15,000 calories should do it 👍 Also those GP5000 being a 90kg lump myself don't have reinforced sidewalls and I found susceptible to pinch flats. I use the Conti Grand Prix GT tyres same as GP4000 rubber plus side wall protection meant for me no punctures. Have fun.
I can't wait for this one Mark. I think this will be the hardest thing you have done to date. Whilst the 100km ultra didn't go to well due to lack of prep...you had a lot of running in the locker prior. This is a monumental step up from a few zwift rides and gravel outings. Your cardio/fitness won't fail you, it's just if you can endure the discomfort. Wishing you all the best and if you pull this off you are an absolute Don!
@@Panurus_biarmicus you are comparing apples to oranges here. Of course there is discomfort in a 100km run...but mark has a lot more running experience and accumulated muscle memory to adapt to it, he is a relative beginner at cycling...and the type of discomfort is very different. With running you can stop...stretch, even alter your running stride...form. not so easy on a bike where you are locked in. Marks hard as nails so of course he will do it.
I've taken up long distance cycling during the time I've been watching your channel over the last couple of years. I did my first 100 mile ride in early 2022, and my first 150 last weekend. The biggest advice I can think to give you is to think carefully about the lessons you learned early on in your ultra-running days and think about how to apply them to cycling. Every time I press on to a new max distance, I find new issues and limiters that I need to understand and overcome. Your setup looks sound. As others have said, I encourage learning how to ride and feel comfortable in the aero bars for as much time as possible. Over 200 miles, the energy saving will be significant. As with running, nutrition and hydration are going to be major considerations...but on a bike it's a lot more awkward to eat and drink. I definitely suggest practice with this element. You're dead right about "little niggles at 45 minutes". You definitely want time in the saddle to get used to how 10+ hours in the saddle feels....any sort of discomfort there can end up ending your ride. Really looking forward to seeing this adventure!
Make sure you do several rides on the road tyres before the event as a) the bike will handle differently and b) tubeless tyres take a few rides to bed in and hold pressure. I’d also make sure to do at least a couple of 100 miles rides in training. Having done multiple 200mile + rides things hurt in places after 6 hours + that you didn’t know would hurt so a chance to find this out and fix before the event
I've done CTS a couple of times and loved it, it's a great ride. My advice would be not to get carried away at the start (find a pace you're comfy at) and to make sure you eat, eat, eat throughout the ride. I know you said you weren't bothered about the weight, but I know a hill where I'm willing to bet you'll wish you had less weight to carry up it! ;) Anyway, good luck and enjoy it!
I’m a cycle mechanic and keen cyclist. I would also take a Park emergency tire repair kit. It’s essentially a sticky plastic card that goes inside tire to stop tube coming out of bigger holes. I’ve used these on a few occasions and they are very good. For that size tire, cut one in half before you pack in the bike. Also, on a ride that long 2 spare rubes & a tubeless repair kit. As for gravel bike being good for you, I agree. Being comfortable means you will ride better & for longer. I no longer have a light weight carbon everything road bike but instead have a high end gravel bike. It’s comfortable, does everything (with suitable tires) & is much better on the crappy UK roads!
I've done 200 milers twice and my main takeaways are: take as few breaks as possible, it really adds up over the distance, learn to eat on the bike and nibble away regularly, take some real savoury food cos you'll get sick of gels and protein bars (peanut butter, philadelphia and cherry tomato bagels are my fave). Our lights all ran out on one ride, so preserve these or have the means to recharge. Chamois creme obvs, apply very liberally!
Best tubeless advice: 'Stay Hard' Always test your tubeless repair strategy BEFORE the event. Might want to take: Tubeless plugs, CO2, pump, 2nd inner tube, patches, chamois cream... Also, suggest 35mm tyres as a min, but 32mm with redshift could work.
Regarding your gear, I have a Garmin Varia radar light and I love it but do note that the battery isn’t going to last 12hr+. I'd look into a couple things 1) use a separate light with long battery during the day, switch to Garmin at night 2) tape, zip tie or velcro a charge cable from your Garmin Varia to your frame bag so you can easily plug it into a battery pack.
I thought about this issue at the spot in the video, but forgot to comment. Definitely make sure to keep the vario on light-off mode (only when appropriate and if allowed on the course) to save the battery life.
