Thanks for hints MightyMitre - the food advice especially. I've seen people eat some really weird stuff...

I went up to check out the course and I've decided to go for it.

http://www.24hoursofgreatglen.com

(If anyone is going, let me know... )

I have been thinking about it since Feb and I've been training "just in case" both road and mtn bikes.

I've been a support person for my partner for 4 races - 2 for his 2-man team and 2 for him as a solo. They kept telling me that my job was the toughest - no sleep and dealing with cranky discouraged wet hungry dillusional riders.

He (and his riding buddies) have encouraged me to do the race and he has offered his services as support (if I go solo) or team mate (as a pair). I chose pair, so we'll see... I was also encouraged by Debbie Sheets, a 50 year old rider from PA who I met at a 24 hours of adrenaline race. She came in 2nd in the national championships for 45+ riders. Her advice was "just keep moving".

I hope just to finish, and that will be tough, but I will be really happy if I can go beyond that. I'm not competitive by nature - this is more a test of my own ability and resolve (and will probably test our relationship as well)

BTW, I am 46, mother of 3, and this is my first race of ANY kind ever. I'm not getting any younger!!!

I will let you know how this old lady does.