by
charlie
Mon Jul 16, 2007 1:34 pm
I did my first 12hr solo mtb race on saturday - The Bontrager 24/12 held in the Cotswolds. The course was slimey from the start, although did dry out a bit as the day progressed. It was basically a very hilly technical 14km loop with lots of off camber rooty single track. The course did involve a lot running, especially earlier on (and I suprised myself as I did actually run, rather than walk in this 12 hr event!)
As the race started at midday, it also meant that I was going to gain my FIRST EVER experience of mtb night riding (after nine hours in the saddle!).
My aim was to try and ride as evenly paced as the course would allow (which wasnt that even really). I guess I guaged the effort quite well, as I was able to ride the climbs even at the end of the race, when some team riders (i.e. 12 or 24 hr pairs or team of 4 doing relay) had long since been walking. However, things became a bit more serious and tactical in the event when about 4 hrs in, a few of the other established 12 solo support crews were concerned about who number 21 was, riding in 3rd place. After looking at my number board we realised it was me! I had been intending to have a break at this point but had to get straight back out. I had to keep pits to about 3 mins (change bottle, fill pockets, de clog bike, stretch, go), with my longest about 10 when we put the lights on and tried to de-crick my back! Crazy times (well Helen thought I was crazy...)
Because I hadnt ever ridden off road at night, I realised I had to get as much done whilst the conitions were drier and light. However, the night riding went well too (thanks to Nick S and Nick B for lending me some sunlight in a can!).
I got around to the finish of my 12th lap just before midnight, with the option of doing another lap (so long as you start your final lap before a cut off time that lap will count, therefore it could be a 13 hr race!). However, my back, my light batteries and not to mention my wife would not let me go around again! It would not have changed the final standings anyway.
I finished the day in 4th place, from around 80 solo men finshers and 100 on the start sheet. I dont know where I dropped to 4th, but I do know I couldnt have changed anything or done anymore. Considering my recent training, I consider this to be one of my finest results. I felt I was bike racing all day, not just surviving. What a day.
The real fun started when I got off the bike - that wasnt pretty...now I was surviving!
The event was filmed by the BBC for their Countryfile programme, due to be screened next Sunday. I dont know if I'm on it, but it'll certainly give you a taste of the event and conditions. The results and pics should be up on xcracer.com and joolze dymonds websites respectively. Keith Bontrager awarded me a nice pair of sunnies for 4th and I got my pic taken on the mens solo podium (well next to the podium, I'll be on it next year - just dont tell Helen I've said that!).