This was the first. Not only for the challenge but also for me, to ride this distance, elevation and raise for charity. My choice of steed was my Giant Defy 0, 2016 model. It was a decent bike and did the job. I made some subtle upgrades – namely I purchased Superstar Arc22 Wide rims, changed tyres to Panaracer Gravelkings and fitted my preferred saddle choice – a Fizik Arione but at the time I had the Planet X equivalent. Wide rims are usually the way to go and won’t be too