I Tried To Ride My Bike Across The Country In One Day

I wanted to test my newbie road cycling fitness so took my bike on a ride across the country for a challenge!
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#cycling #fitnessmotivation #marklewis

[@YouTube]

this is v impressive 💪🏾💪🏽💪🏻💪🏿💪🏼 well done mark!

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Thanks KZbin 😁

[@jackiechan8840]

Wow. Never seen YT actually comment before. Well done boss

[@mmmmmmmmmm.m.]

​@@jackiechan8840l feel like this is a Easter egg 🥚😂

[@ChickenOodieSimChaChu32]

Achievement unlocked 😅

[@mooncalf_4534]

@@jackiechan8840 KZbin comments almost exclusively on UK creators lol

[@jimlaunder5061]

Imagine pushing yourself like never before, conquering all doubts, achieving your greatest goals…just to end up in Weston-Super-Mare. Doesn’t bear thinking about

[@MarkLewisfitness]

😂

[@pavement422]

😂

[@richardbutton1171]

It’s not called Weston super mare on the mud for no reason

[@thebigbristolian]

😂. I thought that was every Brummies dream?

[@richardfrancis5683]

It was Burnham-on-sea when I did it and I even managed to miss the place and eventually rode across the finish line the wrong way!

[@richsullivan1950]

Props for doing an 8 mile chaser pre-ride. Solid commitment to exhaustion that Mark

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Trust me - if there had been a closer hotel - I'd have been in it!!! 😂

[@nickwf70]

That is proper cycling 👍

[@MarkLewisfitness]

It put me right off going to the seaside for a while...but fun all the same 😂

[@stretch4666]

That wasn’t the ride. That was finishing at WSM that done that 😜 Good effort though chap! That’s a great achievement 👊

[@rheno03]

Wow, huge respect!🎉 Your videos gives me motivation to "those" harder days to get up and do the training (I'm still in the process building good habits, half way through on Atomic Habits audiobook).

[@deetee5861]

You're amazing for completing that in that time and taking it on the chin from all those haters is so English and Noble. well done🎉

[@Fixin-To]

The feet thing is common for longer distances. You need to see Bike Fit James - Richmond and get orthotics/new shoes which will relieve/eradicate the symptoms.

[@jules9094]

Feel for your feet but I lost it when you said you went convertible 😂

[@santibaiona]

You know a video is good when it's over 23 minutes long and it seems like 5. Mark has that incredible ability. Kudos for the ride after all that extensive preparation. 😂👍👏👏👏👏👏

[@melonz66]

Fair play Mark, tough mental game to stick to the pace that feels right for you

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Yep. Too old to be too stupid !

[@liamgaul]

Smart mental game. Guess he's done a few races before in his time

[@Omanjack]

The fact that you ran a marathon the week before is full on lunacy to me. Massive respect, you do a good job pushing yourself hard while being aware of the risks and possibility (probability?) of failure and being entertaining and charming the whole time.

[@StephenHuntA]

As one of the larger riders going past you in the day, I'm usually quite popular as a sizeable windshield for those behind, next time try and follow some wheels, so much easier, especially if it's mine! Good effort, was a memorable day out!

[@mikerimmer835]

Good point, the lone wolf approach v drafting in a bunch makes it a much tougher challenge

[@NotaNazgul]

​@@mikerimmer835depends on the speed of the pack and if you can stay in the back all day, doesn't it?

[@mikerimmer835]

@@NotaNazgul I don’t know, not done this particular event but in the races I’ve done tends to be lots of people going various speeds and you can always find a friendly wheel to follow, how much time you spend out the wind is then up to you, I’m always ready to do my fair share ;)

[@GrahamRicketts]

@@NotaNazgul 30% less effort drafting, this is not an event to do as a lone rider

[@nuttycommuter3718]

Being on the small size does have an advantage as nearly everybody is bigger than me and I’m always grateful for someone to draft behind!

[@king_reynolds1879]

Love your content Mark. I am a 44-year-old man who just started exercising a few years ago and just completed my first marathon earlier this month. Your videos are relatable, inspiring and funny.

[@trumptman]

As someone who has done several double centuries my suggestion for the feet is chewable salt tablets. I've always needed them even when taking in a good load of electrolytes. Depending upon the brand one tablet can have as much sodium as 20-30 oz of fluids with electrolytes added but you can just chew them quickly. Great job and as a cyclist I'll agree that anyone who takes up cycling for fun is indeed camping on Mount Stupid. The views are lovely from up here so enjoy!

