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They hurt but not as much as a 24.
If you can ride hard for 4 hours, you can do a 12 hour. It's just a question of going easier than you think you need to and getting hydration & nutrition correct.
If there is anything slightly uncomfortable on your bike (i.e. saddle ok for 2 hours but not perfect, cleat slightly out of alignment, wobbly grip) it will be magnified by about a million by the end of the event.
They are immensely boring. Not being negative - it's just something you need to be prepared for mentally,
GB
That was exactly what I was going to say. I found it relatively easy physically, but I was so bored. Put me right off doing another one!
Good challenge, of course you need to be fit: i just try and survive rather than 'compete' and have managed a couple without previously riding for more than 6hrs in one go, once you have a reasonable amount of fitness you will find; bike preperation / set up, nutrition / hydration, strategy for pit stops, getting lights on etc (you need to be very organised if you do it without support as once you get going you dont want to think too much - you need to be on 'autopilot') all equally important.
You need to have good motivation to stay interested, first one i did i never questioned what i was doing, i just wanted to know if i could! Second one after 8 laps etc i started to wonder.....
Finally - the speed and consistency of the top handful of riders is impressive!
Why not sign up for Kielder - its ends up being a 12 hour solo, give or take. Just one loop so it feels like an epic rather than an exercise in enduring tedium.
I know I can easily ride 12 hours but tried to solo Mayhem and was bored to tears after just 8; going round and round. At that stage, got off and enjoyed a bottle of wine with the wife.
Done quite a few. whether they're boring or not depends on the course for me.If you're looking to do one, i'd recommend either the Erlestoke 12 or Torq in your sleep. Both have enough interest to keep you entertained.
Thanks!
Fitness - its OK
Motivation - will be fine
The thing is, a few of us will be riding together, and not to win, so it will be a fun ride!
And the other thing, we are team sumo, so riding in sumo suits 🙂
Its all for charity!