My contribution is…. Start eating right at the outset - you want to keep those carbs coming in so you don’t deplete your glycogen stores so quickly. And strictly aerobic intensity all day. That’s my learning out of 2 12-hour and 2 24-hour rides. Totally anecdotally, I found that when daylight is fading, swapping to clear shades (or just remove your sunnies) pushed back against the feeling of fatigue. You want daylight in your eyes to trick your system into not preparing to sleep.
Interesting setup. I have never ridden more than 60 in a day where the biggest issues were pain in my neck from the lean forward and my tailbone from the seat. If that give in the seat and slightly wider seat work as well as it looked, that will be less of an issue but in 200 miles probably still matter. The pain in the neck might be more of an individual thing because other riders I have talked with often complained about shoulder joint or or lower back pain which I did not experience at all even though I have on much shorter but radically more aggressive downhill rides. Electrolyte balance is always extremely important in long events but I think your experience will be able to handle that well enough. The worst pain I ever experienced was after a 40 mile run in hilly terrain where I had not ran more than 7 miles in a few years and was simply under-trained. The fasciitis and piriformis were so inflamed I could barely walk for a couple of days, the morning after I was literally crawling on the floor between the bathroom and the bedroom and 200 miles is significantly more than a couple hours on a training bike so that will be interesting to see how your body adapts or doesn't.
Mark - great set up. Chase the Sun is the best ride I have ever taken part in. You will love it. Great Facebook community around the event with hints and tips. Just don’t stop too often or for too long.
I don’t know how this race is, but if you start in a group, make sure you have experience riding in a group, learning all the unwritten rules and etiquette can keep you safe, and help you go faster. Also for 200 miles, you want the beginning to feel almost too slow. Check out Dylan Johnson, he has a lot of videos on pacing these types of events.
I’m doing Chase the Sun North. Cautiously optimistic given I’ve done lots of 100+ mile rides already this year. If the bike setup shown in the video is post-bikefit, I’m a bit concerned; Your bars are horrifically wide, and the saddle tilted very oddly. Also a little concerned about the gearing - you’ll be cruising at speed much if the time (all being well). Re clothing, 2 things you didn’t mention that are #1 and #2 giro clothes for early starts or changeable weather are arm warmers & a windproof gilet. They pack small so easy to takenoff, but are a godsend and really versatile. I recommend the Torm arm warmers, which come in sizes - essential for people with muscle. And I really like Sportful Fiandre NoRain vests.
200 miles is no joke. Best of luck to you! Remember, the the aero bars are faster (or easier at the same speed); if you can, make them your default option. Over 200 miles, holding an aero position could save you some big time (30 min?). Also, the “time in the wind” is a big driver for that savings; the longer you are on the corse, the more the aero more the savings, even if you’re moving “slowly”
Some essentials I have in my saddle bag after years of road side repairs: a bike multitool, tyre levers, small bottle of super glue (can repair a punctured tube or ripped tyre in seconds), zip ties, SRAM powerlock chain link, small pocket knife, and a pair of surgical gloves.
I had a 30 mile route that I rode about twice a week in Los Angeles, usually late at night because too much traffic (cars and people) and heat during the day. i'd knock it out in a couple of hours and come home chuffed with myself. One day I decided I should do a century. I didn't state a metric century or "real" century, just century. Woke up the day of, got my gels, nutrition, and hydration sorted and took off. Started off alright. I went on the same route because I was familiar with it. it ended up being a metric century (62 miles, 100 kilometers) but that ride took me all day and it was the worst thing I had ever decided to do up to that point. Because I was unaccustomed to the heat during the day I was drained of all energy within the hour, my throat was burning, my lungs felt like they were on fire and it was sheer grit and determina ..., um ... stupidity, that compelled me to finish that ride. My normal night ride, 30 miles, 2 hours. That ride, 62 miles, 7 and a 1/2 hours. A long ride is a completely different animal than your usual sprint. i hope you're ready for it. Best of luck.
Great video as always. I would add bar tape & AXS wireless blips to your aero bars so you can shift gears in the aero position. And practise on aero bars so you get used to the narrow stance/ twitchy steering, relaxing & not pulling with triceps, and riding with knees closer to your chest.
