2014-06-28/29 - Styrkeproven, Norway

I lie down in front of the bus

Good luck, nutters!

thanks Bothwell..
let's hope the saboteurs are on holiday next weekend..
tacks all over the road outside Lillehammer last year..

Remember - first you cycle, then you drink JD. If I remember this ride is over 40 miles so you'll be happy for the clear heads.

oh really...

Ok, I'll leave it in your hands Mr Last-Time-I-Was-So-Tired-I-Thought-I-Could-Speak-Danish.

i only learnt one word last year...

By the way you're beautiful Al.

Because I took you up the Koppenberg, again this year?

That my friend is what's known as a beautiful friendship..

Don't forgot Belgo's 9th July with the squad..

Not that I'm in a massive panic. But I'm in a massive panic.

I was having a little test pack last night. Seeing what I could fit in my massive saddlebag. As someone that cycles up Mountains With only a phone and a bottle of water. I've suddenly become mr must-have-all-the-things.

Equipment:
Pre-glued tubular
Pressurized sealant
Multi-tool
Spare Chain links + quick links
Small Chain tool
Mini pump
Tyre lever
Valve extender tool
Mini USB charger
Phone lead
Garmin lead
Mini lights
Garmin

Clothing:
Merino vest
Merino knee warmers
Merino arm warmers
Merino buff
Merino socks
Thermal bib shorts
Short sleeved jersey
Packable Windproof jacket
Near waterproof overshoes
Mitts
Thin silk glove liners.

Now the Tools list contains loads of tiny Things. So Space isnt too bad there. But if things warm up all that clothing is going to be be a PITA to stash. Plus I've totally ignored the possiblity of heavy rain, as my packable rain jacket makes me boil.

I dont mind the Cold. I can ride through all sorts of shite With that^ on. But if the sun comes out I will need to remove and stash layers. Or I'll boil horribly. To be honest thats why I have so much merino. Not for the warmth. But because I seem to be able to wear through warm periods better than thick brushed lycra.

Right now I just want to be sat on my bike rolling over the start. I really hate prep nerves. And this seems to be stressing more than anything stupid I've done before.

Not that I want to panic you more or anything, but recent photos also showed a distinct lack of fur. You need to pack more fur for a ride like this.

On a more useful note, I've always found overpacking to be a mistake. Is the weather really that unpredictable?

Take old clothing and discard it (responsibly of course) if necessary?

Surely even Norway has fairly predictable weather at this time of year, so you'll know in advance what the conditions are going to be like and should be able to pack accordingly.

Take old clothing and discard it (responsibly of course) if necessary?

Surely even Norway has fairly predictable weather at this time of year, so you'll know in advance what the conditions are going to be like and should be able to pack accordingly.

I think the fact that its still too far away for a decent forecast isnt helping my nerves.

But yes. Norway is that unpredictable. Especially as we start from the coast (wet and windy. But often mild), ride through the Mountains (can be bloody cold, and bloody wet), then end in the east (less Wind and downpour). Plus its not just diagonally across the country, its throughout 24hours. Starting at 9:46am, I'll be slow and tired as the cold night sets in. So will need the warmth.

Looking at the forecast. I'd wear nearly everything at the start. Wack the Wind jacket in my jersey, and pack the glove liners and buff for the evening. So I guess its not a problem.

1 Attachment

andyp is spot on.. take old clothes
don't think cold, think wet..
keep warm, because you won't stay dry
merino baselayer and softshell jacket is your best bet..
we had +20 hrs of rain last year
but nothing below 10 deg C...
also rear lights.. buy several cheap ones
to throw away when batteries die..

lastly don't panic.. it won't be easy
but we should stick together..
stu and rob both from south wales
will keep your spirits up..
and kristian is a good wheel to follow..

equipment list
small bottle of brandy
photo of Hippy

Al

photo of Hippy

That won't fit in your jersey pocket, though, it's too wide.

andyp is spot on.. take old clothes
don't think cold, think wet..
keep warm, because you won't stay dry
merino baselayer and softshell jacket is your best bet..
we had +20 hrs of rain last year
but nothing below 10 deg C...
also rear lights.. buy several cheap ones
to throw away when batteries die..

lastly don't panic.. it won't be easy
but we should stick together..
stu and rob both from south wales
will keep your spirits up..
and kristian is a good wheel to follow..

equipment list
small bottle of brandy
photo of Hippy

Al

I couldnt wear a soft shell. I'd cook. I have a fancey pants rapha pro team jacket, that is thinner than a softshell. Even thats been packed away untill autumm. I am a sweaty git.

I'm basically wearing a big merino baselayer. Just a modular one.
I'll look at getting a better rain jacket and use that instead of my wind jacket perhaps. Otherwise I'm happy.

I just Strava mapped it. As I can get lost in my own garden.

O........M.........G

http://www.strava.com/routes/496952

I think thats right. The directions arent always specific.

Route looks correct, remember some alterations around the middle. Positive fighting talk from now on.. final week is all about recovery, carb loading and preparing the mind.

The bit around Lillehammer is changed. It's basically E6 then a parallel for the rest. The reason . it's unsure is that the description is broken into the different distances you can compete in. But we won't be riding through these starting points. So assumptions were made.

I'm in Trondheim from 4pm Friday, and don't start until near 10am. So logistics are nice and chilled.

I'm well up for this. I may not be super fast or super fit. But I have amazing eating skills. Its all about the fueling.

We'll be heading out for a short spin to war cemetery again friday morning. Check bikes are okay. Make sure you do the same once arrived.. then its karaoke bars til 4 am sat ;)

That won't fit in your jersey pocket, though, it's too wide.

There will be plenty along the course, held up by adoring fans. I believe he's quite 'big' in Norway.

Don't worry. After the amazing 24hr TT effort. I had hippy in his Assos skin suit, pole dancing with a python, done as a full chest tattoo.

When the big climb starts, I will unzip my jersey to cool myself, and offer great inspiration to all those around me.

In 5mins, this year's National 24hr starts.. #sadface