Twentyfour12

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BY: Rob Smith

Published: 28th July, 2011

I should have known better with Jay and Maddie in charge of course design, this year's twentyfour12 wasn't going to be easy! With climbs that required concentration and single track that required concentration, each lap would require total concentration and riding 12hr solo that meant 12hrs of concentration!

 

Unlike other Endurance Events this year this one would require lots of concentration.

Knowing what lay ahead I should have perhaps come up with a better plan than go out hard and try to stay alive. Although that said the plan did work, I did go out hard and I am still alive.  Did I do as well as I'd hoped?  No, but we live and learn.  A combination of unseasonal hot weather and the aforementioned "nails" course meant I was all spent and done after only 4 hours in.  I had no power, could hardly ride the bike (although those who know me will argue that that's normal) and was all for giving up. That was never going to happen, not with Jane looking after me in the pits; lots of drink, some real food and a rub down with a hot nurse and I was almost back to normal.

 

Once the cramping had subsided and the course had dried up a bit, things got a whole lot more fun, and it never ceases to amaze me that people actually know my name so getting guys saying "hi Rob" on the way round was just the pick me up I needed. I was granny ringing the climbs and trying to maintain a decent pace on the flat and single track sections, as well as stopping every lap for food and drink. Once my legs had stopped complaining my guts decided to take up the baton, refusing to stomach any energy food or drinks so I was topping up with cheese, fruit & nut, fruit loaf, mini marathons and plain water.

 
With over two hours still left to go, I looked to the European 12hr Solo Vet's Champion for inspiration and motivation. "Put an ad in the paper, get some friends and never solo again!" wasn't quite what I had in mind, but with his "wise" words ringing in my ears I went out to try and salvage what credibility I could. I managed 2 more laps before midnight, having to walk the climbs on the last one, something I've not had to do for many years. Once I'd got to the bomb holes by the chimney and the Marshals were pumping out AC/DC(I think) I knew it was all down hill and would soon be over.  I know the original route would have taken us across to Elfordleigh Woods but to finish with cottage return was inspired.

 

I'd been caught and lapped by another 12hr soloist riding up to the chimney but he waited for me and we rode to the entrance to Cottage return together.  "Full Gas" he asked? "Full Beans" I replied and we both rode the swooping, sinuous single track as fast as we dared, down to the bridge and into the main arena, race face on, look like I know what I'm doing and that every muscle in my body isn't screaming in agony, last few turns and drop, rise, Wendy house, rise and lights, timing chip gantry, finish arch and it's over.

After a fitful nights sleep I awoke remembering why I didn't do 24hrs, I could get up, get the bacon rolls going and spend the remaining time encouraging/heckling all those still circulating, a lucky few got the remaining home baked apple and nut muffins!

And what of the soft toys abandoned in the woods?
I can remember these guys:
Zebra shooting ground
Fox with and without energy bar, now successfully rehomed in Tunbridge Wells. 
White dog on log at the end of Hooksbury Woods
Ed the duck end of chimney bomb holes.
Two random un-identified  abandoned middle of blue bell woods
Yellow and black caterpillar somewhere
Piglet on entry into Cottage return.
Rat hanging in Bude farm

 

Some other blogs about twentyfour12 worth reading:

http://www.mtbmonkey.com/
Loads of first lap pictures

http://www.dislocatedmtb.com/2011/07/lifes-pit-bitch.html
Excellent introduction into the life of a rider's supporter should be required reading for all racers' spouses/new partners.

http://www.cyclistno1.co.uk/blog/bontrager-twentyfour-12.htm

Right off to be part of the Olympic test event, looking at the entry list and weather forecast looks like it's going to be another great weekend in a field.

 

Many thanks to
Royal Navy Royal Marines Cycling Association
Lidl's for various snack
Jane for her continued encouragement and support
Jay and Maddie for 9 miles of fun
Martyn and the rest of the team for everything else that makes twewntyfour12 the one event I want to return to year after year.