Like the title says. I’m planning are soloing the 24 hours in Old Pueblo. It’s my first crack at something this distance. Any advice or tips for soloing a 24 hour race is much appreciated.
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All I know about Old Pueblo, I learned from DrunkCyclist.com ages ago
Good luck & have fun
I’ve got one of my junior riders doing solo and 2 more doing a duo.
I’d do some rider over night making sure your light set up works.
For instance we’re going up in Dec to camp overnight there. We’re going to do a lap around 4pm, then a lap around 9-9:30pm. Then I’m getting them up at 0330 for a lap then another lap at 8.
I’d also say doing some long rides in the 6-8-10hr range. For instance we’re doing some loop where they take about an hour at a different xc course here in Tucson. Going to be a ride as many as they can in 6h.
You need to focus your training like you would an ultra. High intensity (vo2) now (or soon anyway) progressing to SS/tempo and threshold and focus on extending out your TTE (time to exhaustion). You can always go back and touch on vo2 a few weeks before. Probably only need to do 2-3x 5min @vo2 and you’ll be fine.
Do some long road rides and long mtn bike rides. My solo and Duo riders are doing a huge volume camp Christmas week, should get ~ 350 miles in that week. Nothing hard just miles.
You need to figure out your food and camping stuff as well. When, how and what are you eating? What if it rains, what are you doing then? If often rains during the 24HOP for some reason.
Clothing? Cold and warm(er) gear. Bring 2 of arm/knee warmers vests/jackets. Better to have and not need than need and not have.
Avoid the drunk cyclists and drunk camping areas.
That’s everything off the top of my head.
Hope it helps & gives you some ideas.
I was part of a team that went out there and had a fantastic time. The rides, environment, people, beer, all memorable. Hope to go again someday.
- Consume sufficient calories throughout the day.
- Bring more water than you think you’ll need.
- Make sure your light batteries are charged enough to make it through the night.
- The incline grade behind the hill is challenging… especially at night.
Enjoy the weekend. I’m jealous.
How do I do this? haha. I’ll have an RV. My wife and little son are coming and honestly this would be aweful to be around. Is there a designated area I should know about.
I don’t know where these areas are or aren’t. First time going up.
Good luck, have a great ride!
I don’t remember seeing or riding with/near anyone out of control drunk. There was a spot on the course to stop and take a shot, but I missed it on every loop.
My year there was a while ago, but all of the photos from the site appear to be similar in experience.
The entire endeavor start to finish can be described as “low key craft beer campfire” party atmosphere.