ICE!! People sliding everywhere at the start, all the up the hill and back down! The top guys were generally running spikes but most people just done the best they could. It did eventually thaw but was pretty treacherous at first. It’s surprising how quickly people get back up after a fall. Wether your bike will be unscathed, I don’t know.
Brakes, the track munchies through them, so always carry a set.
Make sure you keep taking food and water on board, a few folk were sugar crashing at the top marshal point.
Plenty of spare clothing.
If you’re going as a team and want to do your absolute best, try and get another person to act as a team manager, organising the rota, keeping you fed, bike working etc – and listen to them.
There is a fair competition for the prime camping on the course so get there early if you want it.
Lights, brighter the better. USE did have a charging station this year which was handy.