24 Hr Solo Thread

[Hand/of/Midas]

This is where everyone can give advice for 24 hr racing. im planing on doing my first one,or two, next year and could use advice. let the schooling proceed.

[RickB]

This is where everyone can give advice for 24 hr racing. im planing on doing my first one,or two, next year and could use advice. let the schooling proceed.

I hope you're starting your base mileage now... ;-)

While I'm not quite ready for a solo 24, I did my first duo this year. Got the 24 hour bug at Canaan in 1995 and have been hooked since.

The standard rule of thumb for most endurance events applies - train so that you have done an effort at least 75-80% of your race time/distance/effort, rest 1-2 weeks prior. Training for these types of events encompasses not only fitness, but nutrition, hydration, and logistics also.

I would read a lot of the blogs and articles from the 24 hour specialists (Chris Eatough, Rob Lichtenwalner, etc.), as they can provide some great insights. Some coaches now offer event-specific training programs for 24 hour solo events also.

It would be nice to have a support person or two your first time out, particularly someone to wash and/or wrench on your bike. Invest in a couple sets of extra lights or rent extra batteries (some of the lighting companies will do so). In general, it costs a LOT of money to do a solo 24 race, even if you dirtbag it as much as you can. With entry fees, travel, extra equipment and nutrition, it can easily be $500-1000, so sponsors and free stuff helps a lot.

This year, I made a huge mistake by racing a 6 hour race in 97 degree heat the weekend before (and another endurance race two weeks prior to that). The fitness was fine, but I just plain wore my body out and my IT band melted down after about 8 1/2 hours on the bike. Net result was some serious hurtin' and a month off the bike. So don't forget to rest, too!

I'm aiming for a couple 100 milers this year, and maybe someday I'll try a 24 solo. I'm getting old, so it better be in the next couple years...

And make sure you watch the DVD "Solo 24" to remind you how fun it will be.

[K-Man]

Congrats HOM for having the sack to give it a shot. I haven't (yet?) but have been solo "crew chief" on several occasions. Some quick thoughts.

- If you're serious about it, I'm guessing you're probably fit enough to succeed. For your first attempt don't worry too much about the specifics of your training "program" leading up to the event. Just get in the best shape you can, including plenty of long training rides, and be well rested coming into the big day.

- Pace yourself on race day. I've seen way too many folks go out too fast, then fade, then drop. Think about the pace you'd ride for a 100+ mile offroad training ride, and stick to that pace all day. Consistent laps get the job done.

- Food is real tricky. Experiment as much as you can during your long rides and training sessions -- figure out what sort of food your stomach can handle. Have plenty prepared in advance, so your crew can feed you quickly and easily. Come up with a food/hydration plan, and stick to it. If you get behind on food/water, it's gonna cost you big time.

- Get the light situation figured out well in advance. Sounds like a "big duh" but I've seen too many racers go into the race not knowing if they'll have enough batteries, or where/how they are going to charge during the race. You and your crew don't need that stress in the middle of the night, so figure it out in advance.

That's just a few thoughts off the top of my head. If you have specific questions, fire away.

[50 Mission Cap]

This is where everyone can give advice for 24 hr racing. im planing on doing my first one,or two, next year and could use advice. let the schooling proceed.

It's an ordeal man. At landahl last year, the DR team camped next to Josh Tostado. Dude was insane. Finished 17 laps of an 11 mile course. His girlfriend was working his "pit" - giving him food, helping him w/ bikes, etc. I'd say that is a huge advantage - having support people. His gf - who was a saint - told us that the guy works 8 hours, trains 8 hours, and sleeps 8 hours. I couldn't help wondering why this girl was with this guy. Love makes you do dumb shit. Seriously though, this guy was a machine. He pulled like a 49-50 minute first lap, and really don't think that any of his laps were over an hour or so. At about 8 am on day two, he stopped b/c no one could catch him at that point. I think he was using the race as a prep course for moab.

[thirty88teen]

Cool man you are going to love it. I've done the 24 hours of 9 Mile solo three years in a row myself. Two of the three have been on my SS and this year's race was on my rigid 29er ss. I'll say right off the bat that it will be the best time and worst time you have every had riding your bike. It's freaking sweet!

