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Let the folly begin
March 1
After a couple years of enjoying various events ranging from Club XC, marathons and 24hr team events (not with much success I might add) I've decided to take it to a logical conclusion and have a crack at a 24 hr solo. Given I'm a complete newbie I have a fair bit to get sorted out before the event, The Scott 24hr on October, so I thought I'd keep a record on this here blog both for my benefit and to be able to tap into the collective knowledge of the forum.
The main challenges are going to be getting the right degree of fitness, particularly as I am time-poor and pain-adverse, and getting the right bike setup. At the moment I ride a very stiff Carbon hardtail (old-school XC 26er) which destroys my back on a short event so something needs to be done there. I also should ideally have two bikes for the event to allow change-overs and in case of mechanicals.
Anyway, that's all for now. Next update will be training plans and how the hell to get fit enough to survive for 24 hours
March 3
Actually, screw training as I'd rather buy a new frame instead. Lets talk about bikes and back pain.
At the moment I ride a stiff carbon hard tail which I built up with a new frame from its original incarnation as a alloy XTC. It's nice and light but also very strong with 819 rims, SIDs, XT brakes and X0 1 x 9 setup. Whilst great for short course XC I find after an hour or two it really hurts my back. At last years capital punishment I was in agony and downing nurafen after 30km so I know this is the main issue I need to address. My back will stop me well before my legs do.
I will need to get some advice on stretches and strengthening exercises that will help and work them into the training plan, can anyone recommend someone to talk to or know some good web resources?
I will also need to move to a dual susser for the event, something which I'd been thinking about doing anyway. My preference is to do a frame upgrade on the current bike which will dictate 100mm. I agree with the comment that 140 or more would help with comfort but it would be a bit indulgent just for one event when more of the time a tighter XC setup is what I'd be after. Im told my forks can be converted to 115mm simply so I will most likely do that at the same time.
My preference is for a Santa Cruz frame, either a Superlight or Blur XC. This is just a personal preference thing but Ive taken quite a shine to them of late. Ideally a carbon Blur with 115mm forks would be perfect for the job and would come in under 11kg with my current kit and reliable tyres. I'd imagine i will set it up a bit more relaxed with higher bars etc to make it all day (and night) comfortable. Hopefully I should have movement on a frame next week.
Over and out
March 5
Well that wasn't so hard, picked up a Santa Cruz Superlight frame on eBay over the weekend. It's being shipped to our New York office where I will pick it up in May. I like the superlights because of or in spite of their single pivot simplicity. This one has a push tuned RP23 so it will be interesting to see what the rides like. It's certainly not the plushest design which will work against it for a 24 solo but let's see how it goes once I build it up
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Nice one. It's good having something like this that gives you something to focus on. Good Luck.
I take my hat off to you. I must say that what seemed like an impossible and ridiculous thing to attempt when I started riding several years ago and was somewhat unfit now does seem like something that is in the realms of possibility. Having said that, this is still quite a way from actually signing up and going for it!
If you're after a training partner for either off or on road, I am always keen to ride with others.
But also love it.
Ive done two and the best peice of advice to give you is do it on a bigger travel bike than your usual xc 100mm machine.
You're not Jason English and all you'll want to do is ride the 24hrs without giving up so comfort is paramount. A 130mm to 150mm travel bike is good without being too big and heavy. A couple of pairs of really good quality knicks(and a big jar of butt cream!). Some good thick foam grips and a good pair of gloves.
Last thing is make sure you're happy with your shoes and do lots of long rides to make sure there's no major discomfort. Basically, all your contact points have to be looked after.
For training, apart from doing long stints on the bike, try and get to some 8hr races and have a go at them. Don't be put off by the discomfort of an 8hr race, it WILL hurt a lot but a 24 has a different feel to it and you seem to go into one a bit more prepared mentally.
Last thing, Get the brightest lights you can possibly afford or borrow as it can be quite draining during the night if you cant see properley. I did my first race with some really old ay ups and the difference was incredible when i did my second one with an uber bright set of homemade lights.
I forgot to mention nutrition. Apart from the usual gels and drinks, take some normal food like sandwiches and pizza or pasta. you get sick of all the sweet stuff so a bit of saly savory food goes down a treat and because you're not at full race pace it sits on your stomach better!
Enjoy the Journey!