[@donbracci2199]

If I had a duck pond and a podium, I would put you on top of it. Great job and great video. I really liked seeing the Garmin information. Especially the recovery information. Great storytelling!

[@bprocket]

200 miles and almost 10k feet of climbing is nothing to sneeze at. Great job.

[@richardkranium5557]

Amazing! From falling off your kikr to crushing this ride, you sir are an inspiration for all of us middle aged fitness seekers! Thank you ❤

[@KerenWang]

i attempted a 2400km race last year. This basically compacts my emotions. I love your videos. Hilarity ensured.

[@dougcross99]

I raced road bikes for about 20 years all over the world. Needless to say, I spent some time in the saddle. A 329Km day with 3000 m of climbing is a big day! RESPECT!

[@onetwothreefourfive12345]

Is 100km and 2000m uphill good

[@scottedmunds4960]

Blimey, I limped over the finish line after the ride 100 London in absolute bits. Hope you gave yourself a huge pat on the back for what you achieved because it's really impressive and you should be very proud. Well done Mark.

[@simonbigwood3407]

As someone who did this in 2019, congratulations on your achievement. Really pleased to see you taking a sensible view on pacing yourself and not being tempted to chase those going by you. Big kudos.

[@Kevin_Aus]

Riding in a group saves a huge amount of energy. One note about your bike is that the gearing on that gravel bike probably really helped you. I still reackon that most road bikes today are sold with gearing that is more suitable for pro riders, rather than average joes. Being able to just spin up the hills in an easier gear is a big advantage in a ride like this. Well done.

[@whitehorsebricks2670]

I would have said that was more the case 10 years ago. Now cassettes are wide enough ratio that gearing is more suitable for club level/leisure riders.

[@brentvelo]

Try the new Specialized S-Works Torch Road bike shoes. They are already 3-4 mm wider in the toe box AND sole, unlike most other brands. Their WIDE version is even a further 3-4mm wider. Most brands “wide” version is just extra volume in the upper. The Torch shoes are wider in the sole and upper. Might help with the toe issues.

[@johnmorgan7989]

For someone who overanalyses and over thinks to the point of just never attempting in the first place to see you just go for it is very inspiring. Well done mate. Amazing effort!!

[@TriStruggleBus]

Numb feet sounds like a bike fit problem, possibly saddle height issue. From what little I know a good bike fit starts with the correct saddle height and position and if either of the two are wrong, they tend to throw off everything else. Well done for "scraping by" :D Awesome video as always!

[@marcusslade9804]

Nicely done, Mark. Here on the west coast of Canada in years past, I have partcipated with about 100+ other cyclists numerous times in a single day 400KM ride (a group or team ride and also not a race) known as Ride2Survive for the purpose of raising funds in support of cancer research. It was always an emotional experience at the end with a large group of friends and families welcoming the entire group home. The unique thing about those rides was that everyone started together, rode together the whole way and finished together…a metaphor for the support of those afflicted with cancer.

[@anthonybirchley814]

Mark, this was epic! In 2009, I decided, on a whim, to do JOGLE with little training. I too was solo and unsupported. Wick to Inverness was the first time I’d cycled 100 miles. What got me more than anything was the wind. Take your rain, your hills, your heat, wind is the killer. I did it in 8 days. Just the greatest experience.

[@user-on9uj2fb5i]

Love your content and delivery - thanks for sharing and top work!

[@sgt391]

Saturday I'm climbing a mountain near home for the first time, with my bike. It was the main goal when I got my bike last year. Now I feel I'm ready. I even convinced one or two friends. Videos like this helped me keep focus on the goal :)

[@shaylorcyclingwahoolecol8313]

Absolutely love this video. How you run your channel is up to you but it’s honestly great to see some proper in-race challenge footage on the channel again! Great effort, crushed it

[@dalenicholson7089]

Excellent! Been waiting on this video

[@clivebunyard3265]

Fantastic work Mark and another inspirational achievement ..... keep sharing the videos💪💪

[@maverick6631]

Mark, I've been eagerly awaiting this vid and you didn’t disappoint! Impressed by your meticulous preparation (excluding training!), planning and strategic execution. So glad you didn't have any mechanical issues, either. Many congrats on your success.

[@seanfrank4158]

Way to go Mark. That was an impressive result. Very inspiring.