Good luck Mark. Race against the Sun has been an event on my bucket list for a a few years. Love the tweaks to the rig. Comfort over aero wins the day I reckon. Hope you get to see that sun drop with a smile on your face.
I have recently found your channel and started watching your videos. I am just now, in the last few weeks, getting started on my journey to get back in shape. I want to get back to running again but I have had knee issues so I am starting back by biking to get a base level of fitness and to hopefully lose some weight to help the knees when I get back to running. I really enjoy your videos and I have been watching a lot of your older zwift ones as I am getting started on zwift. Watching your videos helps keep me motivated to keep going and to stick with it. Looking forward to more uploads soon and I hope you do well and are able to complete your Chase the Sun event.
Huge change in tire size. Consider 38mm road tires. There's a chance you won't like the stability of 32s. I found my cornering and confidence went way up going to larger volume tires. Your rims may also not shape well with the skinny tires since they fit well with the 40+ range. 2 cents you didn't ask for..
Mark, sounds like a perfect excuse to play “Highway to the Danger Zone” on loop for 16 hours….. And as someone who has ridden that distance, you’ll need all the 80’s montage motivation you can get!
I just did a North to South ride in Taiwan a few weeks ago that was about 350km. The absolute most important bit of kit you need to have ready is a trusty cycling bib. TEST YOUR BIB SHORTS for many hours in a single sitting! Pedal on the trainer, not even for a workout effort. Just having your weight on that seat in those bib shorts for multiple hours will change how they ride, stretch, feel, and rub. I'm not sure how much LONG riding you've done on your training days, but bib shorts with a bad shammy or even a medium quality one will ruin any major distance ride. I've got several different sets of riding pants, a Rapha, a Santini, a junko from Giant, and a GRC. The cheapo ones from Giant are my daily pair that I don't mind throwing in the dryer. They're only good for up to 90 minutes of riding. The Rapha and Santini make it to about 3 hours before getting into uncomfortable territory. The only one that is comfortable no matter the distance is the GRC set. Do your ass a favor and test out your bib shorts on a 5-6 hour trainer ride before your race. Wouldn't want you needing enough vaseline to get on a watch list again.
…great set-up Mark…twas a fun session! Aero bars could do with a tweek though, roll those extensions inwards slightly (ie so the tips are closer together) to follow the natural rotation of your wrists/hands when relaxed…then reset the pads flat, and also rotate them to angle them onwards slightly…makes a big difference to comfort
@@DC-lu5qs so when mark attended for the fitting it was a bog standard gravel set-up. During the fitting the benefit of tri bars etc was discussed and recommendations to suitable brands/shapes and spec etc made. Since then Mark has obviously gone away and purchased the bars and fitted them himself…I have not seen him or the bike since they where fitted. See my comments/recommendations above.
@@markharvey1041 completely missed the first sentence where it is made clear that you are the pro in question :) My layman's impression has been that the current thinking is that raising the front of the bars closer to face level is more aero beneficial. And, for me, considerably more comfortable than the flat arrangement.
Bike fit is probably the best addition youv'e made, you'll be able to transfer that to any other bike . I used to divide my long rides into shorter rides based on feed stops, these events they are usually around 35-40 miles apart
In case you are not fully ready for the full length try and do it from Brantley. I did half of the race starting from Bramley, south of Reading, unofficially without entering, nice and local for me. I joined my club mates Swallowfield VC. I took as little gear as possible with me barred a raincoat which I ended up needing towards the end. Good luck!
Suspension seat post, awesome. My Mrs has the redshift, I have the cane creek carbon version on our road bikes. Made a massive difference to my back. We both have the redshift stem, no noticeable loss of power, very noticeable increase in comfort.
Same bike, same seat post, same English roads, and pot holes totally agree, and yes good fitting bib shorts, although after 16hrs might as well be coarse grit sand paper... really hope you enjoy this, so feel like doing more...
I love that you’re doing this challenge! I think it’s commendable to throw yourself at big challenges, there’s always things to learn from them. Having crossed the US by bike, I have one suggestion: use a hydration bladder. It’s nice to be able to sip without much fuss, and while bottles are easy in many ways, it requires a bit of finesse to reach down, drink, put back, and maintain pace. Looking forward to seeing the video of this challenge, best of luck!
