Chris Hall Bike packing the Perimeter of Britain – Le Col

Bike Packing the Perimeter of Britain

As Chris takes on the incredible challenge of cycling the entire coastline of mainland Britain, we asked him a few questions about his preparations for the trip and why he’s doing it. From kit choices and fuelling strategies to the mental side of riding solo for 30 days straight, here’s everything you might want to know about the journey and how you can support him.

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What inspired you to take on a ride around to coast of Britain?

It's been something I have been planning on and off for about 5 years now. I've been lucky to cycle the length of the country, both up and down it and also the width in the widest part, narrowest part and also off road so it's been on my radar for a long time to want to ride around the perimeter. There's no better way to properly explore our island than to cycle it and it feels like a fantastic way to experience that whilst hopefully raising a lot of awareness and funds for Movember.

Is there a stretch of road or region you’re particularly looking forward to?

Weather permitting, I can't wait for the West coast of Scotland. It's a part I have very little experience of and have never ridden around there so I really am excited for that. I also think Wales will be pretty spectacular. I do think though there will be places that surprise me.

What’s your nutrition strategy both on and off the bike?

Keep the fire fuelled basically! I'm lucky to be supported by Styrkr so of course I will be using their products, especially the salt tablets but there is no way I can carry enough fuel for this whole trip, so it'll be a case of whatever I can get, most likely at petrol stations. The key is making sure I'm getting enough calories in whilst riding and then a proper meal for recovery. Basically don't stop eating.

What’s one piece of kit you can’t ride without?

The ARC Cargo Bib Shorts are an essential for me. I find them so comfortable plus the additional pockets are a game changer for me, especially as it allows me to put my camera in one in an easily accessible location. Secondly the ARC Lightweight Rain Jacket with the hood is simply fantastic for the unpredictable British weather.

How can LC__CC Members and cyclists around the UK show their support and join you for a ride along the way?

There's a tracker which will show exactly where I am. My biggest tip is always ride towards me as the tracker always has a little bit of a delay on it. I want people to come along and ride bits if they can as it will be incredible to share the adventure with others and share stories. I'm fundraising for Movember and to help gain exposure for mental health awareness too. So I hope it opens up opportunities for conversations. On the link below you can also find all the routes for each day. So you can download it for where you'd be looking to join.

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Are you doing anything different to prepare mentally as well as physically?

I've had this in mind as a target since the middle of last year so I've been slowly and steadily building into it. I always like to go into these things a little 'under cooked' as I ride into these things better generally. I trust in the process that my coach, Ken Buckley helps me with. Mentally I keep reminding myself that it's a real privilege to be able to do this kind of thing and I'm incredibly lucky to do so. That surprisingly helps a lot with motivation. When I'm old I want to be able to look back on the things I have done and be proud of it and hopefully how I have helped causes close to me, like mental health awareness and fundraising for Movember. I have on my bike a sticker that says 'Believe'. It's a sticker of the sign in 'Ted Lasso'. A series which does a lot of good in opening up conversations about men's health. Plus I'm a big fan of Jason Sudeikis, Hannah Waddingham and Brett Goldstein in it. I also have a sticker of my dog, Marshall there which always ends up making me smile and reminds me of home, in a good way. Those small motivations help a lot when it gets tough.

How do you hope your ride inspires others and cyclists?

I just hope it inspires others to have conversations and talk openly about how they are feeling, about their mental health and also encourages others to check in with mates who may have been a bit distant. Movember have some great resources to help with these conversations. I also hope it encourages others to get out there and have your own adventure. There's some incredible parts of Britain. So lets all explore it.