The South Downs Triple – There and back again, and then there once more!

“You do realise that the best weather window starts tomorrow…”

Support Crew T Shirts

Tomorrow?!!!  We were due to start our 36 hour “journey” on Sunday and it was now Thursday morning. But I’m not ready, how can we possibly reorganise all the logistics and support crew at this short notice?  We had talked about needing to be flexible, but is it possible to bring it forward by 2 days at this late notice?

“Have a think about it and let me know” said the calm voice of Simon Usher, who was managing the support.  “We can sort out the logistics if you are mentally ready to ride”

I paused for a moment. This was going to be the ride of my life, where I only had one chance to do the South Downs Triple.  I noted all the important things that needed to be done in the next few hours before the ride, then made my decision.

He was right and I was ready - PANIC!

South Downs Way Route

Everything was a whir, there was so much to do and I had to scrounge an extra day and a half off work.  Getting home with my mind in a spin I ran about pulling everything together.  Looking at the weather forecast and the wind direction – strong easterlies expected on Saturday – we also made the decision to switch the start from Winchester to Eastbourne.  This added significantly to the logistical challenge.  The whole of my spreadsheet prep and the logistics had been planned based on a WEWE (Winchester-Eastbourne-Winchester-Eastbourne) and now we were going to need to re-plan for EWEW.

The Black Pig with all the gear

Kate Potter, from AQR Coaching, had been brilliant with my training and her final prep instructions included a complete rest and a good night sleep before the big day.  Sorry Kate, I got no rest and only about 4 hours sleep…

6am, Friday morning, heading down to Eastbourne in Simon’s van (the Black Pig) with Judy “Beer Babe”, who had dropped everything to help out with the Friday switch, we altered the comprehensive check point schedule with all my requirements for certain times.  I like to be organised well in advance - all these changes were not helping me to relax!

There

The new SDW start/finish at Eastbourne

We reached Eastbourne in good time.  I got myself ready while the minutes ticked forward to 8am - what was I was letting myself in for?  Then it happened. Judy counted down, the camera clicked and the pedals started turning – This was it – 15 months in the making - there was no going back now – “look forward and go for it”, I told myself.

The new bridleway start for the South Downs Way at Eastbourne is now aligned with the footpath route.  It extends the route by a mile, which was to be an extra 3 miles for me.  Added to this, the first half mile is a 300 foot climb. With 34,000 feet of climbing to complete it doesn’t sound much, but from a standing start it was hard.

Just as I reached the top of the climb I heard a fateful hiss from the rear tyre.  A puncture within the first mile, this wasn’t going well!  Particularly as this time while changing the tube, the tyre had one of those moments where you needed 6 hands to fit it back on to the rim.  Back on the bike I felt I had to try to make up the lost time.  My mind was all over the place and I couldn’t get my heart rate down.

Climbing up to Bury

Firle was the first check point where Simon and Judy gave me a new spare tube, checked I was OK and sent me on my way.  It was then that I started to enjoy myself – Why do the South Downs Way three times? Well actually I love the views from the South Downs Way, especially those overlooking Lewes, you can see for miles. In enduro races you spend all that time going round the same course – and mainly in trees.  Out here you can see for miles and miles.

It took a while for me to properly calm myself and it probably wasn’t until Bury, 58 miles in, where I really felt settled into the ride.  The trails were dry and fast – one of the reasons to pull the ride ahead of the storm - and with the bonus of very few people around I made good progress.  As I reached the QE2 Country Park, my average speed was steadily increasing.

Support Crew resting at QE2 Country Park

The support crew were amazing, Anne Dickins and Roy (Beer Biker) had now joined the team – so now I had both the AQR endurance team and the Dark Star Brewery endurance team supporting me!

On such a long ride I only monitor a few things. I set my Garmin to display my heart rate, the overall average speed and my average speed since the last checkpoint.  Most of the effort for completing such a challenge is mental and I really didn’t want to be reminded how far in I was.  Using this simple information I could pace myself without thinking about how many miles I had covered and how many were left to go.  I only focused ahead to the next checkpoint, taking each section at a time.  For the first leg to Winchester I needed an overall average speed of 9.2mph – so that’s what I focused on and that’s what kept me going.