My training has never gone much above normal weekly rides, but I alwas try to step up the length of my rides as I get closer to the event. I also like to switch my focus to riding a little more at night in order to get accustomed to the night lap feel. Preparation is key to a good solid effort. Take as many spare parts,tubes,wheels,etc. as you can. If you have two bikes, even better. Usually, you can purchase a secondary number plate for the spare and have it waiting in the pits if something catastrophic were to happen to your primary ride. Mr. Rosengarth is absolutly correct when it comes to dialing in you lights. Get a good one and take more than one if you can swing it. Many races will offer rentals so this is a good way to grab a spare light without dropping a lot of cash. Always take at leats one emergency spare light as well(races require it). No light 5 miles in on a 15 mile course is rough.
If you can get support it will make your life a little easier, but I have done all of my races self supported and never had a problem. The key is to plan ahead and put your stuff in easy to find places so you don't waste time digging through coolers and bags at 2:00am.

Food/hydration is unique to everyone, but I find that a good mix of gel, bloks, sport beans and bars work for me. Also a good electrolite mix to supplement water intake is critical to help balance things out.

I agree completly with the pace issue K-Man raised as well. 24 hours is a long time, so don't blow up on lap three because of a pace that is too high. Pre-ride the course if you can and gage where you think your pace will need to be in order to finish where you want to finish. Then try to ride that lap time throughout the race. If you are riding a singlespeed, a pre-ride is super critical for selecting the gear you want to run.

Bottom line is your head will be the thing to overcome more than anything else, so don't listen to the voices. Just head down and hammer lap after lap after lap after....

[Hand/of/Midas]

cool, keep it coming.

im planning on using my Rockhound 1x9, and probally getting a thudbuster post to help,dont know what other bike of mine id use,rigid 26 SS? endure for cush? maybe ill borrow a shop test epic or stumpy fsr,well see.

I own a Topeak HID, and am going to buy 1-2 extra enduro batteries as well.

As for pace im just going to pedal comfortable and not kill myself the first time,just go the whole time. I like longer rides,fixed centurys,all the kettle moraine loops at once,mentally i just keep going,even though im not the fastest.

Im around Chicago so im thinking of the Landhal and Nine Mile races. which ones in the Midwest have you guys done and are sweet.

[K-Man]

I've done a few offroad races over 100 miles, both hardtail and full squish. Enough to convince myself it's full squish from now on. Granted, I'm 50+ years of age, but call me your canary in the coal mine

cool, keep it coming.

im planning on using my Rockhound 1x9, and probally getting a thudbuster post to help,dont know what other bike of mine id use,rigid 26 SS? endure for cush? maybe ill borrow a shop test epic or stumpy fsr,well see.

[thirty88teen]

You gotta do 24-9. The course is sweet...maybe my favorite of all the places I've ever ridden and the vibe at the event is great. It's the USA cycling national 24 hour mountain bike champtionships so the competition is as good as it gets. Nothing like hearing "lead rider on your left" from the likes of Eatough, Ross, Hendershot, and all the other rock stars that ride this event.

[fudgedit]

H/O/M Let us know if you are doing 9 mile. It is only 50 minutes from my front door and I will crew or cheer for you. But, I am not going to ride solo or team. I love that trail system.

[50 Mission Cap]

cool, keep it coming.

im planning on using my Rockhound 1x9, and probally getting a thudbuster post to help,dont know what other bike of mine id use,rigid 26 SS? endure for cush? maybe ill borrow a shop test epic or stumpy fsr,well see.

I own a Topeak HID, and am going to buy 1-2 extra enduro batteries as well.

As for pace im just going to pedal comfortable and not kill myself the first time,just go the whole time. I like longer rides,fixed centurys,all the kettle moraine loops at once,mentally i just keep going,even though im not the fastest.

Im around Chicago so im thinking of the Landhal and Nine Mile races. which ones in the Midwest have you guys done and are sweet.

Landahl's a great race man. Course is tough as hell though. Terrain is much different that any thing you would see in Rockford, S. Wisconsin or Palos. Lots of rock slabs down here to pick through... some flow sections, but not nearly as much as the s. kettle for sure. Myself, myrons, phlatlander, am radio and mikey haines (local mtb legend) are putting a team together. See you there.

[Hand/of/Midas]

H/O/M Let us know if you are doing 9 mile. It is only 50 minutes from my front door and I will crew or cheer for you. But, I am not going to ride solo or team. I love that trail system.

did you go to any wors races? i did the whole series.

[wigger thomas]

probally getting a thudbuster post

Be careful of these. They change the saddle to pedal distance as they contract. Caused me some knee pain when I had one on my old Stumpjumper. You may not be vulnerable to the problem. But if you're vulnerable at all,it will happen by the end of 24 hrs.

[mscotch]

cool, keep it coming.

im planning on using my Rockhound 1x9, and probally getting a thudbuster post to help,dont know what other bike of mine id use,rigid 26 SS? endure for cush? maybe ill borrow a shop test epic or stumpy fsr,well see.

