Can Simon Break A 290km Gravel Record? | Marcher Castles Way

The challenge: ride 290km of mixed terrain with 5,500m of ascent faster than anyone has before. The route: the stunning and savage Marcher Castles Way. The rider? Our very own Simon Richardson.

Follow Simon as he attempts to set a new Fastest Known Time (FKT) on one of the UK's newest and most demanding long-distance trails. This is a story of endurance, determination, and the sheer mental and physical struggle of a 15-hour day in the saddle. Will he break the record, or will the route break him?

Check out the Strava ride here: strava.com/activities/15225016424
Want to see a closer look at Si's bike? 👉 youtube.com ⁨@gcntech⁩

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This incredible route was created by Cycling UK. To find out more about the Marcher Castles Way and their other long-distance trails 👉 cyclinguk.org/routes/long-distance/marcher-castles-way

Chapters ⏱️:
00:00 - Intro: A 290km FKT Attempt
00:46 - The Route: An Introduction to the Marcher Castles Way
02:15 - The Goal & The Mindset: Aiming for the FKT
03:25 - The Ride Begins
05:13 - First Sights: Roman Cities & The Iron Bridge
07:14 - The Modern Advantage: Why GPS Makes This Possible
08:41 - The Birthplace of the Olympics: Much Wenlock
09:35 - Riding on Wenlock Edge
11:13 - The First Big Test: The Brutal Clee Hills
12:03 - Into the Pain Cave: "I'm in Mordor"
12:31 - Mid-Ride Bike Check: Orbea Terra vs Terra Race
14:28 - A Moment of Respite in Ludlow
16:23 - On Familiar Territory
17:47 - The Pacing Strategy & Fueling Update
19:50 - The Welsh Borderlands: Clun & Knighton
22:31 - The Final Gauntlet: The Three Big Climbs
26:32 - At The Limit: The Struggle up the First Climb
27:52 - Facing The Second Beast: The Stiperstones
29:27 - Hitting The Wall on The Long Mynd
30:38 - The Advice That Kept Simon Going
31:46 - The Mental Finish Line: Church Stretton
35:04 - THE FINISH: The Final Time & FKT Result

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🎵 Music - licensed by Epidemic Sound 🎵
Departing - DEX 1200
a lone chair across a silent continent - Shinji Wakasa
Arizona - Lennon Hutton
Balkanic - Yinon Muallem
Better You - Swif7
City, Alley, Quiet, Distant Traffic 02 - Epidemic Sound
Contemplations - Aiyo
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Daydreaming - Ryan James Carr
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Full Throttle - Aiyo
Get the Table Set - Arthur Benson
Illusory Motion - Gavin Luke
Impact, Dark, Cinematic, Low - Epidemic Sound
Impact, Dark, Cinematic, Snappy Hit - Epidemic Sound
In All Seriousness - Howard Harper-Barnes
Intimacy (Instrumental Version) - Alex Kehm
J. S. Bach_ Cello Suite No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1008 III. Courante - Laura Metcalf
Lock In (Instrumental Version) - Nbhd Nick
Locked In - Aiyo
Malhana - DEX 1200
Metal Chime Hit, Reverse, Build, Crescendo 01
Moonlight - Witchitaw Slim
My My (Instrumental Version) - Loving Caliber
NRG - STRLGHT
Our Final Mission - Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen
Ripple Effect - Bjorn Alva
SULTAN - BLUE STEEL
Surfing Astray - Johan Glossner
Swell, Thriller, Tension Builders 02 - Epidemic Sound
Tall Tale - Trevor Kowalski
The Early Hours - The Eastern Plain
The Foreshadowing - Gabriel Lewis
Vinyl, Record Scratch, Stop - Epidemic Sound
Yami Ichi (Black Market) - Isaku Kageyama
Your Time Is Now - Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen

📸 Photos - © Velo Collection (TDW) / Getty Images & © Sirotti Images

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