Turn point in Winchester

A quick leg massage

The descent into Winchester felt great.  I was riding fast and my legs were feeling strong.  I have blogged previously about the dynamic core work I had done with Anne Dickins and the coaching from Kate Potter.  I had ridden this faster, but never felt this strong.  Outside one house stood a family who asked my name then cheered me on.  They had been following my progress on the Endomondo live GPS trail and came out to greet me.  This was such a nice surprise!

I was carrying a Samsung Galaxy Ace phone running the Endomondo App where anyone could see my progress.  I had also fitted an external battery charging pack but I actually hadn’t intended it to go this public – it was mainly for my support crew and close friends – so I was initially unaware of the impact of my ride; people were apparently glued to the blue line slowly moving across their screen. With someone even checking up on me during a meeting at work.  My crew reported some of the comments on the Singletrack forum, which eventually ran into 8 pages as the word spread.  This virtual support was amazing and uplifting.

And back again

Turning around in Winchester at 18:08 was just 20 minutes slower than my personal best for the South Downs Way.  One leg down, let’s go back to Eastbourne!

Exposure Lights

As the daylight disappeared I flicked on my Exposure 6 Pack.  USE had kindly loaned me 6 Pack and JoyStick lights for the event – one of many kind gestures, but when the mist came down and the trail was indistinct, it became invaluable.  I have no idea how I would have coped without their brightest product - it was almost like riding in daylight.

Setting off from Bury around midnight, there were a couple of bike lights twinkling down the trail.  It was a pleasure to see Rory Hitchens and Frazer Clifford who had come out to find me.  We rode for a while then JP also joined us.  Long solo rides have their challenges and it was nice to have some company.  In true tradition, though, they left me to set the pace and open all the gates.

They peeled off around 2am and still feeling strong, I powered into the night, cresting more hills and clocking up miles.  That core stability training was clearly paying off.  I was starting to have a few pains – particularly in my hands – but my legs just kept going.

Fog

Focused

The batteries on my iPod packed up and my spare for some reason was not working.  The wildlife had to put up with my terrible singing as I sped past disturbing the tranquillity of their sleep.

It wasn’t long before the silhouettes of the trees could be seen and the dawn chorus filled the air.  Had I really been riding all night?

Flying

Finished the Double

Climbing the long ascent after the A27, thick fog appeared.  Visibility dropped to just 20 metres, flicking the 6 Pack onto full beam extended my vision to an essential 50 metres.  Navigation in these open areas is very difficult in thick fog.  During the last minute panic I had forgotten to load the SDW route into my GPS.  Resorting to memory and looking carefully at the grass, I stayed on the trail.  I discovered that the yellow buttercups don’t grow on the trial, therefore staying away from the buttercups kept me on track.

Time was ticking on and I needed to be in Eastbourne.  With a sub 23 hour South Downs Double in mind, I pushed on hard.  Remembering to go to the new start/end point, I raced down the hill to the SDW marker.

22:55 hours for a South Downs Double.  This was fantastic; it put me 3^rd on the leader board for the fastest supported Double.  I was elated! And that could have been where it all ended… but I was going to get back on the bike and ride all the way back to Winchester.  I had no idea just how hard that was going to be…

And there once more

Setting off back to Winchester is where a new chapter of the history book starts.  No one had ever tried going beyond the Double.  For my safety, the support crew insisted someone was with me on this last leg back to Winchester.  Riding beyond 24 hours is a bit unknown, so extra precautions were taken.  Jerry Hill, an experienced sports doctor, also joined us at Eastbourne and gave me a medical check up before letting me back on the bike. 

Firle

I climbed the tough hill out of Eastbourne for the final time – it was torture.  My stomach was all over the place. I felt drained and my sanity fought with my determination.  Firle seemed a million miles away and I needed to see the support crew sooner.  Simon Usher, now in riding gear, was to be my first support rider and called ahead to made the necessary arrangements.

Finding a bench at Jevlington, I lay down for a rest.  I had pushed to get that sub 23 hour double and it was clearly taking its toll.  Turning back was already playing with my mind.  Jerry was brilliant and confirmation that I was medically OK was what I needed and soon I was back on the bike.

After Firle I was curious to see someone taking photos of me.  It turned out to be Simon Catmur – a local who had also been tracking my progress on Endomondo and the Singletrack forum.  The crew had invited friends to join in and keep an eye on me.  He kindly rode with us for a while, which helped from the safety point of view. Steve Golding also appeared from nowhere, taking photos.  There seemed to be a big interest in what I was doing… which I must admit baffled me… I still consider myself as a bit of a novice on the bike and had previously only ridden two 24 hour events. You will know if you have read my other blogs that only 5 years ago a long ride for me was 30 miles. I knew little about heart rates and training regimes. I set the South Downs Triple challenge not just to see if it was possible, but to see if an ordinary bloke can do it. 

