Reflections on the Land Between: Part 2

Way back at the start of the year, The Land Between invited applications from riders for a "supported" package. The idea was to give two riders a helping hand into the ultra scene. They would receive coaching from event organiser (and Restrap ambassador, Rich Rothwell) and a luggage set up from Restrap. The months passed and before long, the two riders lined up on the start line. Jason Craven and Katy Orr have taken the time to reflect back on their first ultra. If you've not already seen Katy's story, check it out here. For now though, over to Jason. 

The Land Between event and my first-ever ultra using the best bike bags out there! Where do I start? Guess I’ll start with a quick introduction to why I’m here as a supported rider for such a great event, and being asked to do this blog.

Unfortunately, when I was 18, my dad and brother passed away within a couple of months of each other. For many years, I had a lot of troubles and struggled with what had happened until I started getting into mountain biking, then triathlons, and fell running, etc. The racing and training really helped me turn all the negatives into positives and changed the way I dealt with things, which really helped me. After a good ten years of just ticking over, I always said I would make a comeback and do something even more challenging when I turned the age my dad was when he passed away at 47. Last year, I’d already started cycling again on and off with a mountain bike guided trip at the end of 2024 and was already watching videos on YouTube about Restrap bags and ultra racing in general, wondering if I could ever manage something as crazy as this, when I first of all stumbled on the Land Between YouTube video from last year, which really grabbed my attention.

A few weeks later, after following the event on Instagram, I noticed a call for supported rider places. As always when out in the hills running or cycling, as my thoughts run wild and make sense lol, I had a thought to email in about my story and year, not thinking I would ever hear anything back as I’ve never done anything like that before! 
Another couple of weeks later, Richard, the event organiser and Restrap ambassador, emailed me back offering me the place and the fortunate position of being helped with the Restrap kit needed. Right then, it was on! 

I thoroughly enjoyed the build up and training programme given to me by Rich and totally engrossed myself in it; doing as I’ve been told, which I feel has paid off massively on my successful completion.

Fast forward to event day, and after seven months’ training for one event, I would lie if I said I wasn’t feeling the pressure, plus being my first ever ultra, but at the same time, had faith in all the kit and training I had done and been given. I’ve always wanted to do the best I can in other races or events I’ve done years ago, so I wanted to travel light, not sleep, and push through. I ended up opting for the new Restrap saddle bag, 4.5L, which I could fit an emergency shelter and lightweight sleeping bag in, plus a small down jacket, a medium frame bag for any tools and straps, etc., then the medium top tube bag and the hydration vest, knowing this would house more than I needed food-wise, plus options for extra water and food between resupplies.

After setting off, (too hard, which I never normally do) I had the demons telling me I couldn’t do it, felt weak on the climbs and didn’t really want to eat. At the same time, I knew it was a long way and I could come back with the right food and hydration choices choices. Plus, I knew I’d endured a lot worse back then when I was young, which is, I feel, a power/positive I can draw on no matter how hard things are! Something I’ve always wished I could pass on to anyone struggling is no matter how low you are, you can come back and live a happy life as I do now!;

Friday night at Chopwell with some good food in me, I felt better so pushed through the night for the first time ever. I set myself targets of x amount of miles I could have 5 mins (in a toilet) with a sausage roll. I was obviously tired at this point but really enjoyed riding through, spotting owls and mice, rabbits and other wildlife to keep me occupied. Then the next target was to watch the sun come up. By this point I had been on my own for hours and was until the finish, which I actually quite enjoyed. 

Getting towards the finish of loop 1, I knew I was hitting the famous hike-a-bike section that I’d heard so much about. Normally this would suit me with the fell running but I had to dig deep just to keep pushing. As I looked way up on the top, I could see Seun (another friendly face and Restrap ambassador) plus another rider from last year taking pictures, smiling and giving me words of encouragement, which helped keep my mind off the pain!

After tricking my mind for so many miles that it was 280 miles to the pub where I had started, I now told myself it’s only 40 miles and Charlotte had told me it’s a great route! Can’t say I felt as enthusiastic about it when I was grinding my way up the first 2 climbs, wondering where I was going to find the energy to finish.

Once on the top and going along the fast, flatter forest roads, I found myself loving the route as I was told I would and in a trance-like state pushing onto the finish! Laughing to myself as I hit another climb then another, knowing Richard would’ve put it in there to keep testing us along the way. Coming into the finish, I was quite emotional thinking about the year, how much it meant to me, how fortunate I was to have had the help from Richard and Restrap knowing I needed to sort myself out by the finish line, then job done! Hardest sporting event or race I’ve ever done but also the most rewarding.

I’ll never forget the experience I’ve had this year with the training and focus plus all the great gear from Restrap that I’ve used along the way, so much so that I’m staying on with Richard and this great but crazy sport, already looking at how I can improve fitness-wise plus what’s next?!

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Thanks Jason

Photo Credits: Seun Alaba and Jason