Llewellyn Lloyd- Reblex Photography
Arriving in Bucklands ahead of schedule took pressure off and gave us wiggle room. However, Bucklands wasn't the place to cash in those credits. I'd rather get within spitting distance of the gate before throttling back. Things could still go wrong and I didn't want to rue wasted time in Bucklands if I was a few minutes late for the gate.
Getting through support stations quickly is key to moving down the trail efficiently. Henry's assertion that he and Pieter are able to ride quicker is not without merit but by getting to Bucklands 50 minutes faster than them we'd demonstrated that we were able to move faster. Moving time is the sum of riding time and time spent at support stations. Last year Pieter and Henry lingered in Pearston and Toekomst. To be fair their strategy was to stop and sleep at Bucklands. They had a plan and executed that plan to perfection. They were never aiming to make the 1pm gate.
Getting through support stations quickly is an art. Unmanned support stations are easier as you can focus on getting yourself ready. Manned support stations present an opportunity to interact with the hosts. This interaction, unless you're being completely selfish, takes time and adds a few minutes to your turn around. But it is possible to get yourself ready and converse at the same time. If it takes a bit longer to chat then spend the extra time. Support station hosts play a critical role in the functioning of the race and without them there is no race. Besides, you're in their home and it behoves one to be respectful just as we'd expect that courtesy if we had people moving through our homes.
Over the years I have refined my support station routine:
Park my bike and take empty water bottles and trash inside.
Sign in
Dispose of trash
Find my resupply box
Refill my bottles and return them to my bike
Take out the snacks, spares and things you need from your resupply box and pack them away on your bike or in your backpack.
Get Food tea/coffee
Pack padkos if available
Bathroom break if required
Sign out - take photo of sheet for post race analysis.
Get back on the bike.
There are a few other considerations. Find an exclusive space where you can place your helmet, gloves, glasses, backpack and anything else you remove. Don't mix your stuff up with someone else or put it in a cluttered space. If you start with an exclusive clear area when you leave it's easy to ensure you have everything when the area Is clear.
If you need to charge a light, phone or powerbank leave something critical next to the device being charged. It could be your helmet or glasses or even gloves - something you know is missing when you're ready to leave. Too many devices have been left tethered to a plug point when it's owner has long since left the building.
My routine has evolved over many years and regularly adapted to address inefficiencies and mistakes. Figure out what works for you. You don't have to get in and out in 10 or 15 minutes but you do need to leave with all your stuff, full bottles and adequate nutrition.
No comments:
Post a Comment