My first ‘puffer. Thanks AlasdairMc for the support, sorry I didn’t do better. But I am happy with 14 in the bag for about 16 hours riding (I didn’t clock out for breaks).
There were lots of TV cameras there and lots of filming and interviewing. Not sure how long all that gets cut to. It’s a shame they don’t have the back episodes somewhere viewable ala More4. Also lots of photographers. Much fun.
The conditions were fine, thin layer of mud over hard rock most of the way. Was a bit icy at the start in a very few places, but not for long. A little rain and some wind, but again nothing to worry about. Didn’t feel too cold at all, in fact, I was quite warm most of the time.
I was fine for the 1st 12 hours (apart from a stumble off on the slab lap 1 due to it being full of people!). I took it _really_ easy and got 10 laps in with breaks at 4 and 8. On lap 11 I was feeling a bit empty, so I pulled in to basecamp at 11pm and promptly bonked hard… uncontrolled shivering and feeling sick . I tried to eat, then dove into the tent for 4 hours lie down. Set alarm and got up at 4.15. Got up, eat some more, lap 12 was ok but slow as hell, then lap 13 was slower still, and I ended up vomiting in the undergrown 🙂
Back to basecamp for a gell and some juice and tried to pull myself together for 14. Had a cup o tea at the checkpoint and just managed to hold it together and did lap 14 in the daylight, was most welcome and fun with the time pressure off, was able to chat to a bunch of riders on the way round. Down to the start and straight in for an egg roll and another tea.
Legs feel alright now, and felt ok round the course. Main lesson for me is I still need to learn how to keep fulled up properly.
terrahawk – well done mate, you are a total machine! 210 miles in 24 hours is immense riding. In road bike terms, that is riding Edinburgh to London in 24 hours. If you care to share any fulling tips, I’d love to hear!