BHF Exmoor Mountain Bike Marathon - Help !

jmillen

Evening folks,

I've mentioned this in a couple of other posts but haven't had any response but thinking about it, this is probably the best place to ask...

I've entered into the BHF Exmoor Mountain Bike Marathon on Sept 11th. There are a choice of routes up to 100km and I've entered into the 100km with the thought that if I am struggling on the day, I can change routes and go onto the 75 or even 50km route.

I went out and did a 6 hour ride today on Dartmoor, I really struggled at about 28 miles but I think that was because I didnt have enough fluids in me. I did a total of 43 miles, about 70km and although I was knackered, I think I could have carried on (although maybe not for another 30k !)

This is my first organised event and I've no idea what to expect. I've read that the 100km route is a killer, and the descriptions on the website aren't setting my mind at ease. I'd be most grateful for any advice regarding how I should approach it in terms of pace, food and drink to take etc etc. Also, what can I expect in terms of food and drink at the check points?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts/comments.

Stuntman

I would say stick to similar diet that you use on your training rides. 500-750ml of fluid every hour should be good and if you suffer from cramps then take some salted crisps or pretzels with you.

Don't suffer on the climbs, take them easy. It's easy to let your heart get up very high when climbing but if you want to finish I would recommend pacing them a little slower and just pedal a little harder downhills.

I've not done the Dartmoor off-road but did cycle through it on my way to Scotland. An amazing place!

Good luck

jmillen

Thanks for the reply

Yes, its going to include approx. 3300m of climb so I'm planning to take those very easy and push it a bit more on the downs to make up for it.

Do people regularly carbo load before these types of events? Not excessive, but I was planning on cutting back the training in the 3-4 days before and ensuring I eat a high carb diet for those days. I can't see it doing any major harm?

I'll obviously have a decent supply of gels/jelly babies/fig rolls etc for the ride itself along with a silly amount of liquids.

jmillen

Thanks for the reply

Yes, its going to include approx. 3300m of climb so I'm planning to take those very easy and push it a bit more on the downs to make up for it.

Do people regularly carbo load before these types of events? Not excessive, but I was planning on cutting back the training in the 3-4 days before and ensuring I eat a high carb diet for those days. I can't see it doing any major harm?

I'll obviously have a decent supply of gels/jelly babies/fig rolls etc for the ride itself along with a silly amount of liquids.

Edit - Also, pads or no pads?

Stuntman

check the event site to gauge how mad the downs may be. you should be fine as it sounds more like a usual xc loop but over a mega distance.

I would say do do nothing strenuous for the week before, but get out for 1 hour gentle pedal about 3 days before. Then carb load from then. http://www.ehow.com/how_2059079_carbo-l ... event.html

and jelly babies are a life saver!

gregsd

I did this event last year, and yes, it's more like a long xc ride. Initially, I opted for the 75km route as I wasn't too sure I'd make the longer route as I'd never ridden Exmoor before. When I got to the last checkpoint I was feeling fine, so did the extra 25km, which in my opinion was the best bit of the whole route, with the drop off Dunkery Beacon and through Horner Woods. I was pretty knackered by the end of the ride, though!

As for the checkpoints, I can only remember being given water, not food. The best thing is to make sure you have enough food for yourself and eat a little but often over the day. If the route is the same as last year then you'll pass through Wheddon Cross, which has a shop and cafe were you can buy supplies if needs be.

Sounds like you should be okay with doing the 75km, as long as you take it easy and eat and drink plenty. If you get to the last checkpoint and still feel able to do the extra 25km loop, then you should be able to do it as long as you tell the people at the checkpoint as they keep a record on riders to make sure they all make it round!

You'll enjoy it

jmillen

Thank you for the response, much appreciated

Its good to hear from someone who has actually done it. Apparently the route is very similar to last years with a couple of very small alterations.

A couple of questions if you dont mind.

Did you do much in the way way of training for this?
Is the route easy to follow? I see from the map there are marshalls every now and then but is it generally easy to find your way around?
Are the hills really as bad as I've been told?

