Getting Fit for the GDMBR
My Year
Taking on the GDMBR is no small task. I’m starting to write this in July ’24 with a year to prepare, and it’s certain that, today, I would last only two or three days on the route before having to quit.
This is a diary of a year’s journey; the push to get fit and lose a minimum of 37kg in weight; from a hefty 127kg in July 2024, to a target of 90kg in July 2025.
I’m 62 yrs old when beginning this process, and will be 63 when I head to Banff; perhaps 64 when I finish. Garmin has some different ideas about this, so am logging my Garmin fitness age too.
- Percentage of weight loss goal 100%
- Percentage of prep time 100%
June 23rd – The 4-week mark
| Weight: 90kg | Loss:37kg | Garmin Age: 56 |
How did THIS happen?! One minute the GDMBR is a year away, now it’s less than four weeks…
Here’s a video from a few weeks ago – a ride on a damp Saturday. includes a crash too (the branch came out of nowhere).
Now starting to make lists; might do a video about all the gear choices. Have held some internal US flights (confidence or stuplidity? time will tell).Â
June 10th – Suffolk Shakedown
| Weight: 90kg | Loss:37kg | Garmin Age: 56 |
Wow! where does the time go. It’s five weeks until I head to Banff, and today is the start of the Tour Divide (where superhumans race the route I’ll be bikepacking).Â
Just back from a three days away with some old friends; kindly helping to shakedown the bike and camping equipment. We toured Suffolk; beautiful despite the rain. New tyres on the bike and all good. This was a clear reminder of just how little I can take with me, and how an average of 50 miles a day is tougher than it sounds (for me at any rate).Â
I’ve got a bunch of video from recent outings but now idea when there will be time to edit. What seemed like a date way in the future is now rushing towards me. Lots to do yet that plane leaves on the 18th July no matter what!
May 18th – Saddle and a Spitfire
| Weight: 90kg | Loss:37kg | Garmin Age: 55.5 |
I’m still doing about 5 days a week of training and maintaining weight-wise, and trying to get outdoors when I can. Shorter but sunny Saturday ride over to Marlow, dealing with a hill I especially hate – but it’s getting better. Happened upon a Spitfire, which was cool.Â
I’ve finally decided to go with the Brooks B17 saddle; they are all as uncomfortable as each other so perhaps the way to go is to plump for a saddle that might mould itself to fit me.
Signed up for Trackleaders (the site to see who’s riding anwhere on the trail and where they are) and I now have the test link
Next big thing to sort out is the travel insurance, on top of the Garmin emergency response cover.
It’s only a month until the Tour Divide; loving watching all the prep for this.
May 11th – Tire pressures and The Ridgeway
| Weight: 90kg | Loss:37kg | Garmin Age: 56 |
Slightly longer ride in the real world this week – plus the usual indoor training. All going OK, also spent some time with Joe, my coach, and he’s helping me with a simple stretching routine.Hoping the achielles starts to show improvement soon.
Man! stretching is dull but somehow this has to become part of the daily routine.
I made it up onto a short section of The Ridegway, and it was nice to do some steep offroad on an ancient trail.
Bike was handling badly and I realised that I’d not checked tyre pressures properly for a while; giving them a quick squeeze doesn’t cut it. Another thing to become part of the daily routine.
Had a go at assembling the tent for the first time this weekend. Should have shot a video, complete with clown music!
May 05th – The importance of stretching
| Weight: 90kg | Loss:37kg | Garmin Age: 56 |
It’s been a good week; trying to stop chasing the numbers when training and focus on saddle time and trying to set a pace that is doable all-day, every day.
I changed the tailfin aeropack bag over for the cargo model; very happy with this, and a side effect is that the rear light mount is far more stable. I’ve added an inline power connector to make taking the rack on and off easier.
Need to start stretching properly and get into a routine that can be used every day on the GDMBR, it’s hard to get the motivation but I’m starting to see how critical this is.Â
I hate facebook but rejoined solely to gain access to the GDMBR and bikepacking groups; with the Tour Divide next month the traffic is starting to build and I appreciate the tips. There might be some folks starting rought the same time as me, which is reassuring to know.Â
April 27th – 11 weeks or so go to
| Weight: 89.7kg | Loss:37.3kg | Garmin Age: 55.5 |
Feeling good about my fitness level and it’s super to have some warmer weather.Â
Weight-wise I’m maintaining; being a little less strict over the next couple of weeks (diet fatigue), then with an aim of getting a little lower in the following months.Â
Slight issue in that the achilles tendon injury has returned. It was sore today when out on the bike (unususal). These are typically slow to mend but there’s still around 11 weeks so here’s hoping…
Just purchased a second power bank, every happy with the one I’ve been testing. Suppose it would be a good idea to get everything together soon and start making a checklist. The weeks are whizzing by!
