"Do you fancy doing this event - Bontager 24/12?" a simple question from other team members. We were looking at doing a longer even at some point this year and this fitted the bill. Looking back, I maybe should have thought about the response a little more seriously. But what an experience it was!
Having spent most time racing at the 2 hour sort of level, this was always going to be something different. The popular even attended and supported by the legend Mr Bontrager himself, offers a range of 12 hour options as well as the nutty 24 hour options.
We had 2 teams - A Male Pairs 12 hour, and a mixed 24 hour team organized by the Hall brothers.
The Newnham Park course has always been a favouirite, so much to look forward to there and on arrival we were impressed with the numbers, and loads of camping. Preparation was different for this event compared to the shorted XC stuff. Much more in the way of nutrition before and during the event. The main priority seemed to be getting the tent up and totally prepared in the way of mechanical stuff, spares and mental approach.
All races kicked off at the same time and following a short warm up with no pre ride I managed to start about halfway back, which was in fact quite a long way back. Not to worry, only another 12 hours to go. Lap one, big crowd, heaps of atmosphere and we were off.
I followed ‘Parky’ for a while, whipping through the crowds and managed to settle into a nice rhythm. The course layout was brilliant, including all the classic Newnham Park trails. Plenty for everyone, a nice mix of singletrack and some decent climbing, this was going to be brutal.
Nearly missed handover on the first lap not being used to the set up, but we soon got into the swing, handing the band over, running through ‘transition’, refuelling and preparing for the next one. About 40-45 mins a lap could be done at good pace, but also bearing pace in mind it was definitely not a sprint!
In the pairs we opted for alternate laps most of the way with a doubler at dinner time to allow for a load of food and even a quick kip. This worked out to be the quickest option. In between laps we could check the timelaps screen for lap times and overall position.
We managed to gain a place every few hours, until with about 4 hours to go we managed to get up to 3rd, a potential podium. After this it was a case of putting in consistent laps, not falling off, getting cramps or mechanicals. We managed to keep 3rd, which was only bettered by a cheeseburger and a lovely warm shower.
The 24 hour mixed crew going for more like 2 laps each and shifts through the night. 24 hours was definitely a different approach, but well organzied shifts, determination and dedicated lighting our mixed team managed 9th place, not far off 8th after all those laps.
The course changed significantly as it was ridden, dry early on and very muddy when it rained later. The sun set and darkness added another element along with continued rain- and for the 24 hour nutters, it became very sunny on the Sunday morning. It was a real experience seeing the course change and how riders continued to adapt with lighting and mud being the main concerns.
Overall an enjoyable event thanks to the organizers getting all the elements right. Free Sports Massage, beanbags and TV tent, hot showers and some decent freebies all added to the experience. Would we do it again? Well, I personally will think harder about it next time..
