Dales Divide Ultra - Would you?

Very happy now It’s done, that’s by far the longest push I’ve done in one go, was not expecting a top 10 finish so pretty stoked with that!

It’s hard to know because I honestly came into it with no expectations. Just wanted to push myself and enjoy it, wasn’t too focused on the result until I found myself around the top 10 then expectations definitely started to shift.

Making it to the bothy Saturday night after battling the gale force wind and rain of Storm Dave. Restrap were running their Rest and Raman hut so a roaring fire and noodles was an added bonus, was a core memory for sure.

Toughest point mentally and physically was probably the morning after the first night, everything felt empty including my legs!

I pushed through it by sleeping in a ditch for an hour, got a second wind after that and felt much better haha.

Having never ridden the route before it was hard to have any kind of strategy. Sleep wise, I managed to grab two 30 minute naps in the morning after night one, these were never planned but it felt right, also managed another hour in the bothy.

Nutrition consisted of eating as regularly as I could and trying to get decent food in, but that was near impossible with the corner shops that made up most of the resupply options.

Taught me I can push myself considerably more than I’d previously thought possible!

Pack spare brake pads, I went through a brand new set in the first day!

Both play a huge part but mindset is so important especially in the night that’s the part I struggle with the most.

I hope to tell a story that inspires people to get outside and go on similar missions.

Definitely, It’s changed the way I think of content as a whole. It can be hard to document events like this well but I’m happy with how things are progressing so far.

Nervous but excited for it, focused on a quick recovery now with it only being 3 weeks away.

I’m still relatively new to this side of racing so just enjoying them as they come, anything result wise is a bonus!

They’ll be some aspects I’ll take from Dales but overall it’s a longer effort with much harder terrain to cover, so slower pace and much more bike time!

I’d be lying If I said I didn’t wanna go a decent amount quicker this time. I feel fitter on the bike and have gained a huge amount of experience since then so we’ll have to see!

I’d say start small work your way up, get a few bikepacking trips in beforehand to finalise your setup and be prepared. Ultras don’t tend to have any support in place should things go wrong so it’s up to you to get yourself out of that situation.

The thought of it all being finished. ( We loved this answer! )

The people! The ultra community is the best.

INSANE!

Join us in wishing Bryn the best of luck as he attempts the HT550 and the North Wales 400, ticking off the UK Triple Crown!

Give him a follow on Instagram to keep up with all of his challenges - including his film project for Fresh Cuts!

Good luck lad! We'll all be dot watching!!

Bryn's sponsors for this challenge were Restrap, 7Mesh, Exposure Lights and Juice Lubes.