A ROYSTON man has reflected on his record-breaking 891-mile bike trek.
When Gavin Phoenix first completed the unsupported record biking from Land’s End to John O’Groats he transformed his dreams into reality.
His unbelievable journey resulted in a triumphant victory, completing the ride in 54 hours - smashing the current record of 83 hours.
The 47-year-old is currently researching how to validate his record and is keen to pick up more cycling challenges in the future.
Gavin admitted that the ride was challenging for a number of reasons, perhaps most of all because it fell during the recent heatwave.
However, one of Gavin’s biggest barriers were the costs and equipment of his journey.
He said: “One of the questions I asked myself three years ago was if I could afford the equipment and the bike.
“You need specialised kit and it’s not cheap.
“I had to put the ride off for a while because of bike repairs but I finally decided to do it this for June.
“I never saw myself as a cyclist before but I started getting the bug for travelling long distances.
Gavin explained that staying active and cycling has been the perfect medication for his mental health struggles.
He added: “It helped a lot with my mental health and I thought to myself in a sense how long could I go before I collapse?
“I think that cycling is better than any prescription medication for me.
“The sense of freedom I get from cycling is unbelievable and I just wanted to push myself to go further and further.
“With the hot weather a lot of my journey was taking A roads and managing my hydration.
“When the heat is burning down on you it fees like you’re bloating and your body is strained.
“The first day was difficult but you have to accept you can rest in the evening and it will be cooler.
“The support I got from other people offering me drinks in the hot weather was incredible.
“I go emotional many times during my journey, I was pushing through sleep deprivation and hallucinations from the heat.
“I found the strength to push through, the last 100 miles were some of the most difficult.
“When I reached John O’Groats, the finish was just the signpost.
“The journey was the point for me, I wanted to be humbled by my experiences.”