I own a Topeak HID, and am going to buy 1-2 extra enduro batteries as well.

As for pace im just going to pedal comfortable and not kill myself the first time,just go the whole time. I like longer rides,fixed centurys,all the kettle moraine loops at once,mentally i just keep going,even though im not the fastest.

Im around Chicago so im thinking of the Landhal and Nine Mile races. which ones in the Midwest have you guys done and are sweet.

24-9 at Wausau is in my backyard, as well. I've done 4 man team 2 yrs. in a row. Like thirty88teen said, having Eatough come up behind me last summer during a night lap and asking as politley as anyone I've ever heard ask "2 national riders, can we get around you" for himself and Nat Ross put a huge smile on my face. It was about 2 miles from the end of the lap so of course I tried to keep up. They both pitted right before they went through the starting gate and came back out in front of me. I was following close and didn't see the need to pass them as they were getting squared away and geared up. Some local dude was coming up behind us to try to take them before they hit the gate so he could pass them in front of everyone. But my bike somehow got in his way. Oh, well.

[mscotch]

Be careful of these. They change the saddle to pedal distance as they contract. Caused me some knee pain when I had one on my old Stumpjumper. You may not be vulnerable to the problem. But if you're vulnerable at all,it will happen by the end of 24 hrs.

I use one on my GF x-cal 29er hardtail and really like it. Rode a year without one the year before. I raced all last summer with it. At Afton, MN did a 24 hr race, but I stopped after every lap and really took my time, even stopped to sleep, so not a true test, but I'd give the thudbuster a thumbs up.

[mscotch]

You gotta do 24-9. The course is sweet...maybe my favorite of all the places I've ever ridden and the vibe at the event is great. It's the USA cycling national 24 hour mountain bike champtionships so the competition is as good as it gets. Nothing like hearing "lead rider on your left" from the likes of Eatough, Ross, Hendershot, and all the other rock stars that ride this event.

Nationals won't be a 24-9 this year. They had it 2 yrs. in a row and I hear it's heading out to PA somewhere. Still will have a race at 24-9, just not the big shooters attending most probably.

[mscotch]

did you go to any wors races? i did the whole series.

I do the WEMS series. WORS has too many folks for my liking.

[mscotch]

I've done a few offroad races over 100 miles, both hardtail and full squish. Enough to convince myself it's full squish from now on. Granted, I'm 50+ years of age, but call me your canary in the coal mine

I'm 50+ myself and raced the WEMS WI series the past 3 years. I do the 3 hr. solo. Used a GF x-cal 29er with a thudbuster this past year, seemed ok, but full squish as K-Man says is sounding better and better. Had a CAKE but chose not to ride it this past summer cause most of the races are somewhat dummied down and wanted the rolling aspect of the 29er. Replaced the CAKE with a HiFi this fall so will be using it for rougher/technical stuff next summer, though.

[RickB]

Nationals won't be a 24-9 this year. They had it 2 yrs. in a row and I hear it's heading out to PA somewhere. Still will have a race at 24-9, just not the big shooters attending most probably.

From the USCF web site for the 2008 schedule:

"After featuring six events last season, the 2008 USA Cycling Mountain Bike National Ultra-Endurance Calendar will include eight races. Added to the Calendar next season are two national championship events – the USA Cycling Mountain Bike Marathon National Championships in Breckenridge, Colo. on July 4 and the USA Cycling 24-Hour Mountain Bike National Championships in Wausau, Wis., Aug. 2-3. The last event on the Calendar – the Shannon Ridge Showdown in Clear Lake Oaks, Calif., Oct. 18-19 – is also new. Once again the Calendar begins with the Mas O Menos 100k in Terlingua, Texas, Feb. 14-16."

[mscotch]

From the USCF web site for the 2008 schedule:

"After featuring six events last season, the 2008 USA Cycling Mountain Bike National Ultra-Endurance Calendar will include eight races. Added to the Calendar next season are two national championship events – the USA Cycling Mountain Bike Marathon National Championships in Breckenridge, Colo. on July 4 and the USA Cycling 24-Hour Mountain Bike National Championships in Wausau, Wis., Aug. 2-3. The last event on the Calendar – the Shannon Ridge Showdown in Clear Lake Oaks, Calif., Oct. 18-19 – is also new. Once again the Calendar begins with the Mas O Menos 100k in Terlingua, Texas, Feb. 14-16."

hey, thanks RickB for correcting me!
http://www.24-9.com/

[MrTB]

24-9 at Wausau is in my backyard, as well. I've done 4 man team 2 yrs. in a row. Like thirty88teen said, having Eatough come up behind me last summer during a night lap and asking as politley as anyone I've ever heard ask "2 national riders, can we get around you" for himself and Nat Ross put a huge smile on my face. It was about 2 miles from the end of the lap so of course I tried to keep up. They both pitted right before they went through the starting gate and came back out in front of me. I was following close and didn't see the need to pass them as they were getting squared away and geared up. Some local dude was coming up behind us to try to take them before they hit the gate so he could pass them in front of everyone. But my bike somehow got in his way. Oh, well.

