Back in April, James came to me with a mega challenge: the Babble Ride Across Britain. For anyone who knows James, his work with the Prince’s Trust and fundraising efforts are nothing short of remarkable. If anyone deserves their MBE, it’s him. His drive and commitment are truly awe-inspiring.
I’d been nudging James for a couple of years to set a goal because training is always more effective when there’s something tangible to aim for. As a coach, I often remind my clients about the importance of SMART goals —and James’ goal was a massive one. In just six months, he wanted to get fit enough to ride over100 miles a day for nine consecutive days . A tall order, but one we were determined to achieve.
The Training Plan
We focused heavily on Zone 2 training —keeping his heart rate low and increasing ride duration rather than just focusing on miles. The aim was to prepare him for long days in the saddle, managing 7-8 hours on the bike each day. Key to this were the strategies we developed around pacing, nutrition, and mental toughness.
Given his demanding work schedule and other commitments, we needed to be smart with the training. James committed to back-to-back weekend rides of 4-6 hours and worked towards hitting the 100-mile mark at least two months before the ride. His dedication to the plan was fantastic, and his progress was clear to see.
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Facing the Challenge
But it wasn’t just the training. James had to contend with some tough mental challenges, not to mention the wettest September on record! Cold, rain, and even saddle sores tried to slow him down, but his resilience shone through.
In James’ Own Words
To truly capture this experience, it’s best to let James speak for himself. Here’s how James reflects on his experience after completing the ride…
“Since my return, I’ve been overwhelmed by the support from friends, family, colleagues, and clients. Together, we’ve raised over £35,000 for the Prince’s Trust from almost 300 supporters! The ride itself was an unforgettable experience—9 days, 960 miles, and some of the most stunning parts of Britain, from the Grampian Mountains to the Lake District.”
“Training with Richard was essential. He kept me focused on Zone 2 rides, which helped me build endurance while keeping my heart rate in check. It was tough, but the support from my wife Charlotte, my friends at London Dynamos , and the encouragement of my WhatsApp group kept me going. The hardest moments taught me about resilience—pushing through when everything in me wanted to stop.”
“Some highlights? Riding through Cheddar Gorge, crossing the Severn Bridge, and finally reaching John O’Groats where Charlotte was waiting—it made all the pain and effort worthwhile.”
For a deeper dive into James’ incredible ride and to see the amazing places he cycled, you can follow the full Babble Ride Across Britain route.
Takeaway
James’ journey is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved with commitment, dedicated training, a strong mindset, and unwavering support. His ride was about more than just cycling; it was a remarkable effort to push personal limits and raise vital funds for a worthy cause. I’m incredibly proud to have played a role in his journey and to witness what he accomplished.