Meeting Josh while Anne tapes up my knee

My hands were really suffering so extra padding was put in my gloves.  My left knee also started to twinge and Anne decided to tape it early, just to be on the safe side. Otherwise my legs were still strong and kept moving.

Roy “BeerBiker” was incredible.  Using his knowledge of the South Downs he guided the support crew to the check points and found time to pop up in odd places to meet me.  When passing him at Ditchling, he kindly handed me a 99 ice cream, it was just what I needed on the hot day.  Thanks Roy.

Reaching Saddlescombe, it was a real pleasure to meet Josh Ibbett, the South Downs Double record holder.  He kindly produced some much needed Torq Energy drink – I had discovered I no longer liked my normal favourite and decided that the only one I could stomach was vanilla Torq! 

More surprises came in the form of Mark Raffield from Redhill CC popping up to say hello, then Jo Burt and friends rode with me for a while.  Jim Russell also rode with me at some point.  It was so uplifting to see these people want to help me on my journey.

Descending down to Steyning, I felt completely knackered.  I had covered 240 miles with 60 more to go.  At this point it was clear the 36 hour target was more than unlikely.  My fuelling wasn’t going well and I was getting wobbly on the bike.  I decided to take a ten minute rest. Lying down at the checkpoint, my body temperature quickly dropped and dark thoughts were trying to enter my mind.  Jerry and Anne were superb.  I can’t remember what they did, but hot tea, cake, space blankets and the combined expertise of two professionals and I was soon back on the bike.

Dave, Ant & Rachel join in to help

Setting short goals, I made it to Bury where Dave Brothers was waiting to ride with me to the finish.  Also Ant Jordan and Rachel Sokal (the rest of the AQR endurance team) arrived to provide fresh energy for the support crew.

What happened next is a bit of a blur.  My legs kept going round, I followed the trail and I opened gates, but my mental capacity was dwindling. Somewhere along the way Lydia Gould joined us, which was another surprise, but it was only when I reached the QE2 Country Park I knew that a Winchester finish would be possible. 

Just before Winchester I received an amazing surprise.  My family had come down to see me at the last check point.  This was lovely as normally they are rather sceptical of my cycling adventures ;-)  It was also arranged that my son Dan would ride the last mile with me into Winchester, which was wonderful.

Cheers Alfred

It's official, I've finished

Downing a For Goodness Shake at the final checkpoint, my recovery process started early – it was so good to taste something normal! Then with emotions running high I set off.  The last 3 miles dragged on and on and on.  The heavy rain that had prompted the rushed start had finally arrived.  I wanted to push it, but I kept hearing Ant saying, “Be careful, don’t over do it!” I was so close, but I had to take his advice.

Reaching the King Alfred Statue in Winchester was fantastic. 300 miles, 34,700 feet of climbing and 37:04 hours from when I first left Eastbourne was an amazing experience.  The whole support crew and my family were there to welcome me in and the South Downs Triple had been conquered.  Yes - the Triple is possible.  Yes – even for an ordinary bloke.

The end

But that’s not quite true.  It is only possible for an ordinary bloke when he is blessed with an incredibly strong support crew.  They had a mighty challenge just to get to all the check points throughout the 37 hours, let alone to keep me going.  All the additional riders and supporters where also a real boost, and the huge interest from virtual onlookers was overwhelming.

It would be great for a couple of charities to benefit from my efforts;

The BritishHeart Foundation who inspired me to ride the SDW in a day, back in 2007.

St MarysChurch, who are building a new Community Centre in Reigate.

A massive thanks to everyone involved.  I am sure this won’t be the last South Downs Triple. The bar has been set at 37 hours and 4 minutes – go for it!

The Team

Thanks to Anne Dickins, Roy McNeill and Steve Golding for the photos.

The South Downs Triple - Why?

Why? This is a question I've been asked many times recently.  Its a massive 300 miles and I'll be riding for around 36 hours - Why?

The short answer is, why not? Everyone else seems to stop at 24 hours, why not go further?

