Flying Solo Part 1

What was I thinking? It’s one week from the Chico Racing 24 Hours of Summer Solstice race and I’m beginning to question what my sanity level was when I agreed to all of this. I have no one to blame but myself.

There are few things in mountain bike racing as fun as 24-hour events. The camaraderie and enjoyment of racing with teammates on a mountain bike trail network for one full day is incredibly addictive. I’ve done more 24-hour five-man team relay races than I care to remember, and every single time I’ve called it one of the best experiences of my cycling life.

From the point of setting up that first tent on the Friday night before race day to watching the sunset and sunrise while on the bike to packing the camp back up again Sunday afternoon, I’ve enjoyed almost every minute of my various 24-hour team experiences.

Three years ago I decided I wanted a bigger challenge and jumped into my first 24-hour solo experience at the Summer Solstice race. I knew I wasn’t in it to win. It was more just a matter of seeing how hard I could push and how well I could pace myself to make it to the end. I kept it very relaxed – even stopping to do the kids’ race with my son four hours into the event – and I finished Sunday at noon feeling better than I expected having completed 166 km of singletrack.

I knew I would be back to try again, it was just a matter of when. With Canadian Cycling Magazine making its debut in March, I decided I would mark the occasion by signing up for this year’s 24 Hours of Summer Solstice race. It seemed like such a good idea three months ago. Now, my second 24-hour solo race is one week away and I must admit, I’m feeling a bit nervous. I completely realize I don’t have the motor or technical skills to contend for a podium placing, so once again I’ll simply be trying to push myself for as long as I can, but I can’t help but feel like I’m not ready for what is about to happen.

As is the case with every 24-hour race I’ve done, seven days out is when I pull out my ‘gear-to-bring’ list and start gathering everything I need. Below is the list I’ve used over the years. It’s specific to my own needs, and is based on me doing a solo race where I’m not sharing resources like tools and dining tents. I’ve left out my food/nutrition needs because I’ll try to get to this as the race gets closer. 

Bike Stuff:
Bike 1 and Bike 2
Spare parts bin (spare derailleurs, shifters, brake rotors, pads cables etc.)
Work stand
Bike tools
Floor Pump
Lighting Systems and rear light
Bike Lock
Lubes/Cleaners
Spare tubes
Rags
Bike Rack
Water Bottles
Zip Ties

 Camping Stuff:
Coolers
Dining tent
Sleeping tent
Pop-up Changeroom tent
Folding cot
Sleeping bag
Folding chair
White board/Markers
Utencils
Flashlight (s)
Pillow x 2
Clock
Duct Tape
2-way radios
Rope
Blanket
Carabiners
Portable Shower
Extension Cord
Power Bar
Lantern
Tarp
Toilet Paper
Towels/Faceclothes
Wet Wipes 

Clothing:
(Base this on your number of laps. The more fresh clothes you have, the better)
10 sets of socks
8 shorts/jerseys
Long Sleeve jersey
4 base layers
Arm warmers,
Leg warmers
Compression pants/Socks
Shoes (2 sets)
2 helmets
3 pairs of full finger gloves
Sunglasses (2 sets)
Wind Vest
Rain Jacket
Sandals
Hat
Pants
Sweater
Regular shorts 

Misc Other Stuff:
Cash/Wallet
Toothpaste/Toothbrush
Sun Tan Lotion
OFF Spray
Muscle cream
Soap
Umbrella
Tylenol/Advil
Chamois cream
Cell Phone
Lip balm
First Aid Kit