April 14th – Less than 100 Days
| Weight: 90kg | Loss:37kg | Garmin Age: 56 |
It’s warming up here, which makes everything nicer!
Weight has not really moved, but no worries. I’ve been out in the real world a couple of times on The Tank, and it’s gone OK, even with all the load, espcially on the forks. Here’s an update video from last weekend.
Hope I don’t need them, but I finally decided to go with some Gore rain trousers, so clothing is coming together now. I was out again yesterday and shot a litttle more video; it’s amazing how long it’s taking to get the drone shots, but practice makes perfect! It will get better. Hoping to edit this over the next few days; bank holiday coming up next weekend!
March 30th – A milestone reached
| Weight: 90kg | Loss:37kg | Garmin Age: 56 |
My work life has been fairly intense recently so nothing of real interest to report from the last couple of week, other than I hit the 90kg goal! SO happy about this 
.
What’s next? I’m not sure; for now it’s about keeping motivated and continuing with the training. Stayed away for a few days with work, it’s interesting to see how life has changed; now the immediate concerns are how to manage formal dinners and conference food, and ensuring there’s some access to any sort of bike!
This week looks warm so I’m planning a longer ride next Saturday out in the real world.
March 16th – Changes
| Weight: 91kg | Loss:36kg | Garmin Age: 55.5 |
This ‘losing weight’ thing is weird. I’ve had a couple of bad days in the last week where staying with the program just seems a little much, and I slipped. It happens. Important thing is to focus on the bigger picture and man! we need some sunshine and warmth.
Progress, not perfection! 1kg to go. That’s about 80lbs loss in old money. Whatever works for you to get fitter, no judgement, but I have found folks asking me if I’ve used Ozempic or surgery…
Upsides too, I was chatting with some folks at Velolife cafe yesterday and they called me ‘slim’. Honestly, they had no idea of the impact of this small word. Wow. More importantly, I’m feeling so much better.
Of course, changing size and shape also means having to replace wardrobe and not knowing one’s size. Apparentlythe loss is about 7 inches on chest size and 8 inches on my waist size.
So a couple of purchases this week; some Alpkit Kepler merino underwear/sleep clothes (the first deliveries of which had to be sent back for smaller sizes), and my photochromic specs finally arrived (ordered in December. VERY happy with both purchases.
Went out in the cold yesterday, had a great ride nevertheless. Spot the mud! Will be in London for four days this week,with three formal dinners etc, so getting one or two exercise sessions in and just holding steady would be a good outcome.
March 09th – Signs of spring
| Weight: 92kg | Loss:35kg | Garmin Age: 56 |
Relaxed a little on the diet again last weekend, this might happen more often as the goal gets closer; back on track now.
Starting to warm up a little, the daffodils are appearing and it’s time to venture out again. I’ve increased the bike weight to within a kg or two of what it might be in Banff. Handling is OK, perhaps a little strange on the front end but that’s hardly surprising.
The Tour Divide comms are starting to appear; as the race is one month ahead of my trip on almost the same route I’ll be watching this closely.
Feb 16th – Saddle & Semla
| Weight: 93.5kg | Loss:33.5kg | Garmin Age: 56 |
I gave in!
After a few weeks of craving a semla (scandi pastry, cardamon, cream, almond paste) I gave in and had a ‘ditch the diet’ day and went slightly crazy. Was it worth it? YES!
Been pushing hard on the indoor bike and am back on track.
The custom-saddle arrrived and this is very interesting. It’s very light, and smaller than I anticipated. It’s now on the indoor bike and I’ll give it a couple of weeks to see how compatible it is. Not ditching my normal saddle just yet.
Took the plunge on the wet-weather gear and have gone for Gore-Tex Endure. Sizing is a little strange; went for XXL to allow for multiple layers underneath. Bright yellow to be visible if on road in a deluge. Will go for matching pants when available.
No strength or flexibility training this week; still trying to build up some enthusiasm for this; progress, not perfection!
Feb 09th – Rescue Insurance
| Weight: 94kg | Loss:33kg | Garmin Age: 56.5 |
Increasing fitness has lowered my blood pressure 
, and the resting hr still further. I’ve always had a relatively slow resting heart rate yet was slightly concerned about this as it’s been averaging below 40bpm across a week. Anyhow, saw a cardiologist, wore a monitor for a few days, and had a couple of tests and it seems I’m just wired (weird?) this way.