[@zuja666]

Love the vids. Keep them coming. Congratulations. Amazing job !

[@JoeBlackwell]

Really enjoyed this video... And what a great effort, well done Mark! 💪🏻

[@rafhalimaxd]

I've binged MANY of your videos and they were very pleasant, each of them. Every time you upload another one I think to myself "Meh, I'm not into fitness anymore" but every time I watch it anyway and can't shift my focus away from the video. You make everything very entertaining. "Going convertible" was such a good one.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

I'm going after the "given up on fitness" demographic 😂

[@ahnilatedahnilated7703]

Mark, as someone that has done 100 mile rides, I totally understand the slow growing pain. I am 55, 6'4" and 240lbs currently. I typically have issues with my hands, sit bones, lower back and knees on the 75+ mile rides early on in the outdoor season. Glad to see you made it and didn't have to fall off the bike at the end. :) Great channel, keep up the videos and exercise.

[@jamesfoster7310]

I am a similar size and age and also have issues and your simple comment makes me think about getting out on the bike tomorrow. Thanks a million for inspiration. Great channel and loved the video. Subscribed!

[@smellyelle8422]

A proper bike fit is worth it's weight in gold. It will be able to address all of the issues you have on longer rides by dialling you into position. Happy cycling bud🚵

[@AstroPandaMan]

Been waiting for this one! Congrats on a major achievement, crazy impressive!

[@conorcraig8290]

Great achievement Mark. Love this type of video, follower from the start and these event type videos are always the ones to go back and rewatch!

[@jamescarlphotography4523]

Great job and way to persevere! Was waiting for this video to drop and the issues you had were, honestly, what I expected. That you would finish but your contact points would be a wreck. All I've ever really done is race a bike and - once you've got a decent fit -- those are "trained" as much as your aerobic/anaerobic fitness. You'll be better in that next event.

[@IggysQuest]

I have got into running recently at 31, done about 7 or 8 5ks now without stopping and about to start working on 10k. Your channel has been extremely inspirational. I have my first 15k tough mudder booked for august and have some big hikes planned for july/sept. It just shows that its never too late to start, its just about getting out there and doing it! Hoping to get a bike soon as well to mix in more variety!

[@1603_theadventure_mattrix]

Well done Mark. You inspiration keeps me reaching for endurance goals!!!!!

[@awesomepalmpre]

Awesome! I love your smile as you start the downhill at the end. Such a great feeling knowing you were so close and going to make it. Great job Mark!!

[@MS-sy8ls]

Superb achievement, and LOVE that you to the negative comments and used them to push you to achieve something most people will never get near. Props 🙌🏻

[@itsZdan]

thank you for all your content, im about to turn 46 and completely out of shape and watching your channel made me want to change that, little by little

[@rohannfraser8503]

Loved watching this and congrats on finishing!

[@stevepursglove6624]

Excellent video of another heroic effort - well done, Mark! 👏👏👏

[@jakebrewer8000]

As an ultra endurance cyclist, this is very inspiring, Mark! Ignore the naysayers. TT bars, gravel bike, whatever… keep these coming 💪

[@Aero-Saint]

Well done! I perform my best when I know others think I can’t do something. Awesome motivation to see you crush it!

[@NIBricks]

Well done Mark, as always your videos are a pleasure to watch, the way you present them makes them even more enjoyable.

[@scottporter2513]

Absolutely amazing effort! Well done Mark 👏 👏

[@scottjones9362]

I'm a regular club rider and have always avoided that particular Sportive. That was a fantastic achievement and a good video. I recognised every emotion you experienced. Nice cycling shirt as well!

[@n22pdf]

Huge respect Mark.. I’m a cyclist and you did a sterling job.. well one done chapeau to you 🚴🏻🚴🏻😃👍

[@danielnator123456]

Amazing. Congratulations and thank you for taking us on this adventure, Mr. Lewis.

[@nunofernandes4440]

Well done Mark ! It’s a pleasure and and fun to watch your channel

[@drewcress]

Lots of respect for doing a double the hard way! Plus, I think you are understating the difference between solo (TT style / unsupported) and a proper group ride more than just a bit here. Most of your calories are spent fighting wind resistance and having a moment in someone else's wake does far more than just lowering your total energy expenditure. While in the pocket you are able to adjust, stretch, and reduce the load on those growing soar spots to really manage those longer rides. TTing and Zwift may suffer in common but a pack has it own pace (and it is a descending mount stupid kind of quick)

[@davidhale8034]

This!

