Kent Velo Girls are long time stalwarts of Chase the Sun, having had a group participate most years since 2014. Resplendent always in their white and pink stripes, their experience shows, as they know the drills for success when it comes to riding coast to coast on the longest day.
We asked KVG rider Suzi how she felt about taking on the Chase the Sun challenge in 2021:
“Chase the Sun had been on my bucket list for a few years now, so when the opportunity came up for a last minute place, I took it.
I was originally going to do it unsupported and ride on my own. Which probably would have been a silly idea! Luckily, the Kent Velo Girls had my back and two of them offered to support me. On the back of that, 2 more KVG agreed to ride it with me. We were now a team!
A number of people have told me that Chase the Sun is one of the best, if not the best, cycling events out there, and it certainly didn’t disappoint.
THE RIDE – THE LONGEST DAY
We kept a steady pace throughout the day and luckily had no punctures or mechanicals to contend with, allowing us to get slightly ahead of schedule, while still enjoying the route and the atmosphere.
We were brilliantly looked after by our support and met lots of lovely people. Mile after mile just flew by.
Psychologically I found it hardest when we reached the 100 mile mark (which would usually feel like a really big achievement) and I realised we weren’t even half way. I’d just had some lunch and really wanted to take a nap and for someone else to pedal for me for a while! But – I dug down and it wasn’t long before we were at the next rest stop and it felt like we were on the home straight.
BEATING THE ‘SUN’ – BURNHAM-ON-SEA FINISH
The weather didn’t quite hold out for us, but a drizzly evening meant a tourist-free Cheddar Gorge and the best descent ever.
By the time we arrived in Burnham it was pouring with rain and it was pretty dark, but it was actually 30 minutes before sunset. We had chased the sun and won!
I was blown away to see so many people standing there clapping and cheering in the rain as we came in.
It was a moment I will never forget, at the end of the very best of days in the saddle… Never did I imagine I would ride so far in one day! “
“A number of people have told me that Chase the Sun is one of the best, if not the best, cycling events out there, and it certainly didn’t disappoint.“
Suzi from Kent Velo Girls, on riding and succeeding to Chase the Sun