How hard would it be to ride 107km every day for 107 days? Chris Hall decided to find out, all in the name of charity
The prospect of taking on an endurance challenge was nothing new to Chris Hall. He had already completed a gruelling ride across Romania, as well as a mind-numbing and equally physically tough 24-hour ride around Richmond Park. But late last year he took on a far more intimidating venture: to ride 107km per day for 107 consecutive days, raising money for children’s charity the Pace Centre, while holding down a full-time job.
“I actually changed jobs about 80 days into the challenge. I’d been working two jobs doing design consultancy and property management. It was a nine-to-five but realistically it was a nine until whenever it was done, which could be as late as 11pm,” says the 28-year-old.
Changing jobs gave Hall greater flexibility and a more enticing commute from his London home, taking in some scenic roads into Kent.
The difficultly of Hall’s task was not merely about the distance involved. He also had harsh winter weather to contend with, including a few days of riding through Storm Doris. The final 107km, on the 107th day, involved riding the gruelling Flanders sportive in Belgium. On certain days, Hall allowed himself to cover some of the riding on a turbo indoors.
This story is from the September 28,2017 edition of CYCLING WEEKLY.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 28,2017 edition of CYCLING WEEKLY.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
FRED WRIGHT TRUST THE OFF-SEASON PROCESS
This time of year is always my favourite, training wise.
Richardson hits the ground running in GB colours
Track sprinter wins two from two on opening night of Track Champions League
Claims against Wiggins's estate double to £2m
Briton’s efforts to pursue money through courts have been paused
Volunteers needed to revive UK scene
In the second part of our series on the domestic scene, we ask how a shortage of volunteers is impacting road races
CLASSIC BIKE BOB JACKSON TANDEM
Leeds legend's racing bicycle made for two
“I even tried hiding my power readout - it made no difference"
Watt's up? The Doc's stuck in a threshold rut
UK SCENE BARNES AND EEDY WIN IN EAST MIDLANDS
Hudson and Mills win North of England Championships in regionals weekend
WATT WORKS FOR ME ZOE BACKSTEDT
The youngest member of the storied racing family talks about her first pro victory and juggling the demands of road and cross
MAKING TIME! 14 WAYS TO SQUEEZE MAXIMUM GAS FROM MINIMUM TIME
Short on time for training? Rob Kemp shares smart hacks to stay razor-sharp on the bike while showing the schedule who's boss
SHIMANO RC703 SHOE
Mid-tier performance shoe that behaves like a contender