Well I managed to drag myself around.
Actually, it wasn't half as bad as I thought it was going to be. I'd decided to drink and eat to the text book; sipping every 10 minutes and eating every hour. I've no idea exactly how much water I drank, I'm guessing around 6 litres all told, but I was thoroughly sick of fig bars by 300km! It was a tactic that was, I'm guessing, the secret to the success. I finished feeling tired - as expected - but with no major discomforts or pains. Given my lack of preparation, I was expecting to face cramps or joint pains somewhere at some point. I'd also deliberately decided to take it easy, climb on a smaller gear than I normally would and generally pace down - though I had to remind myself of that to begin with!
A quick group had formed very soon after the off and a gap opened. I tried to close it for a few km but decided I was just going to knacker myself for no real cause, so waited for the next wave to catch me and rode with them. We stayed together for around 230km before one abandoned and the other two dropped back. I rode the rest of it alone.
The final 80km was into a stiff head wind. I decided not to fight it and gently pedalled a smaller gear. I only averaged 15kph on that last section but at least I finished! It certainly wasn't the quickest 400 I've ever done but I think, in all honesty, it's the one I've learnt most from.
I'd not make a habit of riding without due preparation, and I certainly wouldn't advise it, but it was useful to know that I could do it.
Actually, it wasn't half as bad as I thought it was going to be. I'd decided to drink and eat to the text book; sipping every 10 minutes and eating every hour. I've no idea exactly how much water I drank, I'm guessing around 6 litres all told, but I was thoroughly sick of fig bars by 300km! It was a tactic that was, I'm guessing, the secret to the success. I finished feeling tired - as expected - but with no major discomforts or pains. Given my lack of preparation, I was expecting to face cramps or joint pains somewhere at some point. I'd also deliberately decided to take it easy, climb on a smaller gear than I normally would and generally pace down - though I had to remind myself of that to begin with!
A quick group had formed very soon after the off and a gap opened. I tried to close it for a few km but decided I was just going to knacker myself for no real cause, so waited for the next wave to catch me and rode with them. We stayed together for around 230km before one abandoned and the other two dropped back. I rode the rest of it alone.
The final 80km was into a stiff head wind. I decided not to fight it and gently pedalled a smaller gear. I only averaged 15kph on that last section but at least I finished! It certainly wasn't the quickest 400 I've ever done but I think, in all honesty, it's the one I've learnt most from.
I'd not make a habit of riding without due preparation, and I certainly wouldn't advise it, but it was useful to know that I could do it.
.
or keep going; night riding guaranteed 
; more hills 
etc.
