You are reading a single comment by @wheels_of_fire and its replies.
Click here to read the full conversation.
-
First 24? I agree with @hippy -go large or go home.
More seriously, I would have thought any perceived benefit of a cat nap would be offset by feeling drowsy afterwards and taking time to get back up to speed. Redbull, pro plus, gels and general enthusiasm/adrenaline should all keep you up.
wheels_of_fire
hippy
Sleep: We'll see, but lack of focus (e.g. not strictly racing) will mean it may be better to have a quick catnap rather than riding slowly for several hours.
Only just started using gels for running and get on with them ok, but no idea about anything longer than a few hours. I'll gel myself up on the Ditchling Devil and see how that goes (pop, splutter, pabloosh probably). It's a first go at the 24 so I'm happy to make a bunch of mistakes and learn, but for this first one I'll stick with what I know generally works for me on long rides (a cafe or petrol station forecourt feed every 6 hours or so and some on bike snacking in between).
Fixed: Because I rode PBP and LEL fixed along with most of my other Audaxes and it's what I associate most with long distance riding. I chickened out on a few with gears (K&SW 600, Elenith first time, Midlander Super Grimpeur). Have a perfectly serviceable Wilier Izoard which I'll be using for the Ironman. Using fixed I'm always in the right/wrong (delete as applicable) gear so I have less to think about.
Lack of spares because I'll be coming up on the train so I won't have a car full of spare wheels/etc. It'll be whatever I can fit in a large rucksack.