[@zimmejoc]

I was about to go for a midmorning ride but saw this dropped, now I'm going to do more of an early lunch ride. I haven't watched it yet, but I hope you made it across the UK before dark.

[@evanmiller8273]

I love the vids man! So inspiring. Keep it up!

[@ukymon]

Nice. Epic ride Mark, so glad you made it. Cheers!

[@MrQuestful]

13:02 the foot numbness could be a result of your saddle, either having it a touch too high for your flexibility, or not having it suit your body. Try dropping your saddle a 3-4mm, or also try a suspension seatpost. I did a US cross country ride last year on a Kinekt suspension seatpost, it really does help on long distance rides. [Edit] It could also be the fitting of your footwear. I opt to wear minimal shoes and flat pedals, I find being able to have my toes splay and feet free to make small adjustments key to comfort on long rides. Big fan of vivobarefoot. Great content, as always!

[@DC-lu5qs]

Absolutely well done! I definitely thought you were underestimating the difficulty, but I was also confident that you'd overcome it in the end. I'm completely the same with regard to enjoying self-supported, and thus I take back my earlier suggestion of trying to talk the family into supporting you :). By my rough math, you averaged around 160W (including the periods of no watts) over the ~16 hours.

[@NotaNazgul]

160W sounds too low for such a heavy and trained bloke with near to zero breaks and such a climb and strong finish. Do you think that is accurate?

[@DC-lu5qs]

@@NotaNazgul I'm not sure. That's just me doing the math as I know it based on the numbers given in the video. The chance for error is high. But I will say it's darn hard to keep up power levels over such a long day. Wouldn't shock me if the number is accurate

[@lloydhopwood4331]

Amazing!!! Well done Mark. 👏👏

[@IanHulme]

Great vid! You had the energy at the end as cycling is incredibly efficient at covering distances. I really enjoyed the effort you put into the ride and the editing. Thanks

[@richardsandson]

I love it when you take on this bonkers shit. It makes me feel better about doing similar, albeit less extreme, things myself. Top marks sir.

[@speedoftheshire]

Way to get after it - haters be damned! Always inspiring, Mark.

[@cheekyfella27]

well done Mark - deffo doing this next year!

[@werdup3000]

Loved every bit, Mark. Always inspiring, always pushing. Thank you for the video!

[@wk633]

My big takeaway is that you've never ridden in a pack. I get the "solo self supported" but there's no reason you can't tag along with a group going your effort. Notice I say "effort" not "speed". If you had picked up the pace to latch on to a passing group, you might find you're expending the same number of watts, but going that extra bit faster with them. Even in a single line you can save 25%. Add in any headwind and the savings can be higher. That's not going to save your feet and butt of course, other than if you're going a bit faster you're spending less time on your butt.

[@bikeinmotion]

Yes you can save easily up to 25% or go that much faster. But he wanted to challenge HIMSELF. He did it to as personal challenge. Riding in a group and then bragging with the time is meh. He did it all by himself. He now has every right to be proud of HIS time.

[@altern8tive]

Kudos to you Mark, an inspirational achievement. And to the person who said tt bars on a gravel bike are unnecessary for this distance I would point them in the direction of the 100s of audax riders who swear by them.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

They were great. If only for a position change

[@zkpl1]

Great video Mark! Well done on your achievement

[@JohnL9013]

Amazing job, Mark! Congratulations on such a tremendous achievement!

[@thatfckinguy]

I'm thinking an above average sherpa. Lots of knowledge of mount stupid and the ability to climb it easily and keep coming back to it. Good content!

[@sirBumpyCase]

I love what you said about being self-sufficient on these kind of rides. I just finished a 410 mile trip to my grandparents house in 4 days. Feels really good to have everything you need to get through the night and move on the next day. That makes me feel good when people compliment myself reliance.

[@johnwillan]

Awesome Mark, one of your best, love the attitude 👊

[@IverKnackerov]

That’s a really tough ride with all that climbing at the end …. Great video👍 This type of content with your great commentary over the top is your best 👏👏😁

[@MannBazza]

Amazed this hurt so much with all that training you did 😂 Love your vlogs and impressive example of mental fortitude, if not physical preparation 👏🏻

[@R.T_Go_Your_Own_Way]

Less than 1min in and I know this is going to be good, script is already on point. Man when you upload you deliver the goods.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

🙏

[@R.T_Go_Your_Own_Way]

@@MarkLewisfitness Thoroughly enjoyed that. Not a single instance of limping sighted.

