Indian Pacific Wheel Race - IndyPac - IPWR

I'm selling my GPS files for would-be qualifiers...

Application submitted. Now we wait to see if I will make it in.

Are you doing it fixed then if you get a place?

No promises - but 90% yes.

Good luck matey.

Might as well just resign myself to the fact I'm going to attempt it on a fixed gear. Anyone wanna help with deciding on a frame for the job? It seems like the Dolan FXE would do the trick. Would definitely be wanting front and rear braking. Any other similar frames out there?

You gonna carry extra cogs etc to swap for the mountain bits?

Are they expecting to sell out?
I reckon if you make it known to Jesse / Sarah that you are planning to ride fixed, they'd be very keen to have you.

Something more... workhorse than the FXE would be my starting point. Maybe look at Surly / kaffenback / pompino... Samuli's bike (there is a picture around here somewhere) is a useful visual as it shows reliability seems like a big key to getting a huge ride like this done and you don't need to have a flashy bike either. Just something you know well, that is consistent and tough.

I reckon if you make it known to Jesse / Sarah that you are planning to ride fixed, they'd be very keen to have you.

This.

Yeah, that's what I would do, a simple reliable frame with road geo. And I really like that steamroller. If you need inspiration, here's pictures of that in the latest TCR (with gears) , singlespeed in PBP, and fixed gear this spring just before an audax.

Good luck.

What would the benefit of a steel frame be? I've never owned one. Only ever had aluminium and have thrashed them with courier work, touring, Everesting and 24-hour TTs and they've been fine. Apparently steel absorbs some vibration but I've never felt like my bikes were uncomfortable to ride and trading in the lightness of aluminium for some possible added comfort isn't really on my mind. Wouldn't want to carry another 500g up a mountain - especially if my ass won't be in the saddle!

I did mention in my application that I was seriously considering taking it on fixed but apparently they haven't had that many entries anyway so everyone who has applied might get in!

As for spare gears, it would probably be a good idea to take a flip/flop hub and a chainring which gives roughly the same chain length. Although it does seem cool to forget about all that and smash it on one gear no matter what happens...

Where you hear they hadn’t had many applications?

Think I’d like to do this in 2019

A video on their Facebook page from 24th October. I think they said they've had about 50 applications and no relay teams. That was a few weeks ago though so things may have changed especially with last minute submission like me :D

https://www.facebook.com/IndianPacificWheelRace/videos/vb.262819187426806/500773023631420/?type=2&theater

If you attempt the race on one gear, on a Dolan Fxe, having not done it before you will be my favourite dot to follow. These races seem to be situations where the boundaries are there to push and be broken. You are giving yourself extra levels of difficulty from a blank slate, but if you believe it's possible then that is very admirable having read what even the geared riders go through.

You don't need a steel frame. Roads are much better condition than here. You won't see a pothole before Adelaide, although there are some rough chip seal sections.
I'd take 2 gears: Tailwind vs headwind for 6 days on nullarbor

What two gears though?

Two gears lower than you think you'll need. :)

Jesse saying on face book that 'jensie is 95% in'

As in, Shut Up Legs?

Please, no.

Jesse's a bit of a tease, but that was who I inferred he meant

I like his commentary but he can keep it that. Don't need dirty ex-pros spoiling our good, clean, wholesome fun now.

Hear hear.