Small weight loss this week; trust the program! It’s also a challenge trying to work out clothing size, but I’m pleased with the Patagonia items and they have room for multiple layers underneath.
Sorted the Garmin rescue insurance, just in case there’s a need to press that red SOS button! Covers up to $100k yet the small print seems to reduce this to $50k. Saw that someone was recently billed $59k for a rescue helicopter. Medical fees are eye-watering so will be sure to obtain the correct insurance for this.
Talking of Garmin; it now has my V02 Max at a respectable score; was in the bottom 35% back in July ’24
Have not ventured out into the cold again; some nice virtual rides this week. BTW, I’m very happy with the dynamo front and rear lights, and I’ve wired in a quick-release connnector to make it simple to remove the rear rack.
Feb 02nd – Clothing
| Weight: 94.5kg | Loss:32.5kg | Garmin Age: 56.5 |
As the weight-loss goal gets closer, I realise that my body will not change in size too much more.
Still intending to get fitter, but this won’t impact clothing size, so it’s time to start collecting the items needed for the ride.
One of the key items will be a packable down jacket. With help from the GDMBR facebook group I’ve taken the plunge and gone for the Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody – it’s synthetic insulation which is not quite as efficient, but it’s probably a good idea to have something that can cope with damp.
Then sun sleeves; 50+ UPF protection. Some folks have sun shorts or sun hoodies, let’s see how much room there is :).
Layering seems to be very important, so I’ve also added an Houdini jacket as a wind layer, that packs into a very small space (see below). I’ll still need a rain layer; something I’m struggling with making the decision on.
January 26th – Back out in the cold
| Weight: 96kg | Loss:31kg | Garmin Age: 57 |
After a week or so with very little change, the weight is shifting again. Thank goodness!
Went out into the real word again yesterday; Man! it was a cold two degrees but I had such a wonderful day with my old friends, riding an 18.5 mile loop that was about 1/3/rd bridleway.Â
We were blessed with the weather; heavy rain the days before and after, this did mean a LOT of mud!
I recorded the day – new video available HERE
January 12th – Practicalities
| Weight: 97.5kg | Loss:29.5kg | Garmin Age: 57.5 |
Weight finally started to shift again. All training still indoor but looking forward to venturing back out into the great outdoors when temperatures begin to rise.
For now, starting to address practicalities. Top of the list is the tyre choice. For me, puncture resistance is paramount, especially with the tales of goat heads in New Mexico. The most popular tyre is the Vittoria Mezcal, so that’s what I’ve gone with, in 2.35″ in the XC Trail TNT variant.
For extra fun I’m also intending to fit Vittoria Air-Liner tyre inserts, which should allow a little more pinch-flat protection, as well as control if running flat for a short period of time. Weight penalty is minimal.
Speaking of weight, current thought is to carry Tubolito tube and repair kit; smaller and lighter. Hoping this is a sensible move.
Should really start woking on stretching and flexibility. That’s to come!
January 01st – 198 days to go. Eeeek 
| Weight: 99.5kg | Loss:27.5kg | Garmin Age: 57.5 |
Christmas excess set things back as expected; hoping the weight drops quickly again.
Have started doing some slightly longer indoor rides. Many months ago I started using steady mode on Fulgaz, which runs the training rides at the speed at which they were originally recorded, and often removes the need to change gears frequently. This has been a good way to protect my knees, but I’ve now started using reactive mode, which means more gear changing, and the rides now take as long as they would as if I was doing them for real.
Hit some personal bests for speed and sustained power recently, so, apart from xmas weight gain, all is going in the right direction.
Below you can see a photo of my Xmas project, which was to convert my beautiful Lauf Seigla drop-bar bike to flat bars, in an attempt to simulate the riding position of the GDMBR bike and protect my neck. Man! it looks ugly. Weather has been to grim thus far to take it out. Also a couple of photos from indoor rides, dreaming of sunnier climates.
December 18th – Xmas Hits!
| Weight: 98.5kg | Loss:28.5kg | Garmin Age: 57.5 |
Weight loss is slowing down; hardly surprising as it’s the season of treats, combined with a push for Xmas at work, and miserable, cold dark days.
Never mind, it’s all still on track. Lots of indoor riding on Fulgaz (see image below). Trainer has asked me to spend more time on the bike, plus two workout and three flexibility sessions a week. Not doable right now, but will try to do more during Xmas break.