[@ChickenOodieSimChaChu32]

This is absolutely incredible. An impeccable inspiration to never stop trying something new and reaching new goals 💪💪

[@Fred_Nice]

Superb! Very well done Mark. I really enjoyed the video.

[@Paullebbon]

You are a legend Mark. I love your videos and wish with every fat filled cell of my body that I could do half of what you do. Congrats man and much respect.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

🙏

[@Ca11mero]

Since you completed this you should register for the Swedish "vätternrundan" next year =) 315km with around 20k cyclists participating. A lot of people even complete it on non-race bikes. But this event you did seems really tough considering the climbing!

[@anonymousone6075]

non-race bikes are easier because your more comfortable and less reliant on a good bike fit

[@mikecaseyoshea3594]

Well done Mark. Another bucket list box checked and in marvelous fashion too. You will look back on it fondly. Thanks for the content!

[@dan..........]

You are very inspirational, I like your videos a lot, not only do you push the boundaries of what is possible for you, you balance that with an attitude of just doing your best and still enjoying life without being overly harsh towards yourself

[@brycehicks2816]

I tried to run 45 miles (race started 10pm Friday night) on my 40th birthday (24th) and rolled my ankle at 3am 19 miles in and had to drop out, it was the right decision but gutting none the less. So I’m pleased you managed to finish you race mate well done.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

That’s a grim time to drop out. 😳

[@martinmcgrath1985]

Cycling is not as hard as running, that said I tried a really long cycle and overestimated how far I could go. Easily done.

[@LR6092]

It's as hard as you make it

[@martinmcgrath1985]

@@LR6092 my point is cycling will take more out of you than people think.

[@martinmcgrath1985]

Overall fitness should not be confused with specific fitness required for certain event.

[@Hitman6438]

It's not as hard as running but you gotta train for very long cycles. If you just hop on it and want to cycle for 4 hours+ with no prior cycling endurance training you're not gonna have a good time past 1 hour.

[@jimjamthebananaman1]

@@Hitman6438depends on power output etc. 300 watts an hour at 78kg is much harder than running a 6 minute mile for an hour etc

[@SamNicJohn]

I was looking forward to this video! It did not disappoint!

[@markkern8104]

Another AWESOME accomplishment and video. Congratulations on a job well done!!!

[@shermer75]

That was genuinely impressive! You showed some serious grit there. It makes we want to have a go! Thanks for the video, really enjoyed it

[@TheGreatRaymondoOutdoors]

👏👏 excellent!! Thank you for the upload and sharing the experience.

[@hudsonbond9797]

Absolute beast! Well done - with the training you did - there is no way you should have been able to do that ride! Legend.

[@MrJohnsink]

Fantastic Mark, what a cracking effort! well done 💪💪💪💪💪

[@paulhope7298]

Epic work Mark!!!! I can only imagine the conversations going on in your head at times, but you pushed through.

[@unalteredcapture]

Did the one in Ireland this Saturday, and had a blast… a must do for all endurance lovers! Great video as always!

[@richo7751]

I’ve been keen for this video since you introduced the bike/challenge, and as usual you didn’t disappoint. Awesome work with content/finish Mark.

[@Maingoal1973]

Way to go Mark, awesome achievement. Great to see a fellow Clydesdale pushing it and grinding to the finish line. 👊👊

[@danasprey4144]

really enjoyed that. Thank you for taking time to document it 😊

[@callumbucknall]

Wow, that's a seriously cracking effort. Im 100% going to sign up for this next year!

[@rubarb1275]

Great video Mark, and congratulations on your achievement!

[@adrianbrown3378]

Firstly, very well done, one hell of an achievement. Secondly, I can massively relate to this with all my sportives I've done, constantly being camped on mount stupid throughout all. I'm so glad someone else can relate to what I go through, gives me all the hope going forward. Brilliant film!

[@ocbyn]

Loved this video. I do enjoy the warts and all commentary. Also love you showing what the human body can go through. 👍

[@Chris-dw3xl]

Congrats dude amazing effort, making me think I’ll might give it a go next year

[@johnennis3542]

Great effort Mark. Very well done 👏 👏👏

[@vinzzzV]

Well done my friend. This is such good content. Keep it up, I’ll be supporting!