Hi Mark, glad to see you’ve got a road set of tyres, but think about getting a second set of wheels. That what I run, so you just need to swap out the wheel set and not faf around with the tyre sealant. Also add some bar tape to the bar ends for extra grip. If it rains those exposed bar ends are going to be slippery.
All the best, Mark. I did round Norfolk a few years ago, 200 miles 13 hours on the bike. What did I learn not to say how hard it can be lol its only 70 more miles than my max ride. Lots of anti Chafing cream to hand every stop whice I did every 50 miles just to stretch and get more fluids on the bike, dont know ifs there's any stops at half way (bag drop) but if there is good place to restock your stuff so you don't have to carry lots with you, I set may watch to bleep evey 15 mins frist bleep drink second bleep eat I found it every easy to finish lots of rides with almost all of my drink left and not eaten anything. Best of all, enjoy it. Have a laugh.
Ya wahoo wont make it alone so battery source required. Possible change of kit as things can get salty! Get comfortable with some 4-5 hr rides, time in saddle not distance or speed. 10 days out string together 3 80 milers over 3 or 4 days to get your legs use to loading. Work out the calories and take them with you. Dont push any of the hills as you will be over-watting anyway against course average going up hill. Use the wahoo map/gradient screen to view the upcoming terrain so yo can decide whether you should carry speed over rollers or settle in for a steady uphill plod. Set an alarm on the wahoo/garmin for eat drink and stand every 20 mins. Only burn matches in the last 10 miles. Just enjoy the journey. It is not so difficult, but fuel fuel fuel from the get go.
I ride centuries pretty often, that said 205 miles is gonna be tough! I feel like the discomfort will be something you will just have to mentally get past. The biggest thing I’m not seeing mentioned here is training your gut, your gonna need a lot of fuel for a ride that long and it can be very difficult to put down that amount of carbs while riding. Making sure what ever gels and stuff you currently use while running play nice with the gut while cycling will be important as well as getting the gut used to the quantity needed.
I suggest to take a Restrap tyre boot or similar for any sidewall or tread tears. Also a spare battery for the AXS as you’re 1x so cannot swap derailleur batteries if one dies. Best of luck.
Good plan to swap the tires, but no need to go with narrow 32mm ones. Rene Herse and a few others make 42mm road tires that have the same or better rolling resistance as skinny tires and are more comfy on less than perfect roads. Best of luck and enjoy the ride!
You got this. Lean on your ultra experience because you will be in some really dark places on a double. Don’t go out the door too hard (a power meter is really helpful for pacing strategy if you can pick one up and get familiar). Try to jump in a few local club or shop rides for some group experience. You’ll really want some experience riding on a wheel and your moto experience will let you pick it up quicker than most. Unlike Zwift, just remember you can’t smash right thru the rider in front (well, you can but it usually ends badly). Best of luck and enjoy yourself.
Best of luck Mark and I'm sure we'll see a video with lots of drama.😄 I'd also have recommended the GP5000 32mm. I have the 28mm variety mounted on some nice 52/63mm deep carbon wheels and the sound & ride feel is just amazing. Cuts through air like a dream.
Longest I've ridden is 100miles. I didn't have loads of kit beyond food and a jacket, but if I were to be out longer I'd defiantly be going down the comfort route rather than aero speed. I think the lightness of the bike will help offset the frame bag and kit, that little bit extra kit/food will be a real game changer IMO. Sometimes a little comfort goes a long way!
It absolutely pissed it down last year towards the end of the event and was reallllly cold going through cheddar gorge, specially if like me you where still riding up it after sunset. Make sure you've got a decent rain jacket 😎
Another great video and I'll be keeping my eye out for you on the day! This will be my first time doing CTS and training hasn't really gone to plan so far.
Hi Mark. I did the C2C in a day ride a few years ago and really want to do CTS so best of luck to ya. Any discomfort after a 3 hour ride needs addressing as it will be hell after 9 hrs and could cause injury. Can't wait for your video of the ride.
Inspirational stuff this channel, and cycling is my first love so this one is particularly inspiring! I really need to get off my fat behind and lose some weight and get back out on my bike! Good luck Mark 💪
Yeah 205 miles is no joke, speaking as someone with a couple of centuries (which nearly killed me) under my belt, this is going to be a big test! I think I heard this as a general rule of thumb, that a century ride is equivalent to a marathon distance run, which kind of adds up, so you are well into ultra-marathon exertion for a 205 mile ride. Good luck! My focus has turned from cycling firmly into running so far this year, mainly thanks to your channel!
