Torq in your sleep / night time enduro / enduro lights...
Discussion
Hi,
I've bitten the bullet and entered the Torq in Your Sleep event coming up in 2 weeks time. For me, it's not about coming out in a decent place in the results table, more about taking on the challenge, especially as it's the first time I've done a 12 hour enduro.
I'm looking for any tips and advice anyone might have, especially on this particular event and I've a few specific questions which I'd be welcome responses on:
1. I've 2 bikes as per the links below. I'm thinking of using the full suspension as it's more likely to be forgiving of mistakes when I'm tired, more comfortable which is important given the time and distance etc. The hardtail is definitely far lighter but far less comfortable in terms of set up and long distance riding. Which would you pick and why?
My bikes:
http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/p/11134/trek-fuel...
http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/p/11161/trek-elit...
2. I currently don't have any lights. I'm willing to spend around £150. I want something I'm able to swap batteries on as most only seem to last 2-3 hours, which isn't going to last me. Ideally something waterproof too and ideally mounts to a helmet.
3. Any other equipment or kit tips you'd recommend?
Cheers,
I've bitten the bullet and entered the Torq in Your Sleep event coming up in 2 weeks time. For me, it's not about coming out in a decent place in the results table, more about taking on the challenge, especially as it's the first time I've done a 12 hour enduro.
I'm looking for any tips and advice anyone might have, especially on this particular event and I've a few specific questions which I'd be welcome responses on:
1. I've 2 bikes as per the links below. I'm thinking of using the full suspension as it's more likely to be forgiving of mistakes when I'm tired, more comfortable which is important given the time and distance etc. The hardtail is definitely far lighter but far less comfortable in terms of set up and long distance riding. Which would you pick and why?
My bikes:
http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/p/11134/trek-fuel...
http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/p/11161/trek-elit...
2. I currently don't have any lights. I'm willing to spend around £150. I want something I'm able to swap batteries on as most only seem to last 2-3 hours, which isn't going to last me. Ideally something waterproof too and ideally mounts to a helmet.
3. Any other equipment or kit tips you'd recommend?
Cheers,
Jimbo. said:
Th FS will be inefficient, and you'd be lugging more weight around. Double whammy. Run the hardtail: more efficient and lighter. A set of fatter tyres will take some of the sting out of the terrain. IIRC most of these endurance events are run on HT friendly courses anyway.
Cheers.The hardtail is sat on a set of Maxxis dual ply 2.25" tyres, having only been back from a full week's enduro ride around the alps. They certainly add a hell of a lot of weight but are massively puncture resistant. The only thing is, though it's probably not too big an issue on this course, is that it doesn't have a Reverb - something the FS does and I love it!
Thanks for the responses.
I'm still torn between the hardtail on some fast rolling tyres, or the heavier FS which is less likely to end up with fatigue.
As said, setting of records isn't why I'm entering and my only concern with the hardtail is that it might leave me feeling a bit broken after that sort of distance, with it being an aggressive XC set up.
Re. the lights, they're available to either buy or hire at the event, can't remember the name of the manufacturer now that's sponsoring the event, but it's expensive kit and I'm leaning towards hiring it.
I'm still torn between the hardtail on some fast rolling tyres, or the heavier FS which is less likely to end up with fatigue.
As said, setting of records isn't why I'm entering and my only concern with the hardtail is that it might leave me feeling a bit broken after that sort of distance, with it being an aggressive XC set up.
Re. the lights, they're available to either buy or hire at the event, can't remember the name of the manufacturer now that's sponsoring the event, but it's expensive kit and I'm leaning towards hiring it.
neenaw said:
The Four4th lights seem to get a pretty good review. My club have a set of demo ones that people have been trying out on night rides and they've all been pretty impressed with them. Personally I prefer the Exposure lights but that's just me. If you're looking to buy lights there's plenty of places starting to sell off this years lights, I've seen some places advertising the Exposure Maxx-D bar mount for around the £200 mark.
I rode the Torq in your sleep last year and will be doing it again this year, hopefully I'll do a bit better than last time as I've actually managed to do a bit of training for it this time round.
The event itself is pretty well run and was really enjoyable last year, it seems to attract a decent sized field and there's usually plenty of support from other riders and spectators.
Last year I took both my BFe HT and my Stumpjumper FS. I rode one lap on the Stumpy and hated it so I did pretty much the whole race on the BFe, not the ideal bike for a 12h race but nevertheless it made it round without any drama.
Kit-wise I'd take some spare kit to change into if the weather turns, personally I'll be taking pretty much all my kit so I'm covered for any eventuality. Some basic tools are usually a good idea but there is a SRAM service tent there and they'll sort out pretty much anything for you if problems arise. In my experience most other competitors and their pit-b
hes are pretty friendly and will help you out if you're stuck 
Cheers.I rode the Torq in your sleep last year and will be doing it again this year, hopefully I'll do a bit better than last time as I've actually managed to do a bit of training for it this time round.
