Mellow Expeditions - @lexmarks_ & @lenarosalie

For this week's Mellow Expeditions, we spoke to @lexmarks_ and @lenarosalie about their adventure cycling the GB Divide, a 1,960 km gravel route from Land’s End to John O’Groats. @lexmarks_ and @lenarosalie share the highs, lows, and lessons learned from two intense weeks on the bike, exploring some of the UK's most beautiful and remote landscapes together.

Embarking on the GB Divide gravel route with my friend Lena was the beginning of an adventure that would push us to our limits and ultimately teach us about our capabilities. The idea first came while I was studying for my university exams and craving escape, a memorable adventure, and a goal to raise money for a mental health charity (Mind Over Mountains). Lena had also never been to the UK before, so I thought — what an epic way to explore a new country. Setting off, the initial excitement was palpable, mixed with a healthy dose of apprehension about the sheer scale of the challenge ahead. With minimal planning and a certain blue-eyed confidence in our friendship, and the conviction that we could overcome anything together, we set off with the exciting prospect of shared discovery through some of the UK's most stunning, remote landscapes.

The journey quickly unfolded into the promised rollercoaster of emotions. There were days where relentless climbs on loose gravel under challenging weather conditions tested us, draining our energy and morale. The Cornish gravel tested our kit setup and climbing legs with constant undulating terrain; however, the weather was kind to us and treated us to some gorgeous views. We then crossed the bridge into Wales — although not so lucky with the weather, the gravel riding was incredible, and with support from my family, we made our way through some iconic gravel routes. By about day 10, we were in the groove, and with a shifted mentality to focus on each day as it came and not get fixated on the end result, we continued up through the Lakes and into Scotland. Each day presented new challenges, both mentally and physically, but crucially strengthened our bond as we learned to rely on each other's support, encouragement, and shared problem-solving skills.

Interspersed with these trials — and often emerging directly from them — were moments of pure, unadulterated joy that made every ounce of effort worthwhile. Cresting a hard-won summit to be met with breathtaking panoramic views, freewheeling down a long descent, the simple pleasure of finding a welcoming café for a warm drink, or sharing laughter over a navigation error — these were the golden moments.

Reaching the finish line after 14 intense days was an overwhelming experience, a culmination of every drop of sweat, every pedal stroke, and every shared laugh or grimace. Looking back, the GB Divide wasn't just a physical journey across the country; it was an emotional epic shared with a great friend. It tested our limits, revealed our resilience, and delivered moments of profound satisfaction and joy that only come from pushing through challenges together. The rollercoaster was real — 1,960 km of UK gravel was tough — but the enduring feeling is one of immense pride and the pure happiness of having completed such a demanding and beautiful adventure side-by-side with Lena.

Some words from Lena:

The idea of cycling the GB Divide took me by surprise at first, but it immediately excited me and I agreed. To be honest, at the time I didn't realise what I was getting myself into. Looking back, however, I am glad that I didn't know exactly what to expect. This allowed me to embark on the adventure with a certain blue-eyed confidence in our friendship and the conviction that we could overcome anything together. This is how the idea of undertaking this incredible tour came about.

I am particularly proud of our spontaneity, and perhaps also of our youthful recklessness in simply trying things out. Because I believe it is a gift to take on challenges, even if others express doubts or you are not always one hundred per cent convinced of your own abilities. Only by trying can we find out what we are capable of.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Lex and her family for their support and for choosing me as her partner for this adventure. It was an honour for me to discover England alongside her in this special way.

The success of this cycle tour, in my opinion, was based firstly on the confidence in ourselves that we could do it; secondly, on the trust and support we could give each other; and thirdly, on the fact that we looked at the tour in small stages and fought our way through each challenge together.

I learnt a lot during this tour, especially about what we can be proud of:

• To my body, which enabled me to cope with everything.

• To my mind, which carried me mentally through the highs and lows of the tour.

• To accepting help.

• That I have learnt not to reach stages or goals and still be satisfied.

• To being proud of ourselves and recognising what we have achieved, regardless of the achievements of others, and not comparing ourselves to others, but looking back on what we have experienced.

• To our friendship, which was already strong and is now unconditional for me.

Overall, this trip was a valuable experience that strengthened our friendship and showed us what we are capable of when we pull together.