MacRetro chat and rides thread

[shedobits]

I have pulled out of single speed championships this year. Physical and mental health is the cause, cannot face the event. As I now know I am in the shallow end of the Autistic spectrum and thus I cannot cope with a field of strangers I cannot relate to. Cannot face the journey down and back and cannot beat back the the black dogs of depression. I find I need a couple of folk present I know who I am relaxed around but as Jamie and Brian are not there this year I do not really know anyone else sufficiently to be relaxed. I have coped with these issues at events past but this year I just cannot get past them. All this lock down has messed up many peoples confidence who have mental health issues and alas I am one of them.

Hope you feel better soon Velo.

 

[dyna-ti]

As I now know I am in the shallow end of the Autistic spectrum

That surprises me



Actually seriously though, how do you get on riding a route that you've not ridden before, as its all new and that in itself is somewhat off putting for me. I need to know where Im going. I don't like instant decision surprises.

Either way, hope you get over those black periods Which you have to really. Theres unfortunately no set in stone solution, you really just need to take a deep breath and force yourself onward.

 

[jimo746]

I remembered the other day that I have a MTB event coming up quite soon (if Covid doesn't cancel it again ), "Strathpuffer" or something like that, anyway, zero training done, and zero fu*ks given .
Is anyone else here doing it this year? Epicyclo? It would be nice to see some friendly faces on what will without doubt be the worst 24hrs of my life!

 

[The History Man]

I’ve just had a message from Marley’s Ghost………..

 

[velomaniac]

He needs a chain tool as his are too tangled to index properly but his old partner Scrooge doesn't care....

 

[Jamiedyer]

I remembered the other day that I have a MTB event coming up quite soon (if Covid doesn't cancel it again ), "Strathpuffer" or something like that, anyway, zero training done, and zero fu*ks given .
Is anyone else here doing it this year? Epicyclo? It would be nice to see some friendly faces on what will without doubt be the worst 24hrs of my life!

Jimo, Brian and I are both in again, both solo as well. Always friendly faces
In fact we will most likely be riding up that way this weekend for global Fatbike day before heading to Inverness later after lunch for the Kidical mass ride.

Jamie

 

[jimo746]

Ah good .
I'm looking forward to the "experience" .

 

[Jamiedyer]

Ah good .
I'm looking forward to the "experience" .

Oh, it will be an experience alright

Jamie

 

[epicyclo]

Oh, it will be an experience alright

Jamie

Don't worry. One thing I've learned from doing all the Puffers on a singlespeed is you're soon too numb to care...

It's a very simple race, all you have to do is not stop and you'll beat nearly half the field.

It's fun, variety unknown.

Meanwhile I've been struck with a succession of injuries and maladies that have been keeping me off the bike, so there goes the training. Current one is an infection in my knee from a pedal strike.

Oh, training? Never get round to it anyway, so that's nothing new.

Jim, if you need any advice on surviving the race, just ask.
None of it will be any good if you're wanting to be competitive though, but it might mean you're still going when the competitive types have run themselves into the ground.

 

[velomaniac]

My advice which is useless but is based on 2 x Mountain Mayhem 24hrs is slow and steady. Killing yourself trying to achieve loads of laps on a course you've never ridden on an event you've never done is daft. Be disciplined about breaks, don't skip one as it'll bite you later. If you need sleep then sleep but maintain discipline, don't give up, get up and get going when you can. Don't overdo the coffee or energy drinks, excess can upset the guts and cause cramping etc.
Choose a reliable bike that you can easily fix and have plenty spares such as brake pads. Possibly have a choice of tyres as conditions change on the course over time.
Look out for your pals as they can often be the motivation to keep going.
Finally remember that after 24hours of slogging your guts out around that course, driving your car straight home afterwards might be an ask too much.
Some years ago I did Strathpuffer Lite, the 12 hour summer version with Kaiser and Brian on a single speed. It's tough in summer so it's way tougher in winter but the scenery, when you can see it, is fantastic. I crashed out literally on my 5th lap and then went to my bed. Wish they'd hold the lite version again, 12 hours at the right time of year is braw.