By Jonathan Fawcett | 26.06.25
61-year-old retired secondary school headteacher riding a Trek Domane SL7
A Different Kind of Challenge
I’ve always enjoyed long-distance rides, 200 to 320km has been my range, but Chase The Sun North offered something different. Starting at dawn in Whitley Bay, the goal is simple in theory: beat the sun to the Ayrshire coast. But add in 320km of terrain, solo pacing, and the clock constantly ticking, and the challenge takes on a new level.
What made this one irresistible was the route: the stunning, rolling hills of Northumberland, the Cheviots, and the Scottish Borders. Quiet lanes, charming villages, beautiful landscapes, and the mental push of racing against the sunset.
Ride Strategy: Simple, Solid, Self-Supported
My plan? Keep it steady and efficient. No racing, no lingering, just enough stops to top up fuel and stretch. I set off at sunrise with a top tube and half-frame bag packed with jam and honey sandwiches, bananas, energy bars, and gels. I’d arranged a “romantic” lunch date with my wife Sue, in the Lockerbie Tesco car park at the 190km mark (she declined the 4:30 a.m. send-off).
As we gathered at Whitley Bay, the sky treated us to a golden midsummer sunrise. With the sun on our shoulders, we rolled out parallel to the coast. Flat early terrain helped me get ahead of schedule, and by the village of Elsdon I was already 20 minutes up.
Early Highlights: Community Spirit & Cold Water Kindness
Elsdon was bustling, a sea of motorhomes supporting various rider groups. At Otterburn, a local shop had smartly opened an hour early, and a fellow rider handed me the last of his cold water bottle for a refill. Camaraderie like this would become a theme for the day.
By Kielder, we’d already done a couple of those long, steady climbs that typify this ride, 10 to 22km grinds, rewarded by flowing descents. I skipped the breakfast stop and made my way towards Scotland alongside the North Tyne, enjoying conversations with passing riders. One Scottish guy assured me midges only fly at 2mph, “You’ve not seen me go uphill,” I replied.
Tea, Biscuits, and a Surprising Realisation
At Hermitage, locals ran a pop-up café offering unlimited tea and biscuits in exchange for a few quid. When I joked it was just like Wetherspoons, surprisingly, they got the reference. It felt like mid-afternoon. I checked the clock, it was 10 a.m. That’s what happens when your alarm goes off at 2:30.
126km in five and a half hours meant I was still on track. A two-cup tea boost got me up the next 13km climb, including sections in the low double-digit gradients.
Refuel and Recharge: Brownies, Coke, and VOOM
After a long descent, Langholm marked the halfway checkpoint. I planned a quick ten minutes… but the chocolate brownies, crisps, and fizzy drinks said otherwise. I rarely have sweet treats or fizzy drinks mid-ride, but this was one of those days where you listen to your body.
Bottles refilled, including with the VOOM Hydrate powder offered (much appreciated), I pushed on, good thing too, because the next stretch was brutal.
The Toughest Section & a Rainy Lunch Date
Moorland climbs into a blustery headwind took their toll. Fortunately, I caught up with Neil and we passed the time talking football, travel, and philosophy. We descended into Lockerbie under grey skies and light rain, where Sue and I reconvened for our car park date. Tuna pasta, crisps, a Coke, and two egg sandwiches later, I was back on the road, slightly soggy but refuelled.
The Long Climb to Doubt and Redemption
A gentle rain persisted over the plains, but thankfully there were no treacherous descents. I met a few more riders and we talked gear setups and ageing cars.
The final big test came: a 22km drag uphill from Moniave towards Kendoon Loch. Not the steepest of the day, but definitely the longest. Fatigue crept in. I began questioning everything, from my fitness to whether I should trade the bike for a fishing rod. But then I checked my notes, just 2km to the top.
A demolished egg sandwich and a stern pep talk later, I pushed on. Gravity took over and I cruised down into… paradise.
Carsphairn: The Heroic Highland Welcome
Carsphairn Village Hall felt like an oasis. Three young girls cheered every rider in with songs and homemade chants. The whole village had turned out. A fried egg roll, a cup of tea, and a moment to gather my thoughts was exactly what I needed.
With 50km left and three hours on the clock, I realised the job was nearly done. One more uphill section? No problem. The rest? Mostly downhill to the finish.
Crossing the Finish Line with the Sun Still Shining
As the final hills gave way to a flowing descent into Ayr, the sun made a reappearance, poetically timed. A bagpiper in full regalia welcomed us to the finish line. Flags waved along the seafront and I crossed with an hour to spare.
A medal. An alcohol-free beer. Photos galore. Then off to the pub for fish and chips and a well-earned pint of Tennants, cheers to Sue for that one.
Reflections on Chase The Sun
This isn’t an easy ride, but the rewards are immense, magnificent scenery, a unique concept, and an unforgettable community spirit. I’ve done tougher routes, but this one demands mental fortitude. For those tackling their first double-century, it’s a true challenge. But it’s absolutely worth it.
The support and organisation were top-notch. I can’t promise you’ll get the same glorious weather, but I can promise it’ll be a ride to remember.
Try What Fuelled Chase the Sun
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