Ships log: Lessons in the Art of Avoiding Self-Inflicted Disaster...

1. Drinking: Turns out, dehydration is bad. Who knew? About 800ml of fluid per 20-25 miles seems to keep things functional. Shops exist, use them—running dry mid-ride is not a cool personality trait.

2. Eating: Flapjack and a gel every 1.25-1.5 hours (e.g., gel at 45 mins, flapjack at 1hr 15m). Also, real food and coffee every 45-50 miles, because existing purely on sugar and wishful thinking is a mistake.

3. Clothing: Winter is the enemy of comfort. Balancing cold and wet conditions is an ongoing battle, but theoretically, warmer weather should be less of a logistical nightmare.

4. Pacing: Also known as "don’t be an idiot." Take hills at a steady effort. Don’t floor it on flats and descents unless the goal is to collapse in a heap before the ride ends.

5. Flapjacks: Easy to make, easy to portion, easy to eat, and easy to freeze. A near-perfect fuel source, unless you hate oats (in which case, reconsider your life choices).

6. Proper winter gear: Tyres, mudguards, and a decent winter jacket = best investments yet. Less misery, more mileage.

7. Bike servicing/maintenance: Chain was well past its expiry date—now replaced, and miraculously, everything feels much better. Funny how that works.

8. Bike setup: Initially went in with all the enthusiasm and none of the wisdom. Now things seem dialed in, power output feels more efficient, and post-ride leg tightness has decreased. Progress.

9. Stretching: This video. You're welcome.

10. Storage: The small Topeak top tube bag is fine for shorter rides but laughably inadequate for longer ones. A Tailfin Top Tube 1.1L bag is en route, courtesy of desperate necessity and internet reviews.

11. Nitrile gloves: Previously a joke, now a lifesaver. They've saved my hands from freezing multiple times. Also useful for impromptu roadside bike surgery. Could invest in fancier winter gloves, but spring is on the horizon, so let’s pretend that’s unnecessary.

12. Make sure you sync your cycling computer before setting out and ensure it will load the GPX/route file properly- sounds obvious but everyday variations to routine can cause you to forget - like having to visit a glazing company before a big ride!

13. Nutella sandwiches - bombproof, they don't get sweaty, doesn't matter if they get squashed, very easy to eat and full of carbs/sugar. They are a tad messy so make sure you do the sandwich bag up properly.

14. What 3 words. Just in case you get totally totally lost.

15. When eating a gel/jelly baby don't wash it down with fluid as it might negate the effect.

16. Set your alarm for 30 minutes earlier than you think you need to. 

17. Make sure your pump works.


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