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200 people will split up pretty quick over such large distance though.
You concernred about them chewing up the trails or don't want to draft peeps without mudguards?
Why so expensive? Are all the stores expensive because remote or something or do you just mean because you have to reup with little choice from supermarkets? I wonder how it compares per day to my Torq habit?
hippy-
Yeah, it'll spread out into packs. Those doing 100ish a day, and then everyone else ahead just riding as long as they can, I guess.
Drafting is not allowed.
It's expensive getting all the kit, bike, testing kit, and wearing out so much kit in the training process. Remember, I was doing 100 mile MTB rides all winter in loads of mud. Much unhappy drivetrain! In terms of on-route costs, I'll try to avoid motels/lodges unless it's cold and wet and I need to dry. I probably wont bother with laundry, but just food, lots of it, and it being convenience food mostly, plus a few nights lodging, is going to be £1500 min according to a mate who did it last year in 24 days.
turnpedal
Just to make a good break at the start, there's probably 200 people racing this year, and it would be good to be ahead of a chunk of them, especially if it's wet and muddy. Also, and mainly, to set myself up for a routine of hitting town in the daytime, when stores/diners are open, and sleeping out in the wilderness between. This also has the benefit of being cheaper. As this is the most expensive free race in the world!
When I say 'go big' I don't mean fuck myself up. I mean just ride steady, and ride for a decent length of time (16-18 hours) get a shortish nights sleep then get going again. As I get more tired, I'll sleep better each night. I'm planning 5-6 hours per night.