I'm doing my first ever 100 mile cycle next month and while training, I have realised nutrition is most important for me. Getting that fuel in before I need it has always been a bit foreign to me, but the results speak for themselves. I'm sure you've got that nailed Mark, but I thought I'd share anyway as it's been huge for me. I've got eating and drinking prompts on my Garmin head unit set up which are a big help.
Looking forward to this one! If i can make a suggestion it would be work up your trip length and get used to the hours in. After 5 + hours things start to feel less comfortable. Aslo fueling would be easiest to mess up. Need to have thise carbs and electrolytes coming in regularly.
If it's any consolation I had a similar amount of experience on a bike and entered a 120 mile race/sportive from Belfast to Dublin. It was an intense day out but doable. I'd compare the distance to a marathon on a bike. Best tip I'd give is enjoy the ride ...make modest goals and adjust as necessary. Take chaff precautions seriously! Best of Luck 😀
been doing a lot of long distance cyckling. you look ready. I lubricated my trouses everytime for long distance. will prevent a bad behind. for short distance it dont matter but when over 12 hours it do I think. good ride
Good luck! Tempting me to try a similar coast to coast... Double bib shorts for extra support on an endurance ride (although don't have to be £255 each!)
Something that almost never gets included in bike kit are: mirrors. Perhaps because many are poor design/quality. But a great pair of end of bar mirrors (e.g. IRBM Italian Road Bike Mirror for Road Bicycle, which I use) have been incredibly useful for me on long rides. I think an argument against is that they don't look cool (not true) and stop riders looking over their shoulders, which is arguably the best way to check for traffic approaching from behind (as it is for motorbikes). But it's also not true. I do both. But having mirrors at the end of the handlebars means I can pretty constantly check what's coming my way just by momentarily glancing down, without having to turn my head and take a hand off the handlebar to look round properly. With a discreet pair of mirrors I see approaching vehicles long before a bike radar registers it (double so at night due to approaching headlights being visible from a long way back) - just as the mirrors on my motorbike do. It means I'm prepared for passing vehicles without being surprised by them. I've often wondered why they don't come as standard for road bikes. Best of luck for the race.
Love the bike and good luck with the race (its always a race). I was looking thinking the saddle looks too nose-down, then you mentioned that your triceps fatigue which is a classic symptom of a saddle that is too nose down. I dont know if you have had a bike fit but it might be something to look at. It wont bother you on an hour ride but over a full day - you want it to be right!
Thumbs up for the seatpost. I have a similar parallelogram seat post (Suntour NCX) and it makes a huge difference for comfort. Sure it is heavier, but for 16 hours, I suspect comfort is key.
Congratulations on selling the TT bike. Having gear that you don't use brings a lot of negative energy, a sense of unaccomplishment. The gravel bike with the proper tyres and the TT bar won't be much slower but much more versatile and comfortable. About the suspension post, the issue with these is that the seat height varies and you feel it. At least this one moves backwards, the older ones move forwards towards the BB - the worst possible direction. I have the Ergon CF3 Pro Carbon / Canyon VCLS 2.0 on my MTB hardtail and I love it. With your long seat post extension you will have bigger movement range. But it is an arc with the center closer to the BB so the effective seat height does not change significantly.
Mark it’s the perfect bike for a 200 mile ride. Great video, I also do ultra long bike rides . It’s about comfort, comfort,comfort and comfort. I’m happy to share more info if you want. Good luck
I have always had bad luck with traditional tubes as spares, they seem to always have leaks. Get some TPU tubes as spares and some TPU patch kits, I use Pirelli Cinaturato Smartube. Yes they cost more, a lot more, but they are worth it.
The aero bars will not only be a different position for comfort, but they'll make a HUGE difference to your efficiency. Apparently they save up to 30 - 40 watts depending on your speed and wind speed. I did 204 miles having only been cycling, or doing any cardio for that matter for 18 months. It was tough, mostly because my shoes were too narrow and caused a lot of pain. But I did it with an average speed of 17 mph. So I know you'll smash it. 👍🙂
You might save watts for being in the aero but you lose watts in pedal efficiency when in that position. I hope Mark and his fitter took the aero bars into consideration. I ride a TT bike in the aero position and couldn’t imagine riding an Ironman on that saddle. I ride an ISM noseless saddle and it keeps the pressure off the perineal area
@@NockOn1 I ride a Specialized Roubaix Elite with TT bars, and haven't found any difference in my ability to sustain high power. I use a noseless saddle too.
