This summer I took on something new – my first SUPBIKERUN event. Set in the heart of Devon at Roadford Lake, the challenge combines stand-up paddleboarding, cycling, and running into one epic day of adventure. The format may not follow a traditional triathlon, but it demands just as much endurance, versatility, and grit – especially when nature decides to throw in 30°C heat for good measure.
Table Of Content
- 🌄 Friday: Hitting the Road and Setting Up Camp
- 🏕 Campsite Review: Evergreen Farm
- 🔥 Saturday: Getting a Feel for the Water (and a Bit of Sand)
- 🎽 Saturday Morning: Registration & Getting Set
- 🔥 Sunday: Race Day in the Heat
- 🏄 SUP – 6km | Time: 50:41
- 🚴 Bike – 42km | Time: 1:45:17
- 🏃 Run – Shortened Due to Heat | Time: 37:19
- 📊 Final Results
- 💙 Raising Awareness for Acoustic Neuromas
- 🏁 Final Thoughts
Here’s a look back at a weekend full of sweat, smiles, and self-discovery.
🌄 Friday: Hitting the Road and Setting Up Camp
The adventure began with a Friday evening drive down from the Midlands to Evergreen Farm Campsite, just a short hop from the race venue. Tucked away in the Devon countryside, this peaceful spot was ideal for a weekend of camping and competition.
🏕 Campsite Review: Evergreen Farm
If you’re heading to a SUPBIKERUN event at Roadford Lake, I’d absolutely recommend staying at Evergreen Farm. The site is only about a 7-minute drive from the lake, which made race day logistics simple and stress-free.
The facilities were clean, tidy, and well-kept, including hot showers and a great washing-up area. I had an electric hook-up, which was ideal for powering my cool box and charging devices over the weekend.
A big shoutout to Pete, the owner, who was incredibly helpful and friendly – the kind of host who genuinely wants you to enjoy your stay and makes sure everything runs smoothly.
Whether you’re a seasoned camper or just looking for a base near the action, Evergreen Farm is a hidden gem worth bookmarking.
🔥 Saturday: Getting a Feel for the Water (and a Bit of Sand)
Saturday morning kicked off with a SUP taster session at Roadford Lake. While it wasn’t compulsory, I jumped at the chance to get a feel for the water, test my board under race conditions, and scope out the lake layout ahead of Sunday’s challenge. It was calm, warm, and gave me a quiet boost of confidence going into the event.
🎽 Saturday Morning: Registration & Getting Set
After drying off (as i took a dip int he water to cool down) and grabbing a quick drink, I headed over to the registration tent to collect my race registration pack. The process was smooth and well-organised – I picked up my bib, timing chip, and route info, had a quick chat with the organisers, and started to feel the race buzz kick in.
With everything in hand and still some time before lunch, I decided to walk the trail run route. It was a valuable move – the course had some exposed sections, a few uneven trails, and one or two places that would definitely feel tougher in Sunday’s heat. Getting eyes on the terrain ahead of time gave me a bit of a mental edge for race day.
My original plan for the afternoon was to stick around the lake and catch a SUP masterclass – a great chance to pick up some technique tips ahead of race day. But those plans quickly changed when I met up with a familiar face: a fellow entrant I already knew from back home who was also doing the event, and before long, they’d twisted my arm into a spontaneous trip to Bude instead. When someone you know says “fancy the beach?” on a 30°C day… it’s hard to say no.
We soaked up the sea breeze, paddled our feet, and enjoyed some much-needed downtime. Looking back, it was the perfect mental reset before race day. No regrets on skipping that masterclass – I think salt air therapy counts too!
That evening, back at the campsite, something really heartwarming happened. The family pitched up next to me noticed I was solo camping and kindly invited me over for a BBQ. It was a great way to unwind, chat about the event, and share good food with good people. Sometimes, it’s the unplanned moments like this that really make the weekend memorable.
🔥 Sunday: Race Day in the Heat
Race day arrived under clear blue skies, with the promise of rising heat already in the air. With a 7:45 AM start, it felt manageable at first — but it was clear that temperatures were going to climb quickly. As the morning wore on, the heat intensified, eventually pushing towards 30°C, turning what was already a challenging course into a true test of endurance.
The SUPBIKERUN Devon event follows a format of:
-
6km Stand-Up Paddleboard
-
42km Road Cycle
-
10km Trail Run
All centred around Roadford Lake, the course is scenic but no joke. The organisers had created a well-marked, well-supported loop, with hydration stations and great marshals throughout. Each stage had its own personality – and its own set of challenges.
🏄 SUP – 6km | Time: 50:41
The paddleboard leg started strong. The lake was calm, the sun was already high, and I found a steady rhythm early on. I’d trained for this – but this was a reminder that SUPing for over 50 minutes under blazing sunshine is no small feat. I focused on smooth strokes, efficient breathing, and conserving energy for the miles ahead.
🚴 Bike – 42km | Time: 1:45:17
Next up was the bike leg – and this was where the real grit kicked in. The route wound through beautiful Devon lanes, but it wasn’t just a joy ride. Around the halfway mark of each lap came a brutal 8–9% summit climb that stretched on longer than expected. Legs burning, sun beating down – it was one of those climbs where you’re thankful for every gear on the cassette.
Despite the challenge, I managed to keep a strong pace, fuel well, and stay focused. The downhill sections afterwards felt glorious and well-earned.
🏃 Run – Shortened Due to Heat | Time: 37:19
The final leg is where things got real. Coming off the bike into T2 (05:18), I could already feel the heat catching up with me. Less than 4km into the trail run, my hamstrings started to twinge with signs of cramping. I made the decision that I’ve learned the hard way in the past: don’t be a hero.
Rather than push through and risk injury, I cut the run short. Not the full 10K – but a smart decision in the moment. As much as I wanted to finish the course in full, finishing healthy and safe was far more important.
📊 Final Results
| Stage | Time |
|---|---|
| SUP | 50:41 |
| T1 | 05:45 |
| Bike | 1:45:17 |
| T2 | 05:18 |
| Run | 37:19 (shortened) |
| Overall | 3:24:17 |
| Moving Time | 3:13:16 |
🏅 4th Overall
🥇 1st in Male 30+ Age Group
💙 Raising Awareness for Acoustic Neuromas
This wasn’t just a personal challenge – it was part of something bigger.
I’m living with an acoustic neuroma, a rare brain tumour that can cause hearing loss, balance problems, and more. Through events like this, I’ve been raising money and awareness for BANA UK – British Acoustic Neuroma Association, an amazing charity that supports people like me across the country.
At the time of writing this, I’ve raised over £1,600, and I’m blown away by the kindness and generosity shown by everyone who donated. A huge thank you to every single person who sponsored me – especially those I’ve never even met. Some of the messages left by complete strangers, sharing their own experiences with acoustic neuroma or showing support for a loved one, genuinely moved me.
Knowing that my small efforts resonated with others in the AN community – and beyond – has meant more than I can express. You made this more than just a race.
I had planned to wear my BANA t-shirt on the day, but with the heat and a tri suit already on, it just wasn’t practical to layer up. The intention and the cause were never far from my mind throughout the race.
If you’d still like to sponsor me and support BANA, there’s still time to donate here:
👉 [Sponsor Me – JustGiving]
🏁 Final Thoughts
SUPBIKERUN Devon 2025 tested me in every way – physically, mentally, and emotionally. It reminded me of the importance of listening to my body, the power of community, and the joy of simply being outdoors and moving.
Would I do it again? 100%.
But maybe next year I’ll pack a portable fan…
