This is a document in progress.
I will make changes from time-to-time as is required.
Racing:
1. Pacing is key!
Avoid being sucked along by the rabbits for they will soon die and rot by the side of the trail. If they can maintain that pace for a 100-miles, they are a much much faster then you, and you should SLOW DOWN! Break the race into laps (4 laps for a 100-miles). Ride conservatively for the 1st half of the race. Then determine if you have enough gas in your tank to ride a negative split.
2. HELLO!
Eat –drink-and-eat-some-more. Have everything prepared, and ready to go before the race. Label everything by lap. Leave your stuff where you can access it during your transitions in the parking lot, but not where a hungry bear can help itself to lunch. This saves huge amounts of time. In 2008 I spent exactly 10-minutes every lap eating, drinking, filling bottles, oiling my chain, and stuffing each pocket with food. That was 50% too long, and a total of 15-minutes of wasted time. Be prepared and organized so you can just scoop up your bottles and food as you precede through the transition area. If you have a friend helping out great (ok hot shot), give them a set of instructions, and please remember to smile and thank them on very single lap for all their help. Seriously!
3. Drink 50% of your calories. You can not possibly eat enough on a bike hammering for 8-hours. Remember this is Ultra Enduance. If you are urinating once per hour you are drinking enough. You need real food including proteins and fats. I personally like some chips at the halfway mark.
4. Don’t get lost. Every year someone get turned around and spends many hours trying to find the main trail. Come out and ride the “Ride Before the Ride”.
5. Blisters are a real possibility:
Problems usually start with your hands, but obviously feet and your butt are suspect. Butt butter is highly recommended. High quality socks and gloves, old broken in cycling shoes (never wear a new pair). Experiment during your training - not at this event. You will thank me.
6. Don't stop – ever!
Unless it is in the transition area, or you have an immediate issue that you must deal with – immediately - JUST KEEP GOING! Create a mantra. Tell yourself that your life depends on your ability to “JUST KEEP GOING”. You need to find ways to convince yourself that this insanity has a purpose beyond your immediate suffering. Coach your pit crew on how to ‘coach you’ during the transitions. We can all use a pat on the back, or kick in the butt once in a while. Motivating words of encouragement can make the difference between dropping out during one of the 'depressed moments' we all experience in ultra endurance racing, and finishing strong… or finishing at all.
7. Bring the kitchen sink. If you can think of it you should bring it. Self supported.
8. Good people.
Don’t ride alone. This is a group thing. Help other racers on the trail whenever possible. Leave no one behind. Make friends and support each other when the going gets rough.
I will make changes from time-to-time as is required.
Racing:
1. Pacing is key!
Avoid being sucked along by the rabbits for they will soon die and rot by the side of the trail. If they can maintain that pace for a 100-miles, they are a much much faster then you, and you should SLOW DOWN! Break the race into laps (4 laps for a 100-miles). Ride conservatively for the 1st half of the race. Then determine if you have enough gas in your tank to ride a negative split.
2. HELLO!
Eat –drink-and-eat-some-more. Have everything prepared, and ready to go before the race. Label everything by lap. Leave your stuff where you can access it during your transitions in the parking lot, but not where a hungry bear can help itself to lunch. This saves huge amounts of time. In 2008 I spent exactly 10-minutes every lap eating, drinking, filling bottles, oiling my chain, and stuffing each pocket with food. That was 50% too long, and a total of 15-minutes of wasted time. Be prepared and organized so you can just scoop up your bottles and food as you precede through the transition area. If you have a friend helping out great (ok hot shot), give them a set of instructions, and please remember to smile and thank them on very single lap for all their help. Seriously!
3. Drink 50% of your calories. You can not possibly eat enough on a bike hammering for 8-hours. Remember this is Ultra Enduance. If you are urinating once per hour you are drinking enough. You need real food including proteins and fats. I personally like some chips at the halfway mark.
4. Don’t get lost. Every year someone get turned around and spends many hours trying to find the main trail. Come out and ride the “Ride Before the Ride”.
5. Blisters are a real possibility:
Problems usually start with your hands, but obviously feet and your butt are suspect. Butt butter is highly recommended. High quality socks and gloves, old broken in cycling shoes (never wear a new pair). Experiment during your training - not at this event. You will thank me.
6. Don't stop – ever!
Unless it is in the transition area, or you have an immediate issue that you must deal with – immediately - JUST KEEP GOING! Create a mantra. Tell yourself that your life depends on your ability to “JUST KEEP GOING”. You need to find ways to convince yourself that this insanity has a purpose beyond your immediate suffering. Coach your pit crew on how to ‘coach you’ during the transitions. We can all use a pat on the back, or kick in the butt once in a while. Motivating words of encouragement can make the difference between dropping out during one of the 'depressed moments' we all experience in ultra endurance racing, and finishing strong… or finishing at all.
7. Bring the kitchen sink. If you can think of it you should bring it. Self supported.
8. Good people.
Don’t ride alone. This is a group thing. Help other racers on the trail whenever possible. Leave no one behind. Make friends and support each other when the going gets rough.
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