The longer answer is, if you have a limit you will work to that limit.  However if you remove the limiting factor, how much further can you go?  I did a similar thing when I succeeded on the South Downs Double.  Previously I only rode about 30 miles each weekend and had never ridden more than 100 miles in one go.  At the time of planning, only 4 top riders had managed a sub 24 hour South Downs Double, with a 50% failure rate.  To do a 200 mile ride appeared ridiculous, but it was awesome!

Very few people have ridden for more than 24 hours and I've not been able to reach the podium in any major race, my highest placing is 6th at Exposure 24 last year.  I therefore set out to create my own podium on a course that I love to ride.

Yes, there are extra risks with riding into the unknown, so I sought the expertise of top 24 hour athletes to coach me and incorporated a medical team into the support crew.

The South Downs Triple has never been attempted before.  Many have tried the South Downs Double where only 13 have achieved a sub 24 hour time.  Last year there was only a 25% success rate for the Double, it's a tough cookie.  As Rory Hitchins once said, "It's not the ride there that counts, but the ride back."

To conquer the South Downs Triple will set a new league for the history of the South Downs Way.  Let's make history!

Other Updates

I am delighted that ForGoodness Shakes are supplying their recovery drinks, as I will need a number  for the ride and to recover afterwards.  Recovering from a 24 hour ride takes a few weeks, so it will be longer for this 36 hour challenge.

Please do take a moment to sponsor me.  It is wonderful that two charities can benefit from my ride; the British HeartFoundation and St Marys Community Building Project in Reigate.

Over the last few weeks physio Anne Dickins has been working on my dynamic core stability. This strengthens and balances all the muscles which work specifically for cycling. The purpose of me doing dynamic core for cycling is to make me more efficient and comfortable on my bike. It will also make sure all the power I produce goes to the pedals. 

In endurance events, it is really important to have a body which works properly as a small problem or pain will just get amplified over time. It will also prevent wasting energy on muscles working when they shouldn't. With Anne's assistance, I should be able to keep going for the 300 miles without 'too much' pain.

South Downs Triple - Preparation Update

A 24 hour race takes some organising to get everything ready, the South Downs Double was quite a challenge as the support crew needed to travel between each of the arranged check points.   The South Downs Triple is another ball game in a different league. 

Completing 300 miles in one hit is a monumental challenge, where I am aiming for a sub 36 hour time.  Riding for 36 hours puts far more strain on your body than a 24 hour event.  I am privileged to have a top support crew from the AQR racing team where they have raced at European and World class events.  I also have an Olympic level sports doctor and physiotherapist who are working at the 2012 Games.

Having ridden the SDW many times raising money for charity, it is only appropriate that there are some beneficiaries from my ride.  This time there are two charities;

The British Heart Foundation who provide research and support for those with heart disease.  They also regularly organise the SDW 100 mile Randonnee, which I have ridden many times.

Click here to donate to the BHF

St Mary's Church in Reigate who are building a new community centre to serve the Church and the local community. Click here to donate to St Marys Community Building Project

  

Many thanks to USE for providing the Exposure Lights to see me through the night.  In a race environment the course is checked in advance and other riders help to keep it clear, on the SDW there are often hidden obstacles and wildlife to contend with during the night.  The Exposure 6 Pack with its 1800 Lumens will bring some daylight to the darkness, and hopefully disperse the sheep.

Training is going well with some long rides on the SDW to refresh myself of the route.  A few gates have been replaced where the SDW markers are missing, this preparation will reduce any navigational errors.  There has also been a change to the route at the Eastbourne end.   It is now and extra mile, or an extra 3 miles for me, where the bridleway and footpath sections finish at the same place.  Previously there was a nice ring to finishing at Paradise Drive.  Dukes Drive doesn't sound quite the same.

Everything else is sorting it self out, while I wait for a decent weather window in June.

Beyond the South Downs Double

Where do you go after the South Downs Double?  Why does everyone stop at 24 hours?  These questions have been in my mind for a while.  To quench my appetite for more, I'm going to go that extra mile, well actually an extra 100 miles.  I'm taking on the South Downs Triple.

3 lengths non stop of the South Downs Way encompassing 300 miles and over 30,000 feet of climbing.  All this in a target time of just 36 hours.  Oh yes, I mustn't forget the 288 gates to negotiate.

The months of training are nearly at an end where currently I'm finalising all the logistical details required for such a feat.  Support has been fantastic from AQR coach Kate Potter and physio Anne Dickins.  The planned date is sometime in June 2012.

