Just finished BBF solo in 15th place - my first 12 hour. Suffered for the last 2 laps and I know why. Lots of lessons learnt and a real confidence boost. However, I am doing SITS solo this year. Is there anything other than going slower that will help me make this transition as at the moment its a scary prospect.
My knees are a bit sore and other than spinning more and taking ibuprofen is there anything else I can do. My 'rule' was to always be able to hold a conversation. If I couldn't then I was pushing too hard - seemed to mostly work 🙂
Twice as hard? 😉
I've done 24/12 before and did Bike Fest this weekend, 17th, same laps as you I think! Two punctures and having a lot of time spare but not enough for an extra lap is my excuse!
Anyway, SITS will be less physical I believe. In terms of body fatigue, I was probably more wrecked after Bike Fest than I was 24/12. I'd say properly chill out from the start, more than you need to, and build into the race more.
Make a list of niggles now while you remember. Even the slightest little rub of a shoe or a glove after 12hrs will be potentially race ending in a 24.
If you were able to fuel yourself and ride to 15th on what I gather is your first 12hr, on that course, SITS should be a piece of piss!
Well done!
Other things can happen.
A 12 can be ridden without any stopping at all, and can be ridden quite hard.
Some can ride a 24 just the same, but if you're like me you'll get grief.
First at about 13/14 hours I get very painful acid reflux. I've done 11 24 solos, tried everything, but on the hour it kicks in. If I take a long rest I can fight it off, but you're talking hours not minutes so a bit pointless.
I also get bored, sorry but I do, perhaps it's from doing so many?
Other than that, kick back a bit from 12 hour pace and ride on.
Wow I did my first 12hr solo at BBF only through default as my pair buddy dropped out at 1600 on Friday on..wow it was hard, aimed for 12 laps did 13 super chuffed, no training, no clue on nutrition or strategy. Enjoyed but and glad to say I am part of the club but no desire to go back and do it again and definitely not 24hr solo!!!