The event itself is pretty well run and was really enjoyable last year, it seems to attract a decent sized field and there's usually plenty of support from other riders and spectators.
Last year I took both my BFe HT and my Stumpjumper FS. I rode one lap on the Stumpy and hated it so I did pretty much the whole race on the BFe, not the ideal bike for a 12h race but nevertheless it made it round without any drama.
Kit-wise I'd take some spare kit to change into if the weather turns, personally I'll be taking pretty much all my kit so I'm covered for any eventuality. Some basic tools are usually a good idea but there is a SRAM service tent there and they'll sort out pretty much anything for you if problems arise. In my experience most other competitors and their pit-b
hes are pretty friendly and will help you out if you're stuck I'm going to give them a bell tomorrow to see if it's possible to reserve a set rather than just turn up and hope there's something left to rent.
I've seen a few YouTube clips and read a few write ups and it does look well run, as you say. I've never attempted anything of this level before, but I'm only 4 weeks back from a week long stint around the alps with some bloody long, hard days.
I'm going to take both bikes with me, but highly likely to start out on the hardtail. I'm swapping the tyres over to some fast rolling lightweights tomorrow, which should drop the overall weight to 23lb or so.
Glad to hear there's mechanical support - I'm b
ksed with anything more difficult than a puncture. Quick question about the camping. As a solo entrant I've read you can set up by the starting straight. Are you able to park your car by your tent too, or is it a trek to and from your car with all your gear?
Good news on the weather then. Both bikes are in the workshop at moment, hoping both will somehow fit in the car!!
I'll be arriving on the Saturday afternoon at some point, hoping to get a decent spot.
I'll keep an eye out for you, and likewise, if you spot a black Polo GTI with a 'ring sticker on the back feel free to come say hello.
I'll be arriving on the Saturday afternoon at some point, hoping to get a decent spot.
I'll keep an eye out for you, and likewise, if you spot a black Polo GTI with a 'ring sticker on the back feel free to come say hello.
Bobley said:
Apologies if this is too late ... I've just sold a Trek Fuel (albeit an EX7) as I felt it was too inefficient for my XC orientated riding and I cant stand riding my wifes Giant XTC hardtail - even though it weighs nothing I'm much faster and happier cross country on a short travel XC machine so I'm sticking with my trusty 26" Giant Anthem X for a bit longer. I know after doing Clic24 twice on it that I think it was the best piece of kit at the time and my colleagues on HTs were in real trouble later in the event. If I was starting again then I'd be looking for a short travel 650b bike like next years Anthem or suchlike. If you're fitter than me (quite probably) then you could make a Trance/Fuel/Zesty/Stumpy bike work but it depends what else you plan to do with it?
No problem. Though I'm curious, what gave the guys on hardtails trouble? The only reason I'm leaning towards using the EX 9.8 is the comfort factor. I did some LONG days in the alps very recently on the hardtail, and although the terrain at Gorrick is vastly different, it did leave me feeling battered.Incidentally, the EX 9.8 is only a month old and is my first step into the world of FS. So far, so good.
TedMaul said:
This event looks and sounds awsome, especially as there is a six hour version...
Biggest rides I have done is Langdegla forest, 22kms and several breaks in that. What sort of training do you do to get to a level where you can do and event like this (i'm 41 so no sprightly thing)?
Also, for the 12 hour, I assume you have some rest/food breaks, do you stop every lap, every other, take on food and water? Whats the actual race routine?
Good luck to those entering, diarised an entry reminder for May next year!
I'd say I'm of average fitness. I'm not entering with the intention of coming out on top, but that isn't to say that I'm not going to try. For somebody like me, this event is a case of mind over matter, so whilst there will be people probably running rings around me I just won't want to give up. So whilst you may not be riding massive distances at the moment, I'll bet you're probably more capable when you think. One thing I've always remembered is that the human body rarely reaches the point of total exhaustion, and when people stop / give up, it's because their mind defeated them rather than their body.Biggest rides I have done is Langdegla forest, 22kms and several breaks in that. What sort of training do you do to get to a level where you can do and event like this (i'm 41 so no sprightly thing)?
Also, for the 12 hour, I assume you have some rest/food breaks, do you stop every lap, every other, take on food and water? Whats the actual race routine?
Good luck to those entering, diarised an entry reminder for May next year!
In terms of training I do a mixture of stuff, from swimming, running and cycling. Sticking to just one discipline can be disadvantageous in terms of building overall stamina and developing leg muscle, according to the physio I use whom is also a very well established and know mountain biker in her own right.
I'm aiming for 8 laps. It's going to be a massive learning curve for me, in terms of taking on fluid, food, rest etc, especially as I'm solo and won't have support with me. I'm happy to feedback on how I get on if you're interested...
neenaw said:
thenortherner said:
I'm happy to feedback on how I get on if you're interested...
How did it go?I think I spotted you sitting with your car after the race but didn't come over to see you as I couldn't stand up or string a sentence together!