More information will be published here on this blog and updates will appear on Twitter @Hillburner

Follow me on Twitter

Sun, Slopes and Single-track

His voice sill echoes in my head ‘Heels down Richard’ as I descent the rocky trail.  Ian Potter taught me so much last week with AQR in Portugal.

Climbing Hard

It was quite a revelation realising that my established beliefs and habits are the very things that are holding me back.  I’ve learnt to ride and train over the years through varied research coupled with trial and error.  To have world class athletes and coaches guide me in person and teach a better way forward, was an eye opening experience. 

Joining an AQR (A Quick Release) coaching week, at first was daunting with the high credentials of the other guests.  We very soon gelled as a group sharing experiences along with a friendly banter. 

Top of the mountain

Its not just about riding the bike, the morning classrooms sessions covered essential areas pertaining to peak performance, these included; nutrition, core stability, stretching, bike setup, tyre choice, and training programmes.  Kate, Ian and Anne are clearly experts in their fields where they shared with us a summary in simple English that we could all understand.

Anne Dickins, a physiotherapist specialising in sports performance, conducted an assessment discovering that my body is not as perfect as I thought; in fact my left leg is a bit wonky. This imbalance is affecting my riding and once corrected through her prescribed exercises should enable me to perform better.

The VO₂ Max test with the breathing tubes to measure lung capacity and breathing effectiveness was interesting.  I was pleasantly surprised by my high score.

The bike fit was entertaining; with Ian looking for the perfect riding position, and Anne understanding my body’s limitations.  Combining their blend of skills, adjustments were made to the bike to enhance performance.  As my body improves, further adjustments can be made on the bike.

Kate Potter explained how to get the most power out of my body using a combined programme of nutrition and training.  It’s not all about eating as much as I can whilst riding as fast as I can.

There was plenty of time during the week to spend on the bike enjoying the sunny weather.  We rode many rocky trails up and down the rolling hills, often stopping to receive technical riding tips from Ian Potter or to practice difficult sections.  Several videos were taken to demonstrate our riding posture and note areas for improvement. 

Throughout the day, frequent challenges were presented to us involving long technical or steep climbs.  Body positioning on the bike, even pedal strokes and appropriate pacing was essential to reach the top.

The rocky single track tested and improved the bike handling skills to clear the numerous obstacles.  With some fast descents, the grin factor was in abundance.

All too soon the week came to an end and we returned back to the cold and wet UK.  The skills and lessons learned will enable me to reach another level with my fitness and bike performance, so perhaps one day I will reach the podium.  


Thanks AQR.

It's All New

The new 29er bike is wonderful.  The carbon frame of the Scott Scale makes it super light and the big wheels just keep on rolling.  Thanks to Petra Cycles in Oxted for their friendly service.

Slime

Discovering that it is not possible to get 29er Slime tubes in the UK, Slime very kindly sent me a couple of their tubes.  For me, using Slime is very reassuring as it has saved many punctures.  On a few of occasions I’ve heard the hiss of air as a thorn penetrates the tyre.  Within a couple of revolutions, the hole is plugged as I continue riding.  This is a real tube and time saver, especially in race conditions.

Nectar Fuel

Always on the look out for new things, I was delighted to be contacted by the For Goodness Shakes people to try their Nectar Fuel.  It comes in a liquid format pumped from a container or in a sachet, making it very easy to mix.  The sweet taste is fine for short races where I would need something containing protein during a longer event.  In the couple of times I’ve used it so far, it has given me the extra burst I needed.

http://www.ride7ds.com/filmsbooks.htmlEndurance Within

Last week I read a book for the first time since 2003.  It was an enjoyable and moving experience on a subject that is close to my heart.  Rob Lee wrote ‘Endurance Within’ where I had the opportunity, with others, to help him get it to print.  Rob outlines his cycling career and describes some of his epic rides.  His South Downs Double was of particular interest where our preparation techniques in organising our own SDD rides were at opposite ends of the spectrum.  He describes his emotions during the epic rides in an honest way, that for me put some of my feelings into words.  There are not many athletes that have the courage to be so open where it gave me more of an insight into myself.  Thanks Rob.

New Year's Resolutions

It’s early January and I’m sure most people have given up or forgotten about their New Year’s Resolutions.  Out of principle, I don’t make any resolutions in January, instead I tend to review things once a quarter with an annual reflection in the autumn.