I think Eatough passed me on every one of my laps last year.......and yes he was as gracious as anyone, not to mention the fact that he looked fresh as a daisy in the morning hours........

HOM, I've done this race on a four man team a handful of times on a hardtail and it always beats me up pretty good............then again I'm 46 years young.

[Hand/of/Midas]

HOM, I've done this race on a four man team a handful of times on a hardtail and it always beats me up pretty good............then again I'm 46 years young.

im 21, and may have access to either a specialized stumpy fsr(amazing ride, so perfect) or epic, we got 1/2 dozen test bikes so ill see what i can do bout that, other wise ill go shorter stem and thudbuster.

[Hand/of/Midas]

June 28, 2008
Levis / Trow 100
Hatfield WI

anybody do this race before? ive heard levis trow might be the best midwest place to ride. i havent been there yet.

[RickB]

I think Eatough passed me on every one of my laps last year.......and yes he was as gracious as anyone, not to mention the fact that he looked fresh as a daisy in the morning hours........

HOM, I've done this race on a four man team a handful of times on a hardtail and it always beats me up pretty good............then again I'm 46 years young.

I was laughing my a$$ off looking at the categories for the Nationals - the USCF/NORBA consider "Masters" to be riders all 30+... ;-) Where I comes from, it's 45+...

[fudgedit]

did you go to any wors races? i did the whole series.

I am a pacer and a putzer. I haven't felt the need to race in years. My last race was back in 95 when I did the Fat Tire 40. I think that was the last year before they went to the lottery system. You were just a punk then. I like cheering and supporting the real athletes at events though. I might try and do the Iola race this year. I have been skiing out there and it is kicking my ass.

I haven't ridden out at Levis in some years, but now that it is about 50 miles away, I don't really have an excuse not to ride it. I remember it being awesome years ago, and it has to be better now.

[Nick Verstain]

I've done a few 24s (2002 Worlds, Canaan twice, Snowshoe twice, bla bla bla) both solo and team, plus a bunch of 12-hour solos. Everybody so far has offered their opinions abour rest, gear, food, lights, etc., but for me, the key is the ability to stay inside your own head that long. Its one thing to keep mental focus for a 2-hour XC race or a team lap, totally different when you have to do that by yourself for 24 hours. That's a LONG time on the bike. The make-or-break hours are from 2 am to 5 am, when the going gets weird and the weird get going. I've hallucinated entire laps and once stashed my bike in the woods and walked off course in search of a breakfast burrito at 3 am, which was kinda tough in Vernon, BC. I'd suggest setting your home alarm clock for 1 a.m. one day a week. Get up, put on your bike clothes and head out for a ride until the sun comes up. Once the sun comes up you've got it made, but getting through those darkest hours half-asleep, half-dead with a big hunger knock will keep your from freaking out in a real race. Well, that and eating real food: that 12th bottle of Accelerade tastes like crap at 1 a.m. And perhaps the most important thing: never, ever get "My Sharona" stuck in your head during a race.

[RickB]

I've done a few 24s (2002 Worlds, Canaan twice, Snowshoe twice, bla bla bla) both solo and team, plus a bunch of 12-hour solos. Everybody so far has offered their opinions abour rest, gear, food, lights, etc., but for me, the key is the ability to stay inside your own head that long. Its one thing to keep mental focus for a 2-hour XC race or a team lap, totally different when you have to do that by yourself for 24 hours. That's a LONG time on the bike. The make-or-break hours are from 2 am to 5 am, when the going gets weird and the weird get going. I've hallucinated entire laps and once stashed my bike in the woods and walked off course in search of a breakfast burrito at 3 am, which was kinda tough in Vernon, BC. I'd suggest setting your home alarm clock for 1 a.m. one day a week. Get up, put on your bike clothes and head out for a ride until the sun comes up. Once the sun comes up you've got it made, but getting through those darkest hours half-asleep, half-dead with a big hunger knock will keep your from freaking out in a real race. Well, that and eating real food: that 12th bottle of Accelerade tastes like crap at 1 a.m. And perhaps the most important thing: never, ever get "My Sharona" stuck in your head during a race.

