SOLO!

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BY: Matthew Lewis

Published: 11th June, 2012

Well I've finally given a 12hour solo a go and like many I think I sort of enjoyed it on the day but now I find myself having really enjoyed it in the days after it. What a weirdo, I've even started thinking that I could really improve upon the number of laps I completed next year!

The course was thankfully in tip-top shape after weather that was making me feel nervous in the run up to the event. It was hammering down here just across the Welsh Channel and I was beginning to think that this 12 hour solo would just be a mudfest. The course though is super weather proof and with the sun, the conditions were perfect.

Tactics were to start slow and maintain it! In fact I think that I was too slow and could really have pushed myself a bit more but having not done a ride longer than 3 and a half hours (apart from the Erlestoke 2 weeks ago)this year, I thought that I should take it steady. I even walked the run to the bike which incidentally is the most chaotic and potentially bike damaging Le mans start. I'm still convinced that some bugger moved my bike further up the hill. I was just glad that nobody had trampled on my wheels in the long grass. I sat in on the first lap knowing that all the other serious solo riders had sprinted up the hill. Oliver, my team mate included.

The course was super fast and flowing and here is a photo of me riding it like a plodder.

Thanks to MonkeyboyJC from Singletrackworld forum for the pic.

My only strategy was to stop often for some food and I made a habit of this! Cut out too many food stops next time but to be honest the only problem with riding solo is the fact you miss out on the banter in the team gazebo. On the plus side if you're always on your bike at least no one can nick it which seems to becoming a theme this summer. Having said that one of the great things about having Solo plastered on your number plate is the shouts of enouragement you get. People were very friendly and plenty of you were great in shouting out words of encouragement. Believe me it was much appreciated and welcome. There was definitely a camaderie amongst the Solo boys and girls. Although to my shame I didn't jump at the end. Fat white boys don't jump, not without snapping their forks anyway. Sorry Matt Carr!

At 9 hours I was still feeling fine and this was proof enough that I wasn't riding 'ard enough. Finishing was the aim though and finish I did with a healthy 18 laps and a finishing place of 12th. Well done to Oliver on breaking into the top 10 on his first attempt. Secretly, I really am quite envious of that position and I've now got an aim for my next one!

Thanks to the team who were supplying me with cans of Coke, gels and bottles. Well done on finally nicking Torq's crown and swiping the mixed team trophy from them! I knew that my absence would pay off for you.

Next one for me is the Fully Sussed Forest of Dean race. My geographically closest ever race. I may even ride to the start to make it more of an endurance ride. Well done to the Wiggle chap who ground out an impressive 23 laps. He went past me like a train.

Matt Lewis

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