360 Miles on a bike in 36 hours? Follow SG’s Andy on his journey back to fitness as he aims at a challenging ultra experience in Norfolk. //
It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster to get here but the physio treatment over the last few weeks seems to have really paid off and, other than a poorly timed head cold courtesy of the kids, I’m feeling well prepared and, dare I say it, even fresh?
Usually, I wouldn’t feel the need to taper for a long-distance event as my training intensity and duration has been fairly easy anyway, but with the bike in the workshop for some final maintenance and a dose of sniffles I’ve been off the bike for a week or so. I’d rather have had a couple of gentle rides to keep the legs moving but at least there should be plenty in the tank!
With no training to consider, the last week or so has all been about the general admin and preparation. Printing out tickets and parking passes. Checking the rules. Uploading the routes to my Garmin and generally filling boxes with various items of kit, tools and the other items that are needed to accompany a ride on 36 hours into the unknown.
Talking of the unknown – for a beginner considering an ultra or long audax for the first time, everything can feel daunting. I certainly remember having so many questions and not always knowing where to turn for answers. To some extent you learn by doing but, given how much of ultra riding is mental as well as physical, a little bit more knowledge at the start can be the confidence boost needed to relax into the event.
In the years since, I’ve been fortunate to meet some incredible riders who have helped point me in the right direction as well as adding a little experience of my own so I’ve gathered some advice to answer a few of the common questions:
Beyond the essential kit list, what is your top tip for an extra item or two to pack that makes ultras easier, safer, better?
Tom Levy, founder of the Norfolk 360 – Tape of some sort. This could be gaffa tape or electrical tape, but it should be on your list because something will break and tape can fix nearly anything. Wrap it around a dodgy cable, fix your shoe, use it as a strap for your helmet or patch a jacket. So many uses and it’s very light, very small and easy to carry.
Raz Marsden, Women’s Tandem Round the World Record Holder (alongside Cat Dixon) – I think music is essential! It can raise your mood and pace depending on what you listen to.
Anisa Aubin, Reading CC, veteran of numerous ultras including GBDURO, TCR, PBP, VIA and more – My packing tip is more about determining what you want versus what you actually need. Everyone always takes too much when they start out. Just have 1 or 2 “want” things.
Andy – I also love listening to music (high tempo EDM usually!) and use bone conduction headphones for safety. It also means I get turn by turn directions straight into my ears so I can concentrate on enjoying the scenery without having to focus too intently on the Garmin map.
What advice would you give a rider on the start line of their first ultra?
Tom – Don’t put pressure on yourself. Do what you can and be proud that you are at the start line. Unless you are a paid professional, you are there for FUN. You don’t need to prove anything to anyone. Enjoy every moment and learn from it. Don’t put pressure on yourself to gain a result.
Raz – Don’t worry about the whole ride at once because that will feel very daunting. Think of it in smaller chunks which are more manageable
Anisa – Ride your own ride. Don’t be influenced by what other riders are doing. Some will go off too hard and blow up! The ultra is a long game.
Andy – Most people look at ultra distance challenges as a form of mild insanity, but although the challenge shouldn’t be underestimated, you are likely stronger than you realise and you’ll never know how strong that is until you try.
What other top tips would you bear in mind for undertaking an endurance challenge?
Tom – It’s a “War of nutrition not attrition”! EAT EAT EAT. Most people will know this, but food doesn’t only fuel you, it makes your mood better too. Often if your mood is low, get something savoury to eat, as most people rely on pure sugars which can create emotional spikes.
Raz – I am probably not the best person to ask about this as I am not an ultra-prepared person! Some people will check the route dozens of times and know exactly where the next public toilet is. I tend to just go for it and deal with things as they crop up. Providing you have food, I’m not too worried where the next toilet is!
Anisa – Don’t let the perceptions of others stand in your way. Only you can define what you are capable of achieving.
Andy – Chamois cream. And lots of it. Even with the best pad, you’re going to want to make things as comfortable as possible. And nappy rash cream on a multi-day trip.
What is your sleep strategy? How often, when and where?
Tom – It depends on how long the event is. If it’s a week or 2 weeks long then try to sleep as normal. Shorter events like the Norfolk 360, you will sleep less. But make sure you do sleep a bit. 15minute power naps can do so much for your ability to concentrate. Sleep when you feel you need it to stay safe. None of this is worth putting yourself in danger for. As my mother would say ‘It’s better to be 5 minutes late in this life, than early in the next’.
Raz – As a nurse I used to work nights which I hated! The hours between 2 and 3 am were always the worst because you would go for a break and desperately want to sleep, so I would go and have a shower to try to keep my self awake instead. So now I try to sleep a minimum of 4 hrs every 24 hrs. I would probably stop cycling at about 11pm & start again at 3ish once I’ve had a cup of tea and something to eat.
Anisa – I tend to go until I’m tired, and bivi wherever, although I do try and get inside every few days. Although often if it’s too hot or something I’ve had to readjust hours to optimise riding time.
Andy – Find a good spot to sleep if possible. Sometimes for safety you may just need to stop immediately, but I tend to switch to “search” mode early and actively look for opportunities as I continue to ride. If I see a spot with good potential, I’d rather stop a bit earlier and shorter than planned for good rest than an emergency spot a few miles down the road. The more tired you are, the less likely you are to make good decisions. I’ve learned this the hard way!
So there you have it! This afternoon I’ll be setting off for Norfolk to start this latest adventure. My bike and kit are all loaded up in the trusty SG van and I’m carrying enough snacks to feed several horses.
If you want to follow my progress (along with the other riders) we’ll be starting sometime after 07:00 on Saturday 12th April and you can dot watch here:
https://www.dotwatcher.cc/race/norfolk-360-2025
Next time – Ride Report – we get to find out how it goes. Wish me luck!
Route to 360 by the numbers:
Training rides : 45
Distance: 823 miles
Time on the Bike : 52 Hours
Elevation: 10050M
Punctures: One. Boo, Hiss!