National Championship 24 Hr - 21-22/06/14

[SteveD]

This was the second time the 24 championship has been held on Sussex roads in recent years. The last was in 2011 when we also had a team including Paul and Andrew. That was my first 24 and was a bit of a learning experience marred by various mechanical and other problems so I was hoping for a better ride this time. We once again had a team riding with Paul and Mo aiming to go over 400 miles so I was hoping to back them up with something around 350 miles.

The weather for the event was very good indeed being pleasantly warm (too warm for some?) during the day and not too cold at night, the only downside being slightly stronger than expected breezes during the daylight hours. Got off to a steady but optimistic start only to be caught by my minute man after just 4 minutes - a bit earlier than I expected (I don't think he finished). Bumped into Paul a couple of times on the first circuit and he seemed to be going well.

Once again, however, the Sussex jinx struck after a couple of hours and I broke a spoke in my rear wheel just after Mo had gone screaming past me. I had to ride a few miles with the wheel rubbing on the blocks before I could get to my support team to change the wheel and despite a reasonably quick change I felt slightly demoralised as several riders had gone past. Just to add insult to injury I had only gone a few more miles when one of my aerobar extensions came lose so once again I had to stop to fix it (at least I had a multitool in my saddle pack). At this point I was beginning to loose interest in the ride and it was a while before I got back into a good rhythm. I wasn't the only one with problems as a little later I passed Mo standing on the verge laughing at the grass so I wasn't surprised to learn later that he hadn't finished.

With the mechanicals out of the way and my brain back in order the ride went smoothly (apart from bits of dodgy road surface on the night circuit) until just before dawn when I ran out of steam completely. I had to sit in the car for around 20 minutes not sure if I could continue. However, a can of beer and some rice pudding worked wonders and I was able to set off again at a slow but steady pace. As it got lighter and warmed up I began to go better and enjoy the ride. Unfortunately the last few hours were marred by a recurring saddle sore which affected my pedalling to the extent that my left foot began to hurt (I finished the event with a bruised and swollen foot!). The lovely weather compensated for the physical problems to some extent and I finished in glorious sunshine with a distance in the region of 340 miles (no official result as yet). This was an improvement of about 12 miles on last time but I feel that I could have got close to the 350 but for the problems I had. After finishing I discovered that Paul hadn't finished either, so no chance of a team award - a pity as Paul seemed to be going well and Mo is definitely capable of a good ride.

I've also entered the Mersey Roads 24 as an insurance policy in case things went wrong (which they did slightly) but I'm not sure if I'll be ready to ride another 24!

[tel]

Congratulations for your ride-it seemed that you had some bad luck but like a true trouper you came through. I honestly don`t know how you manage even to get the thought in your head seems a bit mad to me. But well done and will see for a more sensible Sat afternoon.

Terry

[Andrew G]

Been waiting for this .

Well done Steve, great ride to finish another 24. Massive races for rider and helpers, another long day for Sue I take it.

Sorry I couldn't join you this year, would have loved to do it again but just didnt have the miles in the legs over winter, next one. I was due to be down Sunday morning to help Ruth but had a text saying Paul had had to stop half way through. I spoke to him later and he said he'd been going well but got cold in the night and suffered with a frozen shoulder, had some digestion problems too I think.

[quote]Mo standing on the verge laughing at the grass

[Andrew G]

344.42 well done.

[Paul H]

Sounds horrible to me but big respect for doing this and being the only ACC rider to finish.

[SteveD]

Very pleased with the 344.42 - 350 definitely within my grasp.

I agree with Andrew on eating - the only things I ate on the bike were a few gels and two bananas. Apart from that I got through three cans of beer, two packets of crisps, two tins of rice pudding, a pile of egg sandwiches, some jam sandwiches and a few other bits and pieces.

Great support again from Sue and her sister, this time joined by my nephew and niece - so a full crew. Certainly a great help through the night with encouragement through the difficult patch.

[Andrew G]

Have you decided on the Mersey yet?

[SteveD]

Still haven't decided on the Mersey 24 - I have a couple of niggles at the moment (continuing saddle soreness and now a dodgy right achilles). I would like to ride so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.