Nice bike and setup. I would however consider something wider than a 32mm for your size (no offence). Changing from 42mm (they look like pathfinder pro tyres) to the road ones 10mm narrower might be a shock, even on the road. 34 or even up to 38 with lower pressure will make barely any rolling resistance difference and a lot more comfort. Really enjoy the content and best of luck!
That isn’t true. Pro riders half the weight Mark use up to 32mm depending on the race. I agree 32mm for a road ride is plenty big enough. But going from 42 to 32 a few weeks before the event might feel quite harsh, as stated.
Class, I think your bike is much better suited to you than a road bike for such a long distance considering your body isn't used to sitting in the position for so long. One thing I would do is change your tyres to some slicks you'll notice a massive distance in speed. A pair of 30 or 32mm gp5000s would be excellent. Probably find you'll be about 1-2mph faster on them. Huge amount over a 16 hour ride. I'd also spend most of your time training for the event sat in the aero bars to get used to the position. I generally find I'm a couple miles an hour faster on mine.
I reckon you’ve took a really sensible approach to this Mark, I’ve only ever done one 200 mile ride so probably not qualified to make suggestions but what I found was that I didn’t eat enough “real” food and after 10 hours I couldn’t face another gel or carb drink. If I did another ride like this I would aim to somehow take more substantial food with me, of course this comes with its own challenges but you do have some frame bags 👍
I did my first 150 miler last weekend after a dozen or so previous 100s. And, I _definitely_ experienced this at almost exactly the same time. Roughly 10h in, my body rebelled from constant stream of carb drinks. I didn't throw up or have cramps, but I was queasy/nauseated the remaining 3 hours (yes, it took me 13 hours to do 150 miles :) )
Always worth carrying a CO2 canister provided your tubeless sealant is compatible, I've had a puncture when doing lands end to John o groats and the best came off one side, wouldn't have been able to pop it back without the CO2 canister, lucky it popped into the wheel and not off it or I would have lost the sealant - little pouch of sealant is also a good idea as it's such a long ride - or a muc off BAM canister those are good.
Im racing 320km later this year, only difference is that I train specifically for cycling with a coach and regularly race xc races. Even with all my experience im still not sure if i can finish, as my longest ride to date is only about 8 hours and i was dead after that. Best of luck to you, it will be really interesting for me to see how you do before I do my event.
All the best my cycling buddy done the Irish one last year and he had to abandon due to being to cold and under fuelled but he is doing it again this year 😁
Nice, in Sweden in June there is a 315km "race" I´m attending as a cycling noob as well. Going to do some century rides in the coming weekends to prepare. What makes me feel like it´s possible is that hundreds of retired "old" people do it too every year so surely I´ll get through. But the saying is, you should have 1000km in your legs for the year before you do the race.
@@bingoberra18 It might be worth having a chat with them to learn a few tricks. Either way, just make sure you get your position dialled in for comfort. Then focus on nutrition and pacing. After that it's all about the experience :)
Hi Mark Your Race is a Race everyone guess as fast as they can. I use to do a event that was similar ( Seattle to Portland 200 Miles about 2000 meters elevation Gain) I did the One day option three different years. My best time was 10.00 Hours including breaks. The Key is racking up hours in the saddle. Also aero bars are great but most people can't tolerate them for that many hours. Get 60 mm deep aero wheels, 28C tires , aero socks, clothes etc.
All looks good to me, but then my last bike cost me £30 (2nd,3rd or 4th hand), over 25 years ago. I did manage quite a few mile on the thing before it fell apart ! All the very best with the training and the eventual race. Looking forward to it all, from the comfort of my sofa, obviously 🤣 Great content as always
Did you look at the Diverge STR when you were buying? Maybe you wouldn't have needed the 3rd party seat post? Whatever the case, looking forward to hearing how you do on the race!