Been watching GDMBR videos almost nonstop in the background; also asked Mat Ryder re Insurance and he was very helpful. Thanks Mat!
I’ve pretty much decided what to take from a drone/camera perspective. Current thoughts are to stay 100% DJI, so Mini Pro 4, a Neo, and an Action 4, along with mini mic. I tested the Hover Air devices and they were good, yet the Mini 4 Pro drone and semi-autonomous Neo small flying camera can use the same controller, if needed.
FINALLY done my butt impression, will send the photos off to Podsela and can’t wait to see (and feel) what the Joyseat is like. Does it live up to the hype?
December 01st – Injury 
& Holiday
| Weight: 100kg | Loss:27kg | Garmin Age: 60 |
It’s been an eventful time! The day following my last update I realised that my old neck injury had been triggered; then followed by scans, consultants and a steriod injection, just in time for holiday! Hurrah.
Ten glorious days of relaxation (we were so lucky), which included swimming, aqugym, and phone-based Peloton sessions using a hotel gym bike.
The jury is still out re the neck problem but I have until May to have surgery if needed. VERY happy to report that I reached the original 27kg weight-loss goal; ten kilos more to go.
The program is working. Just need to keep the willpower as we head into the holiday season.
Big step today; flight to Banff and back from San Francisco now booked, along with a (relatively) cheap Banff hotel. If everything goes to plan this means that I hit the trail on the 20th July.Â
October 27th – Boston, & Suffolk
| Weight: 107kg | Loss:20kg | Garmin Age: 62 |
A big week in many ways; 20kg lost, trying to eat well and exercise in Boston, and an 85k ride in Thetford Forest in Suffolk.
The jet lag helped with getting up to visit the gym, and two of the Old Dogs (Nick and Peter) joined me for the Glorious Gravel ride. As always, it was super to ride with old friends.
This time we knocked over an hour off the riding time, and didn’t feel too awful at the end of it. There were fifteen other riders with slower times and DNFs, so an improvement!
I brought a cold back with me from the US, so a few training sessions missed this week.
October 20th – More of the same
| Weight: 108kg | Loss:19kg | Garmin Age: 62 |
Getting closer to 20kg loss, apart from that it’s another steady week. In the US next week for a conference, will try to exercise and avoid the conference food
October 13th – Training now fully indoor
| Weight: 109kg | Loss:18kg | Garmin Age: 62 |
Nothing to report this week. Weather is now too grim to train ouside if one does no need to!
Had a personal building project this weekend, finding new (well, unused) muscles and stretches – now a little sore.
October 06th – First Session Missed
| Weight: 110kg | Loss:17kg | Garmin Age: 61 |
Dull week really. Weight loss going well but I’m sure that’s mostly dehydration.
Skipped my first session this week since starting the program (garmin promptly added 1.5 years to my fitness age, then removed it again… Work is full-on at the moment and I simply ran out of motivation. Was back out on the bike yesterday, in the real word. Did 50km without too many hills; now planning for 110km a week as a minimum. The Tank is now feeling more natural to ride.
Decided to have a custom saddle printed from posedla. I’m still too heavy for it so have been waiting. I begins with sitting on a special foam pad and photographing it.
Kit arrived this week; will keep it safe until a few more kg have disappeared 🙂
Sep 29th – Resetting the Target
| Weight: 112kg | Loss:15kg | Garmin Age: 62.5 |
Not a bad week; struggling a little with squats + weights (the exercise I like the least); legacy back injury grumbling a little.
Celebrating my birthday and progress by resetting the target weight down from 100kg to 90kg, so 37kg in total. There’s time. Took a day off from the diet but am now firmly back on the regime.
Sep 22nd – Encouragement from Ryan van Duzer!
| Weight: 113kg | Loss: 14kg | Garmin Age: 61.5 |
Amazing surprise this week. My wife handed my her phone and there was Ryan van Duzer on facetime! Completely unexpected and the most perfect gift!
It was Ryan’s videos that originally inspired me to consider ‘getting out there’ and taking on the GDMBR.
We chatted about bikes, saddle-sores etc. Ryan was so encouraging and I’m even more excited and committed to making this trip happen.
Am now intending to add one longer ride per week to the training; started yesterday with a 60km on the bike I’ll use for GDMBR, which has now been officially christened ‘The Tank’! Went past George Michael’s house, got caught in the rain, but pleased with progress.
