Distance: 302 miles
- Time on the Bike : 19.5 Hours
- Elevation: 3752M
- Punctures: ZERO