Many thanks for responding

Ginjafro

This tends to work for me...Before a big endurance event make sure you feel fit and the bike is preped and not going to fall apart on you - confidence. Carb loading, well plenty of pasta/rice the day or two before and plenty of fluids. The morning of the event - Porridge, scrambled eggs, toast, tea, coffee - Go to loo. Half hour before event - start carbohydrate-electrolyte drink - go to loo. During event drink 500/750ml Carb-elec fluid per hour, top up water with Nunns tabs. Don't get hungry - cereal bar every hour or so and maybe even a gel but I get sick of more than 2 or 3 of them (too sweet & sickly). Good Luck !

gregsd

jmillen wrote:

Thank you for the response, much appreciated

Its good to hear from someone who has actually done it. Apparently the route is very similar to last years with a couple of very small alterations.

A couple of questions if you dont mind.

Did you do much in the way way of training for this?
Is the route easy to follow? I see from the map there are marshalls every now and then but is it generally easy to find your way around?
Are the hills really as bad as I've been told?

Many thanks for responding

Training - not really! I just tried to do a few longer, slower type rides which help build endurance. I also tried to do a few rides with a bit of climbing involved as well. Apart from that, it was just what I normally do - rides most weekends and the odd evening as well.

From what I can remember, yes the route is waymarked and easy to follow. I can only really think of one bit where the markers were pointing in the wrong direction, but that was on an exposed section of moorland! They do provide a map as well and there always seemed to be riders around as well, so you shouldn't get lost.

The hills aren't that bad, but then I like climbing :shock: . I can only remember one section near the start (a steep grassy section) where I had to get off and push. Oh, and on the return section of the extra 25km loop as well, but by then I'd lost granny gear due to chainsuck and I was feeling it in the legs as well!

As I said, if you take it easy at the start and pace yourself, remember to eat/drink and take the odd energy gel, you should be able to do the 75km loop.

I kinda of wish I was doing it myself now and as I did enjoy it. Funny enough, I'm on holiday next week in Porlock but the bike isn't coming along, unfortunately .

Let me know if I can help further.

Greg.

ribvaler1

First of all good luck. I completed the 100k last year (BHF told me afterwards that of the 180 who signed up for the 100 only 40 odd completed it)! It was a hard slog, primarily because large sections of the route were sodden, but its all relative and I come from Hertfordshire where hills are few and far between and we had no idea what we would be up against. In terms of training we went out reqularly but our longest ride was 40 miles with only 600m ascent

My main piece of advice is to go at your own pace, possibly slower as the hills are relentless and steep. Other people will be quicker and others slower - don't get enthusiasm burn you out.

On the bike front I was on a hardtail with 100mm front suspension - I suffered on some sections especially down hill from Dunkery Beacon, but it did the job. You need a good uphill bike rather than a good downhill!

jmillen

Thanks for the reply

40 out of 180, oh my ! :shock:

If you don't mind me asking, how long did the 100km take you?

Any other tips generally ? Am guessing I'd need quite a bit of water/energy drink/food to last the distance (to be honest, I've entered the 100km, but I'm aiming to complete the 75km).

I got the route today, its pretty much the same as 2009 one but with a couple of changes to the additional 25km route to make the 100....Is it easy enough to follow when you're actually there?

Thanks in advance

ribvaler1

It was nearer 50 than 40! (that's how many were signed out and in of the 25k loop where it is marshalled) Determination rather than skill, fitness etc got me round

Actual pedaling time was about 9hrs, but with forced stops and a stop at a cafe not long before the 25k loop we were out for approaching 12.

I took a 3 litre hydration pack with electrolyte, and various gels, bars etc and had a pasty at the cafe. I tried to take in calories as we went, but probably not sufficient or regularly enough; not sure it would have made any difference though.

As to the 75/100k see how you feel its amazing how the thought of completing it will spur you on; I was going to do it even if I walked!

I would love to do it again as, peversley, I now love climbing hills and am significantly fitter than last year.

ribvaler1

Sorry didnt mention that it was very well marked and we didn't need the map to get round; only to work out where we were.

gregsd

So, how did you get on?

gregsd

So, how did you get on?

jmillen

I did the 75km route in the end, and it took just under 7 hours. I had plenty of time left to do the 100km, but to be honest, didn't have it left in my legs.

I'm definitely going to do the 100km route next year though!

Was a great ride, well organised, and well marked. The weather the day/night before was very wet, so the ground was saturated and the open moor sections weren't pleasant ! The hills were relentless but the final descent down into Porlock was great

All in all, very glad I did it, and looking forward to next year !

Considering entering the Newnham 60 now !

Stuntman

Excellent, glad it all went according to plan and the rain didn't hamper it too much! Another Enduro straight away, why not. sounds like the confidence is up and so is your fitness after the previous race so why not.

Well done