Do it yourself

■ Pick a record (www.rra.org.uk) — we did one of the five circuit records laid out in 2016, many of which have not been set yet. ■ Pick an approximate date (you might want to wait for the weather, so factor in some flexibility and a period during which you can be ready to go). ■ Read the RRA rules — familiarise yourself with the rules of feeding, passing, and observers. ■ Find a timekeeper — join the RRA and have a ring around. ■ Draw up a notice and schedule, and submit it, and figure out just how fast you have to ride. ■ Work out your hydration and nutrition strategy — how does this fit in with the timekeepers and observers? ■ Logistics — how are you, and your timekeepers and observers, going to get there and back while staying fed, watered and ready to ride?