Pondering a 12hr solo...

[crazycanuck]

I seriously think i'm nuts but it would be coolio to do something different at this year's 12hr in late NOvember. I know it's 5 months away but I would like to start training after the 6hr in a few weeks.

I believe the rules state that i'll have to do 6hrs of consecutive riding to qualify as a solo finisher. 95% of the event is at night. I'd be one of two or even three (last year only two) solo women. (ok, there were about 10 women who partook in the event in 08)

Just wondering what route to take from here?

I'm not a superhero like some of you who've done 12 or 24hr events solo..!!

[Drtgirl]

I say go for it! 5 months is plenty of time to train for a 12 hour

[Biciclista]

CC if you do this, you WILL be a superhero like those other gals who do rides like this!

train for it and you'll be fine!

[pinkbikes]

You can be a superhero! Do it! I don't think the rules say you have to even do it FAST! Just go out there and roll around for your first one. I must admit during the 24hour last week I thought I would like to do a solo sometime soon.

I figure that you build up your time in the saddle to get used to being on the bike for a long time, do some hard sessions of shorter duration as well, work out what you need to eat, and then just get out there and do it.

I'm most intrigued by a ruling that says you need to ride "continuously" for any period to qualify? Never seen that in any races I've done. All the solo riders I see stop off at their shelter for a quick bike lube/wash, snack, change of clothes or whatever... Some even stop for a half hour now and again for a real meal or a short kip in the longer ones. The only difference is where they place if they stay off the track more!

Maybe you can stop for a short break out on the trail somewhere now and again for a moment of "scenery appreciation and stretching?"

DO IT!

[crazycanuck]

Thanks

I shall start training but will see a sports nutritionist first. It's something i've been meaning to do for a long time just haven't.

I'll then pick the brains of a certain fast chick I know & move along.

I've been doing 3-4hr dirt rides lately but can do more if i memorize certain links on trails..

[crazycanuck]

The event is dis weekend & i'm stoked yet fully aware of what i'm in for

I have my nutrtion plan, bike's ok, engine's even ok , lights, extra clothes etc. I've done some practice laps & I met 2 goals v important to me : 1-to drink all of the contents of my hydration thing & eat all my clif bloks etc (thanks again becky )
2-To do the lap in x time-done & feel that I can maintain x speed & not fall apart.

Both were met & feel i'm ready to give the 12hr a go solo. I'll probably be one of the slowest riders out there(there are 6 solo women this year!) but being my first solo 12hr, i'd like to survive the 6 laps i'm aiming for. It's a 17km course & there are some very tight n windy singletrack sections that will be interesting later on in the evening.

I also have a few mottos for the event:

Drink, eat & it's all in your head
If you don't quit, you'll win (I learnt this one from a world champ long distance swimmer )

Cool...

[OakLeaf]

Good luck CC!

[krisl6]

Good luck. Be sure to tell us all about the experience!

[pinkbikes]

Go well CC!

[hoffsquared]

Good luck! Make sure to eat/take calories even if you don't feel like it!!!

[Veronica]

Good luck! Can't wait to hear how it went.

Veronica

[redrhodie]

Good luck, and have fun!

[Tri Girl]

Best of luck, CC!! I can't wait to hear your report when it's all finished. I'm cheering for you all the way across the ocean!

[ridebikeme]

Sounds like a very exciting time! Have a great time, be patient, eat/drink like everyone has laready mentioned and HAVE FUN!!! Can't wait to hear your report

[Pedal Wench]

I just started my training for a 24-solo -- let me know how yours goes and what worked -- and what DIDN'T work!