Three go to Hell of the North

A personal account by Jerry Rolfe

Just be careful who you stand next to in the Market Place, innocently waiting for a Sunday ride to start!! Mark Nelson and Bjorn Lawton both started discussing their entry into the Paris Roubaix Challenge. “Why doesn’t Jerry join us?” The seed was planted and my arm twisted and before we knew it the three of us were heading to Northern France.

While researching the ride, the description that was foremost in my mind was “a fast road ride interrupted by brutality”

Riding the Paris-Roubaix Challenge is as close as many of us will ever get to experiencing one of cycling’s most iconic races, and it does not disappoint. Known as the “Hell of the North,” this route is a true test of endurance, bike handling and determination.

From the moment you roll out, there’s a sense of history in every kilometre. Smooth tarmac lulls you into rhythm before the first set of cobbles abruptly reminds you what you signed up for. The pavé sections are relentless, bone-rattling, unpredictable, and often muddy or dusty depending on the weather. We were lucky with a cool, dry day, with just a headwind in parts blowing hard across open fields and farm land. Choosing the right line becomes essential, with smoother edges tempting you while the crown punishes any lapse in focus.

What makes the challenge special isn’t just the terrain, but the atmosphere. Riders from all over the world take part, united by a shared goal: to conquer the cobbles, especially the mythical Trouée d'Arenberg and the Carrefour de l'Arbre.

Spectators waiting for the pro race gather in key sectors, offering encouragement that is just what you need when your arms and lungs are screaming and your bike is bouncing beneath you.

Preparation is key with wider tyres, double wrapped bar tape, lower pressures, and a well maintained bike making a huge difference. No setup can fully tame the brutality of Roubaix. It’s a ride that demands respect, and to be fair a good degree of luck. The cobble sectors were littered with riders fixing punctures and mechanicals!

Crossing the finish in the velodrome is unforgettable. Exhausted, dirty, and grinning, you realise it’s not just about surviving it’s about embracing the challenge and enjoying your moment riding cycling folklore.

April 11th 2026