On Thu, 02 Feb 2006 13:09:49 +1100, Bikesoiler wrote:
> Have a race plan ie, are you there to compete or participate?
Be realistic about this, and prepared to change it on the go to suit your
body. I've soloed 2 24 hours now - the first time I rode through until
about 4 in the morning, crashed until 7, then rode until midday. The
second I pulled up with bad stomach pains at about 9pm. had a **** of a
lap at about 5:30, then felt great from 7 through to midday. Despite being
on the bike for about 5 hours more, I only did 5 more k the first time.
> Find a support person, or share someone with another solo rider.
Absolutely. One super supporter can generally support 2-4 riders, so it's
not too hard.
> You *Must* have someone else drive home after the race.
Unless you camp the Sunday night, but you really do want to get to a
decent bed. I've found I'm fuzzy but OK until about 3-4 pm, then I wake up
the next morning.
> Take all the cycle clothing you own, 24hrs in the same crusty knicks
> could cause chaffing.
Stock up on Assos or if you're a tightarse try using Amolin, which is for
nappy rash. If you're any tighter than that, chuck the seat and knicks,
because you won't be needing them.
I've found *my* best strategy is to ride in one pair of knicks until I
have a big rest, change into shorts, then change into fresh knicks when I
go out again. That means 2 pairs for my efforts.
> Food & drinks become more important as each hour passes.
Home made Gu can be a lifesaver - the recipe has been posted here before,
but I don't have it to hand. My variation is 4 parts maltodextrin, 1 part
glucose, 2 parts water.
Mix small portions (~35ml at a time) and use boiling water to assist in
dissolving the maltodextrin. Once you've made up about a gu flask full put
in some vanilla essence (use the cheap imitation stuff, it's not going to
taste any different) and a pinch of salt. I've also used chocolate syrup
on top of that, but the vanilla is good to cut the aftertaste.
> Find someone to ride with during the late night hours,
Even better is to find someone to ride with every lap. You'd be amazed at
how much easier it makes it to have someone to chat to.
Other points:
Look for the most efficient lines. I had a mate who's normally bloody
quick have trouble keeping up for about a 2km section because I knew the
lines well enough to not brake, and to not have to pedal much. It's the
secret to being quick but being able to continue for 24 hours.
Listen to your body, but know how hard you can push it. This is a
challenge for yourself, but you don't want to really damage yourself.
That's where courses like Dargle (Sydney 24) are good - the nasty bits are
near the start, with a really fun 2nd half. So you get back and want to
keep riding.
--
Dave Hughes |
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Random miscellany, as opposed to that other kind of miscellany
- Patrick Shaughnessy