Sep 15th – Bag Setup Complete
| Weight: 114kg | Loss: 13kg | Garmin Age: 62 |
Upped the training weights this week, found that 14kg is as much as I can handle.
Twisted T bag support arrived from the states, so now using front bag too. That’s the bags complete, will now progressively add more weight.
The T required removal of a steerer tube spacer, somehow managed to put the fork on backwards. Ooops
Riding was lovely today; autumnal sunshine and the smell of woodsmoke.
Sep 08th – Progress slows
| Weight: 116kg | Loss: 11kg | Garmin Age: 62 |
Another kg down, so moving in the right direction; progress is, as expected, slowing.
Mananged to overdo it and have slightly injured my left knee; still exercising but more gently. Knees are so much better overall since losing some weight!
Went for a foggy ride on Saturday and am loving the still, warm days.
Another kg down, so moving in the right direction; progress is , as expected, slowing.
Mananged to overdo it and have slightly injured my left knee; still exercising but more gently. Knees are so much better overall since losing some weight!
Went for a foggy ride on Saturday and am loving the still, warm days.
Sep 01st – 1st 10kg Achieved
| Weight: 117kg | Loss: 10kg | Garmin Age: 62.5 |
Nice milestone this week, with 10kg lost
Increased workout weights a little, again, currently between 10kg and 11kg, big for me but Joseph uses 44kg! Humbling.
Re-worked frame bag arrived from Alpkit and I LOVE it! Took it out for a test ride and the added width is not an issue (thought my legs might brush against it.
May have been one of the last warm days today, it was glorious.
Aug 25th ’24 – Seeing some results
| Weight: 118kg | Loss: 9kg | Garmin Age: 63 |
First tough week with motivation, successful despite this. First workout with 10kg weights (pretty much my limit right now), and my bike speed is slowly increasing. Saddle is still uncomfortable!
It’s a drag logging meals and activities but I do love data and am seeing some real impacts; resting heart rate down to 41 and blood pressure is lower 🙂
Re the image on the right, I did do a workout on the Saturday but managed to delete it from the app. Doh!
Five rules: 1) do the work 2) hit the protein goal, 3) stay under the daily limit of 2,060 calories 4) get enough fibre and 5) watch your salt intake
Custom frame bag arrived; looked amazing but was not made wide enough, was very sad to send it back can can’t wait to fit it for real. Weather is just starting to turn but hoping I can still do some rides outdoors at the weekends.
Aug 18th ’24 – 1st goal reached
| Weight: 120kg | Loss: 7kg | Garmin Age: 63 |
Despite Garmin saying my fitness age has increased to 63 (seriously…) this week reached 25% of the weight-loss target. No change in waistline but the bibshorts are becoming a lot more comfortable :).
Continuing to slowly add distance, also the new, larger panniers arrived this week so have taken them for a spin. Frame bag is due tomorrow, so it might soon be possible to begin to see how things might fit on the bike.
Started to use 7kg weights for training, will continue with this and see how it goes. Not a bad week.
Aug 10th ’24 – First test of half-laden bike
| Weight: 121kg | Loss: 6kg | Garmin Age: 62.5 |
Going OK. Noticing a slight difference in my fitness level, which is welcome.
I decided to take the Broken Road (the bike I’ll be using for the GDMBR) out this morning, with about half the bags on it.
Not too bad!
Now averaging about 80 km a week (slowly increasing), plus two workouts.
Aug 02nd ’24 – Training begins in earnest
| Weight: 123kg | Loss: 4kg | Garmin Age: 64 |
Towards the end of July I began to work with Joseph Webb, a local coach and nutritionist, both for nutrition and fitness. Sorting nutrition has been fascinating. The daily routine is now about hitting protein goals and logging meals and calories; we’re now a two-kitchen-scale household.
It’s working, and I’m trying not to get too excited about early progress. Now back on the bike (mostly static) four days a week, for 45mins or so a time, and today was the first in-person 1hr training session.
Forget the exercise, the stretching and warm up was enough!
Ouch. Just under a year to go. Trust the program!
 Jul 20th ’24 – It begins – The baseline
| Weight: 127kg | Loss: 0kg | Garmin Age: 64.5 |
It seemed to be a good idea to set a baseline, so my good friend Nick and I entered a 82km Glorious Gravel ride.
I finished last from 152 riders, if you don’t count the two folks that DNF’d. Nick could have completed this in half the time but he stuck with me to the the end. Superstar.
Walking the bike back to the car, an event organiser turned to me and said
“That is the walk of a broken man”.
If he only knew. The only way is up from here!
