What does it take to run a multi-day ultra-distance event?

For our third CAN:DO podcast, Laura Massey-Pugh and Dave McLeavy - event directors for Pure Peak Grit - sat down with us at the midway point of the 2026 edition to give us some behind-the-scenes insight into the high's and low's of running the UK's hilliest ultracycling event.

Topics include:

• The history of Pure Peak Grit
• What makes the event special
• Why the Peak District makes for a unique cycling destination
• Balancing accessibility with the extreme nature of the route
• Strategies for successful ultra racing
• Running an event as a not-for-profit
• Managing rider safety and logistics
• Potential directions for future editions
• Why the idea of taking part can feel worse than the reality

Whether you're a seasoned Randonneur, bikepacker or ultra-racer, or considering entering an event for the very first time, the conversation gives a first-hand account of both running and riding a complex multi-day, multi-course event. 

Photos courtesy of Fergus Coyle (https://www.ferguscoyle.com/)
Intro/Outro music by Surgeons Girl (https://www.instagram.com/sinead_surgeonsgirl/)

Learn more about Pure Peak Grit:
https://www.purepeakgrit.cc/

Follow Pure Peak Grit on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/purepeakgrit.cc/

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What does it really take to achieve truly extraordinary things?

For our second CAN:DO podcast, world record holders Dr Sarah Ruggins and Alan Colville joined us for a candid conversation about resilience, recovery, mindset and the psychology of human endurance.

Whether you're a cyclist, runner, entrepreneur or simply someone facing difficulty, this conversation offers a rare insight into the mindset of two people who have repeatedly chosen to venture beyond their comfort zone in pursuit of something bigger.

Already the holder of the outright world record for the LEJOGLE route, at the time of posting Sarah is currently attempting One Way North, a 6,000km world record ride from Tarifa, Spain to Nordkapp, Norway, and has also just broken the 7-day mileage record en-route. 

Despite losing a Glute Max in a road traffic accident, Alan holds the 48-hour Everesting world record, climbing more than 31,000m and covering over 600km in just two days.

Together, they explore what happens when physical limits meet mental resilience.

From broken bones, life-changing injuries and Lyme disease to sleep deprivation, ultra-distance racing and world record attempts, this conversation goes beyond cycling to examine how people overcome adversity, rebuild confidence and discover what they are truly capable of.

Topics include:

• The psychology of endurance
• Recovering from serious injury and setbacks
• World records and pushing human limits
• Sleep deprivation and ultra-distance cycling
• Training smarter, not harder
• The role of strength training
• Managing fear, discomfort and uncertainty
• Why modern cycling may be becoming too aspirational
• What truly matters when looking back on a life well lived

Photos courtesy of James Busby (https://www.jamesbusbyimages.com/)
Music by Surgeons Girl (https://www.instagram.com/sinead_surgeonsgirl/)
Videos by Fergus Coyle (https://www.ferguscoyle.com/)

Follow Sarah's One Way North attempt:
https://kostume.cc/sarah-ruggins

Follow Sarah Ruggins:
Instagram: @sarah_ruggins

Follow Alan Colville:
Instagram: @alancolville

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Everywhere you look these days, people are having epic adventures on their bikes.

The gradual transition from faster to further, higher and wilder makes for some incredible stories and images, but it's becoming hard to escape the feeling that everyone else is having a bigger and better time than you.

Aspiration is no bad thing, but it means very different things to different people - something which increasingly seems to be forgotten.

Adventure is everywhere, and for everyone.

For the launch of the CAN:DO project and podcast, outdoor and cycling journalist Matt Swaine speaks with fellow Audax Club Bristol member Thom Hadfield about the power of the microadventure, combatting anxiety through cycling, bikepacking tips, and why we are all just nature.

This podcast is accompanied by a photoset by Fergus Coyle, and a short film by Square Sun Studio, which can be found at the Kostüme YouTube page in the links below:

CAN:DO short film (YouTube)
Fergus Coyle photoset

With thanks to:

Thom Hadfield
Matt Swaine
Fergus Coyle
Square Sun Studios
Audax Club Bristol

Music by Surgeons Girl

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