Over the winter, Mark Brooking decided it would be a rather good idea to embark on an Audax series of four 100 km ride in Scotland!! Eeek, Mark!
The idea seemed to grow out of a conversation Mark had with a fellow Audax stalwart during a ride that started from the historic Shaftesbury CC hut in Essex. From that random conversation Mark now had a full winter campaign to plan and complete.
The rides are known as the “Wintersmith Series”, which are four 100 km routes designed to keep riders winter-fit, as well as to enjoy the quiet, scenic roads of the Scottish Borders through the winter months. Organised by the Scottish Borders Randonneurs, the series starts from Galashiels, with one ride each month from November through to February.
Mark on the WinterSmith Series
Over the years the Wintersmith Series has gained real traction, drawing riders from across the UK to the Borders. Mark signed up partly because he knew the organiser, and partly because it was unfamiliar territory. Mark added that it is “always a good excuse to explore somewhere new by bike”.
For the first three rides, Mark travelled up from London by train. Unfortunately, the railways had other plans for the final event. With no rail service and with pride and medals at stake, he had to resort to making the long drive up there.
“It is noticeably colder up there,” said Mark, with classic understatement.
“The second ride in particular featured a bitter, contrary icy wind. Seven layers only just kept the cold at bay, with a maximum temperature of around +2°C and a wind chill well below that. I scraped in with just ten minutes to spare.” Chapeau, Mark.
One of the riders was also filming a series of year-round documentaries on Audax events, so Mark may yet make an appearance in the February edition when it’s released on YouTube.
Mark being filmed for YouTube posterity!
What it was all about!
By – Miles Back (Who hasn’t ridden his bike over the winter!)