That's really, really good advice. Particularly the part about carefully selecting your "head song". The recommendation to do odd-hour rides is a good one. I also like "two-a-days", with an early AM ride at 5am and a dusk ride. Doing a "race simulation" can't hurt either.

A good "real food" solution is Snickers bars. Feels like a reward, tastes good, fills/fuels you up, and ties you back to the real world. When else in your life are you downing GU and Endurox non stop for a day? Exactly.

[Hand/of/Midas]

the closest place to night rides is just over an hour away(rockcut state park), that could make training hard, ill probally just fixed gear it on the road at night, but then again drivers worry me at night.

[mscotch]

June 28, 2008
Levis / Trow 100
Hatfield WI

anybody do this race before? ive heard levis trow might be the best midwest place to ride. i havent been there yet.

yeah, I did the 25 mile version at Levis last summer. My son (30 yrs. old) tried the 100 but burned up at 75 miles, still a great effort in my estimation. Some pretty sustained steep stuff out there. Levis is one of the best places to go in WI. HPT (Human Powered Trails) in LaCrosse and Blue Mound State Park near Madison (WEMS races all 3) http://www.wemseries.com/ round out some of the best riding. CAMBA (Cable Area Mountain Bike Area) near Hayward is good with lots of trails, but not as technical or hilly IMO. The WI SS Championship will be held at Levis the same time the WEMS 100 race is held, June 28th. Hope to see ya there! The local brewery from Black River Falls http://www.sandcreekbrewing.com/history.php
supplies a good supply of free samples for after the race.
I've attached a few shots.
Camping is available.

[mscotch]

I've done a few 24s (2002 Worlds, Canaan twice, Snowshoe twice, bla bla bla) both solo and team, plus a bunch of 12-hour solos. Everybody so far has offered their opinions abour rest, gear, food, lights, etc., but for me, the key is the ability to stay inside your own head that long. Its one thing to keep mental focus for a 2-hour XC race or a team lap, totally different when you have to do that by yourself for 24 hours. That's a LONG time on the bike. The make-or-break hours are from 2 am to 5 am, when the going gets weird and the weird get going. I've hallucinated entire laps and once stashed my bike in the woods and walked off course in search of a breakfast burrito at 3 am, which was kinda tough in Vernon, BC. I'd suggest setting your home alarm clock for 1 a.m. one day a week. Get up, put on your bike clothes and head out for a ride until the sun comes up. Once the sun comes up you've got it made, but getting through those darkest hours half-asleep, half-dead with a big hunger knock will keep your from freaking out in a real race. Well, that and eating real food: that 12th bottle of Accelerade tastes like crap at 1 a.m. And perhaps the most important thing: never, ever get "My Sharona" stuck in your head during a race.

I'm an old fart but, last year as part of a 4 man team, when my 2AM lap started my body just shut down. I could barely keep peddling. After some sleep my 6:30am lap when pretty fine, so I can relate to what Nick is saying. Solo must be unbelievable! Good luck!.

[Hand/of/Midas]

this might be a silly question. would it help to change your shorts at some point to get a fresh chamois?

ps. levis trough looks sweet.

[plume_mtb]

I don't see why dry clothes would ever be a bad thing.

;)

[K-Man]

this might be a silly question. would it help to change your shorts at some point to get a fresh chamois?


Depends. :D

[Hand/of/Midas]

so THATS how those guys stay on the bike for 24hrs!

[Nick Verstain]

.. at Canaan with one pair of chamois for a four-man team. On a hoopty bike with a ghetto-blaster on the back. Single-speed.

[RickB]

.. at Canaan with one pair of chamois for a four-man team. On a hoopty bike with a ghetto-blaster on the back. Single-speed.

...and changed/transferred the shorts the same time/place they transferred the baton in the transition tent. Quite a scarring image...

[K-Man]

.. at Canaan with one pair of chamois for a four-man team. On a hoopty bike with a ghetto-blaster on the back. Single-speed.

I seem to remember the Hugh Jass legend involved a hoopty fixie, 'course my memory ain't what she used to be.

[Hand/of/Midas]

.. at Canaan with one pair of chamois for a four-man team. On a hoopty bike with a ghetto-blaster on the back. Single-speed.


i always wanted to have a i-pod/speakers with Eye of the Tiger on repeat during a race, i thought it'd be funny, but the series i was racing(WORS) dont allow that kind of thing.