The highlight for 2010 was the 24 hours of Exposure race in Newcastelton.  Racing alongside many blog authors who I follow, it was inspirational and humbling to be a part of their world.  Receiving track side support from the Cotic / AQR race team was overwhelming as they rapidly cared for me and my bike before cheering me back out onto the course.  Attaining a worthy 6^th position in the dire conditions was a personal achievement. It was a privilege in August to be able to return the honour of pit crew for the Torq 12:12 race.

Seriously considering the 24 hour Solo World Championships in Italy, I started training back in October.  Due to a number of logistical reasons, I’ve decided to leave the Worlds until 2013 and go for the Exposure race again in April.  

Following JoeFriel’s model of periodisation, training is going well, placing me slightly ahead of this time last year.  I’m also exploring some deeper fitness aspects to improve overall performance, which hopefully will help me reach that elusive podium.

Having received so much from my cycling, I’ve decided to give something back in the form of an alternative blog.  Preparations for my events are meticulous, involving a huge amount of research in many diverse areas.  Some of this nerdy stuff is being collated so it can be made available for others to use.  Current items include; how to make a simple cadence meter for your turbo trainer, and how to graphically compare the gear ratios for 2 bikes with different sized wheels.  More items will follow later covering an analysis of sports food types, and effective charging times for lights.  Further details about this nerdy stuff will be released in due course.

2012 has the potential to be a fantastic year.  All I need to do is to make sure that it happens.

Summer Trails In October

‘Why was I wearing shorts?’ My legs screamed as the icy cold air tore through their muscles.  Leaving home early, I promised them they’ll thank me later once the sun comes up.

Taking it easy up Reigate Hill, there was an air of expectancy; I was going to have a good ride.  The weather forecast was good, the trails were dry, and I had recovered from a heavy gym session earlier in the week.

Overlooking Reigate from Coley Hill, the mist covered the quiet sleepy town with only the brave venturing out this early.  The sun’s heat stared gently onto the grazing cows.

Veiw from Colley Hill

Tearing across Banstead common, I could tell this was going to be a fast ride.  The Kenda Small Block tyres lapped up the dusty trails, gliding effortlessly as the trees rushed by.  I needed to slow down as this was a base training ride.  Although the temptation to speed was immense, I focused on going as fast as I could whilst maintaining a low heart rate.

Linking up with Stane Street, then over to Norbury Park, I picked up a few newly discovered trails and headed up to Ranmore.  The sun was now in full blaze as it poked through the trees in the woods.  Descending the steep South side of Ranmore, the fallen leaves covered the trail obscuring the roots, gullies and rocks.  I was knocking on the door of Fear whilst opening the window of Adrenalin as I hurtled down the track.

Finding a suitably steep route to get back on to the ridge, I leg it over to Newlands Corner with my average speed slowly rising.  Making the turn at the A25, I head back exploring a slightly different way to Ranmore. 

Squeezing in an extra loop, I clocked up 40 miles as I arrived at Bocketts Farm for a well deserved cuppa and piece of Tiffin cake.  Its never going to be as good as my Mum’s Tiffin but it’s just the ticket to see me home before lunch.

The final 10 miles was a long slog with lots of climbing.  Crossing over Reigate Hill I charge down the other side to get home.

With 50 miles in the bag, this was an excellent training ride in preparation for the Solo World Champs in 2012.  More on this later...

The Other Side of the Fence

“3 scoops of energy powder per bottle with a gel, and an electrolyte bottle every 3^rd lap with 2 gels.”  The pre race briefing for Torq 12:12 was very detailed as meticulous notes were taken.  Having ridden this race solo last year, see report, I knew the challenges that lay ahead for the riders.  This time, instead of riding I was staying in the pits providing support.  Involved in the race from a completely different perspective was a new experience.

The AQR / Cotic race team had 2 solo riders, Rachel and Simon, and a team of 4 consisting of Ian, Rich, James and Kate.  Another Ian was the chief mechanic, Ant did everything including taking photos, and Carole was ‘Pit Mum’ an essential role for keeping everyone fed.  I took on the role of Simon’s buddy to ensure he had everything for his solo ride.

