Etape Caledonia 2027

I’ve signed up. On Sunday 9 May 2027, I’ll be taking on the shortest route: 40 miles (65 km) with 2,823 ft (860 m) of climbing. I’ve ridden it before, although the 2021 edition ran in the opposite direction after the original event was postponed because of COVID. The later date coincided with the potato harvest, so the route was reversed to reduce disruption to local farmers. So this will be my first time doing it in the “proper” direction. I’m hoping I can stay injury-free in the lead up. I’ve entered twice since I first completed it but both times had to withdraw from the 55-mile route, most recently in 2024. I’m also hoping to beat my previous official time of 2:16:18 and, having already started training, it should be possible, and maybe a new steed will come my way before then too1. My Strava time from 2021 is a little slower as it includes riding to the start and from the finish line to the event village, so I’m happy to take the official, chip based, time. I’ll also be racing in…