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Advice...1st race/challenge pls

7 posts & 5 voices | Started 8 months ago by garrypreece | Latest reply from garrypreece

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garrypreece - Member

Hi fellas,
Sun 11th Sept. 30 miles on/off road in Holmfirth {renound for being hilly}
annual event {300+ competitors last year} winner 2hrs 15 approx.

My lowdown:
Only been riding seriously 4 months,age 49...job- deliver beer for 10yrs... so quite fit anyway and very strong legs from footy career.

Bike:{Trek 3900} no major modifications....obviously got SOME decent riding equiptment,resevoir drink bag,gloves and suitable clothing NO SHOES !....will be riding in trainers which i'm happy with.

Also will be riding with a friend,he prob same standard so should keep up with one another !

So can you give me any VALUABLE advice ?

Thanx for any constructive stuff.

Posted 8 months ago #
garrypreece - Member

GOBSMACKED !!

Expected something on here

Posted 8 months ago #
beej - Member

Sorry, I was having my tea.

Take it easy to start, pace yourself, keep eating and drinking - and not fatty stuff - usual suspects like jelly babies, haribo and malt loaf are good. Ham sandwiches.

Don't try and race people, go at a speed you are comfortable with.

Make sure you have extra layers in case you get cold.

Posted 8 months ago #
jonb - Member

Look very seriously at what you are carrying. Assuming a 30 mile ride takes you 3 hours you don't need 3L of water and 7 energy bars. You should probably manage with a minimal kit.

Preparation will help. Be well rested, and fed. I don't like to eat loads the night before as I find it makes me feel sick on race day. WArm up gently. MTb races seem to start with the sprint rather than finish.

Make sure you bike works. Gears index properly and brakes work. Make sure your tyres are pumped up and suspension set correctly.

Pace yourself and stick to it. Don't get caught up in the race if the pace is too fast, you'll blow up. Ride at a good tempo and then increase towards the end if you think you're capable.

Pedal, it really does make you go faster. Try and avoid the temptation to coast as it costs time (see pace yourself though).

Don't stop. OR if you do make it really quick. A sense of urgency if you are at a bottle station or taking a leak.

Don't dress for standing at the startline but for the race. You'll warm up. Carry something in case you have to stop though unless you are near to help/tough.

Have fun and smile.

Posted 8 months ago #
uplink - Member

start as you mean to go on

ask around to ascertain who the favourite is then go over and deck the skinny bugger
that'll put a marker down that will tell the rest of them that you mean business and won't be pushed around

trust me on that one
you need to get the respect you deserve

Posted 8 months ago #
oneoneoneone - Member

My advice is to keep hydrated and have plenty of energy foods (jelly baby's, hario etc)

Have fun

Posted 8 months ago #
garrypreece - Member

Well,i'm now up for it,loved the replies,will post how i went on.
thanx again.

Posted 8 months ago #

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