MacRetro chat and rides thread

[jimo746]

Well, there'll be no "racing" taking place, but survival would be nice, don't want to end up like "Bill"
The "plan" (if you can call it that) is to have a nice ride in the countryside, stop for a brew every few laps, and see how I feel. If I need a nap then I'll take one.
I have a van (not a campervan) complete with sleeping bag & mat, portable power wash thingy, a full-suspension bike with mudguards and lights, some ice spike tyres, spare brake pads & chain, tools, a jetboil & food/drink, various cycling clothes, and that's about it.
Ordered myself some "pogies" , and have Sealskinz waterproof socks on my Xmas list.

The way I see it there's a few ways I might end it early.... Unfixable mechanical issue.... excessive butt chafing.... Physical injury.... Running out of lights/batteries might curtail the nocturnal activities.
If I can avoid those things then at least I should complete the 24hrs, maybe.

Brian & Jamie, will you guys have a "Pit" area?

 

[epicyclo]

Brian & Jamie, will you guys have a "Pit" area?

I'm going to bring a stool to leave on top of some tools and spares as my pits. No set up faff.
Oh, and a poncho for standing around in if it's sleeting.
No shelter, bed etc. I've found those fripperies sap motivation.
The event marquee provides shelter if that's necessary.
I might bring a spare pair of sandals in case they get too wet.

If Jamie brings his van, then I'll be his best friend...

The most important thing is an utterly reliable bike, so singlespeed, no suspension, flat pedals.

If you are using disks, bed in your spare brake pads. (Although pad material has improved dramatically over the last 10 years)

Pogies are essential IMO if we get sleet.

Eat small and frequently, especially if it's proper cold. No amount of insulation will keep you warm if your body is not producing heat.

One thing that catches out people not used to high effort in sub-zero is exhaustion. The stuff your body uses to power your muscles is the same stuff that provides the heat. Get exhausted and you're sure to get hypothermic to some degree. The secret to survival is the discipline of not over-exerting yourself, especially early in the race because no amount of fancy gels etc will help. I deliberately walk some of the steeper bits to conserve energy even though there is very little on the course that is actually hard.

Ultimately your race depends not on your muscles, but on how fast your stomach can convert your food into energy (IMO).

 

[jimo746]

Thanks Brian, singlespeed flat pedals no suspension... I'll just have to ride what I've got, at least I can lock the forks out.

 

[epicyclo]

Thanks Brian, singlespeed flat pedals no suspension... I'll just have to ride what I've got, at least I can lock the forks out.

I should probably mention you're welcome to share our pits. I was talking to Jamie today, our pits will be more civilised than my usual.
Have you got studded tyres?

 

[velomaniac]

I know of a source of used but still useful studded tyres. Usual sizes, so no fat bike tyres but loads of tread and studs still present.

 

[jimo746]

Yeah I picked up some studded tyres cheap in the summer, never ridden studded tyres yet, so will be interesting if I get to use them!

What do you guys do about lights? Or do you just use your Jedi powers and see "through" the darkness??
I have a decent light I use helmet mounted which lasts a few hours, and a reasonable bar mounted light that takes 18650 batteries so I can carry spares.
I get that on the fire road climb I can use low power setting, but I'm not convinced my lights will last the distance. Maybe this year is the year I ask Santa very nicely for some new bike lights

 

[velofrog]

18650 batteries….?!

 

[velomaniac]

18mm x 65mm dimensions Batteries usually LiPo (lithium battery) but also available as NiMH (Nickel Metal Hybrid). Basically a traditional cylindrical battery that is rechargeable and around 3.6v usually used in battery power packs for lights etc but also as individual batteries for torches etc.

I believe at Strathpuffer there will be some kind of stand operated by the sponsors where lights can be charged for a nominal fee.

 

[epicyclo]

There is usually a recharging station run by Exposure.

 

[Mr Panda]

I got a lamp which uses 18650 batts a couple of years ago - great wee setup and really bright - right up to the point the charger disintegrated and then one of the (very flimsy) wires detached at the business end of the lamp. Batts are excellent though