I did 9 laps but couldn't finish my 10th. My back was in agony by 23:00. Disappointing really, as I reckon I had 2 more laps in me. That said, for a first try, I'm happy enough.
I'm going to get some biomechanical analysis done as I'm now started to injure myself. And at 29 years old, don't want problems for the future. Not only that, I don't want my back, or any other problem, holding me back from achieving.
The course was not quite as smooth as I was expecting and after 4 laps or so I really started to feel every bump and thud. I'll be using the full suspension next time on that course.
I'm doing the 6 hour enduro in a few weeks as part of the Xterra series and also the 8 hour Oktoberfest in October.
Yep, sounds like me, slumped on my car!
How did you get on?
Guys, thank you. I guess 9 laps is still 72 miles, which is a fair distance. Just a little disappointed in my back giving way and holding me from doing more.
In terms of difficulty, I wouldn't say it's even at red level, but then again I'm only comparing it to the stuff I've done around Wales. You don't need to be massively capable in terms of skill or technical ability. A lot of people came a cropper on the roots, but they'll catch out the best of them. This course is more about mental grit, endurance and determination.
By the sounds of it, you sound like you want to get up to speed. You've 12 months. That's plenty of time. I've contributed to a thread that's been going a while on here re. smoking. To put it into context, I was a smoker until Xmas day 2012. I also drank, not massively, but the two go hand in hand. I quit both on the same day and haven't touched either since. I guess my point is, if you want it badly enough, you'll get it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ggq8LzZ397Q
Neenaw, pleased to hear you did well. I was directly next to the AQR guys - who incidentally helped me hugely - and I think it might have been you guys who cheered me on a couple of times! I was on a yellow / blue Trek. If so, thank you!
I can imagine having some dedicated support with you would make all the difference. I'll have to bribe somebody next year to come along. Mentally I'd say I'm pretty strong, though a bit of encouragement would help.
I've been getting physio for months now. I only really started to exercise at the start of the year properly. The problems have coincided with this. Shin splints, abductors, thighs, back ache. It's great after the physio, but reverts soon after. One of the AQR girls recommended biomechanical analysis from a place local to me, in fact it's a shop owned by Ollie Beckinsdale.
All being well my intention is to be there next year without a doubt.
In fact, I've a 6 hour enduro in a few weeks time as part of the Xterra off road triathlon series. And in 5 weeks time Oktoberfest, Bristol, which is an 8 hour enduro!
In terms of difficulty, I wouldn't say it's even at red level, but then again I'm only comparing it to the stuff I've done around Wales. You don't need to be massively capable in terms of skill or technical ability. A lot of people came a cropper on the roots, but they'll catch out the best of them. This course is more about mental grit, endurance and determination.
By the sounds of it, you sound like you want to get up to speed. You've 12 months. That's plenty of time. I've contributed to a thread that's been going a while on here re. smoking. To put it into context, I was a smoker until Xmas day 2012. I also drank, not massively, but the two go hand in hand. I quit both on the same day and haven't touched either since. I guess my point is, if you want it badly enough, you'll get it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ggq8LzZ397Q
Neenaw, pleased to hear you did well. I was directly next to the AQR guys - who incidentally helped me hugely - and I think it might have been you guys who cheered me on a couple of times! I was on a yellow / blue Trek. If so, thank you!
I can imagine having some dedicated support with you would make all the difference. I'll have to bribe somebody next year to come along. Mentally I'd say I'm pretty strong, though a bit of encouragement would help.
I've been getting physio for months now. I only really started to exercise at the start of the year properly. The problems have coincided with this. Shin splints, abductors, thighs, back ache. It's great after the physio, but reverts soon after. One of the AQR girls recommended biomechanical analysis from a place local to me, in fact it's a shop owned by Ollie Beckinsdale.
All being well my intention is to be there next year without a doubt.
In fact, I've a 6 hour enduro in a few weeks time as part of the Xterra off road triathlon series. And in 5 weeks time Oktoberfest, Bristol, which is an 8 hour enduro!
Edited by thenortherner on Monday 26th August 20:34
Edited by thenortherner on Monday 26th August 20:42
neenaw said:
Sounds like you did pretty well all things considered. The first time at something like this is always a pretty steep learning curve but it gets easier.
One thing is to make sure you don't overdo it with the long races, they can take a bit of time to get over completely.
From my own point of view, it's going to be at least next weekend before I get back on a bike again!
I definitely learned a lot! One thing is to make sure you don't overdo it with the long races, they can take a bit of time to get over completely.
From my own point of view, it's going to be at least next weekend before I get back on a bike again!
I've got an event of some sort on for pretty much every weekend for the next 5 weeks or so, ranging from Tough Mudder to the Bristol half marathon to the enduros.
I won't be doing the usual sessions in the gym during the week, other than maybe once or twice, and even then for no longer than an hour. Just to keep myself moving. I just need to concentrate on getting enough sleep and sorting my diet out to help recovery.
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