Although we all had our roles, we all did everything.  The well oiled pit machine was able to turn a rider and bike around in about a minute.  Having experienced this frenzy of activity on the Exposure 24 ride in May, it was very interesting seeing how it all came together.  The ETA of each rider was calculated and as the time approached someone was on lookout duty to spot them ride across the hill, giving us a 2 minute warning.  Prepared bottles, gels, clothes, mug of tea, bowl of warm water and flannel were all on hand for the rider whilst the mechanics were armed with the pressure washer, lube, spare lights and a spare bike.

As the rider approached, rapid instructions were given for what they wanted which were immediately produced by the swarm of busy pit crew surrounding them.  The warm flannel for the face wash was never requested, but always appreciated.  Notification of their race position with the lag and lead times was provided before the rider was cheered back on to the course.

Whilst clearing up the aftermath of the pit stop, notes were taken on food intakes, lap times and any other useful details, before the preparations started for the next time.

 

As the day progresses there were numerous tasks to occupy us between the laps; preparing the pit area lights for the night time, modifying the gazebos to cope with the heavy rain, refilling water bottles, drying clothing, checking race positions, updating Twitter and endless bike maintenance.  In addition to this Carole provided us with numerous cups of tea and food to keep us going.

7 hours into the race, I realised that I had hardly sat down.  There was barely time to get a 5 minute rest before Simon was due in again.  The 5 minutes, however, was just enough to keep me going until the finish.

One the race had finished, the riders still needed feeding and sorting out so they were warm and dry.  Cracking open the beers and firing up the barbecue with tasty burgers and sausages was especially satisfying. 

The celebrations were well deserved with Rachel winning the Female Solo, the team came 4^th in the Mixed Team and Simon had to retire after 8 hours from 6^th place.

The next morning after little sleep, bacon butties washed down with tea, provided the energy to pack away all the gazebos, tents and other equipment.

The AQR / Cotic team presented such a friendly atmosphere with uncompromised support to their riders.  Receiving such effective race assistance makes a huge difference to riding the race, whatever the weather.  It’s not surprising to see that AQR / Cotic have gained podium positions at all the many events they have attended this year.  I was delighted to be involved to see how it works.  Thanks for an amazing experience.

Big Dog – Throwing away the rule book

As the trees parted revealing the dry twisty trail, with the wheels gliding over the knobbly roots, I found an incredible sense of unity with the bike. Flying round the blind corners looking to catch the next rider, a sense surrounded me that this was the moment. The moment for which riding is all about, giving your all for the buzz, the excitement and the passion of racing on two wheels.

The Big Dog race was such fun with a wonderful course, the thrill of riding was evident all over the park. Loads of top names jostled for position as a sea of prizes flowed from the numerous sponsors. The air hummed as riders completed their lap on a high, to pass the honour onto their team mate to enter magical woods.

Spot the Redhill CC gazebo

Pausing between laps was a novelty for me as normally I ride solo. The burst of energy with your heart rate predominantly above 90% for the 45 minute lap got the juices flowing. I was also much more relaxed beforehand as I had no race plans, no lists of equipment, no nutrition schedules and no timing sheets. After throwing all my kit together at the last minute the night before, I sat back with a beer, which I normally bann before a race.

The shock of the first hill on the course was quite a wake up call as I had hardly warmed up. Hitting the single track trails for the first time took a while for me to get my eye in. The trees bent together with barely enough room for the handlebars to squeeze through, and the roots caught my wheels trying to trip me up. Fighting with the off-camber corner the other side of the A27 reminded me of the wasp nest disturbed 2 years ago. An attack from the blighters coupled with a reaction, brought my race to an abrupt end. This time there were no angry bullets as I climbed the rooty trail.



Picture by Alan Gayle



The fast flowing single track on the second half brought a smile to my face before I was spat out in sight of the finish line.

It was just the 1 lap, then I could rest. What a luxury, what do I do? This novel experience felt quite odd, perhaps I should be out doing another lap?

Relaxing with a cup of tea and wandering around the stands of bike goodies, I soak up the atmosphere of the arena. As my turn approaches and I hit the trails again. Wiser with the roots, I pick better lines and climb the hills. 20 minutes in with my heart thumping, the feel good factor overwhelms me. This is awesome! I tear through the single track with the trees giving way and power up the hills overtaking anything in sight. What a feeling of delight as the wheels skip over the roots and hold tight round the corners.

Coming to an abrupt end, the finish appeared leaving that buzz of excitement resonating in my bones.

A fantastic day, thanks to my team mates Gareth and Alan, the Big Dog crew and all those involved.