Good luck 🤞. Biggest bit of advice I can give is to ensure your nutrition and fluids are not overlooked (I have reminders set to pop up on my wahoo) Hope to see you on the start line 👍
Good luck with this. We did something similar in 2015, instead of the coast to coast which is inconvenient we cycled the border of Northamptonshire as closely as possible which was 205 miles. The sunset beat us mostly due to multiple punctures (0 for me,) but we did complete in 17 hours. Have you gone tubeless? Would be my top tip!!!
You are just like you should be. Very entertaining, technically well prepared, eloquent and with a nice, dry sense of humour 👍👍👍. Train hard, stay safe!
Nothing if not ambitious. A century is no joke. But a double century? Good luck. Good job getting your bike comfort dialed up beforehand. I am intrigued by the seat post.
Race the sun is now only weeks away....the bike is ready, even if I'm not 😂
All u have to do is eat 10k calories that day and ur golden 😜
To be honest, that's all you need. It is all about The Bike. You're just a saggy lycra clad carbuncle for The Bike to move around.
How much of the route is actually gravel?
15,000 calories should do it 👍 Also those GP5000 being a 90kg lump myself don't have reinforced sidewalls and I found susceptible to pinch flats. I use the Conti Grand Prix GT tyres same as GP4000 rubber plus side wall protection meant for me no punctures. Have fun.
@@MrBoggins1234 running tubeless so hopeful no pinching.
Classic "What can go wrong" - Mark. Mark your humbleness and humility are refreshing. Thank you.
I can't wait for this one Mark. I think this will be the hardest thing you have done to date. Whilst the 100km ultra didn't go to well due to lack of prep...you had a lot of running in the locker prior. This is a monumental step up from a few zwift rides and gravel outings. Your cardio/fitness won't fail you, it's just if you can endure the discomfort.
Wishing you all the best and if you pull this off you are an absolute Don!
Nailed it. Enduring the discomfort is the key.
100km ultra run is also about discomfort. I think he knows about it.
@@Panurus_biarmicus you are comparing apples to oranges here. Of course there is discomfort in a 100km run...but mark has a lot more running experience and accumulated muscle memory to adapt to it, he is a relative beginner at cycling...and the type of discomfort is very different. With running you can stop...stretch, even alter your running stride...form. not so easy on a bike where you are locked in. Marks hard as nails so of course he will do it.
Might as well do an Everesting on Zwift.
@@kakihara111 or in real life!
I've taken up long distance cycling during the time I've been watching your channel over the last couple of years. I did my first 100 mile ride in early 2022, and my first 150 last weekend. The biggest advice I can think to give you is to think carefully about the lessons you learned early on in your ultra-running days and think about how to apply them to cycling. Every time I press on to a new max distance, I find new issues and limiters that I need to understand and overcome.
Your setup looks sound. As others have said, I encourage learning how to ride and feel comfortable in the aero bars for as much time as possible. Over 200 miles, the energy saving will be significant. As with running, nutrition and hydration are going to be major considerations...but on a bike it's a lot more awkward to eat and drink. I definitely suggest practice with this element. You're dead right about "little niggles at 45 minutes". You definitely want time in the saddle to get used to how 10+ hours in the saddle feels....any sort of discomfort there can end up ending your ride.
Really looking forward to seeing this adventure!
Make sure you do several rides on the road tyres before the event as a) the bike will handle differently and b) tubeless tyres take a few rides to bed in and hold pressure.
I’d also make sure to do at least a couple of 100 miles rides in training. Having done multiple 200mile + rides things hurt in places after 6 hours + that you didn’t know would hurt so a chance to find this out and fix before the event
he might want to get some lube for the chafy bits 🤣
I've done CTS a couple of times and loved it, it's a great ride. My advice would be not to get carried away at the start (find a pace you're comfy at) and to make sure you eat, eat, eat throughout the ride. I know you said you weren't bothered about the weight, but I know a hill where I'm willing to bet you'll wish you had less weight to carry up it! ;) Anyway, good luck and enjoy it!
I’m a cycle mechanic and keen cyclist. I would also take a Park emergency tire repair kit. It’s essentially a sticky plastic card that goes inside tire to stop tube coming out of bigger holes. I’ve used these on a few occasions and they are very good. For that size tire, cut one in half before you pack in the bike. Also, on a ride that long 2 spare rubes & a tubeless repair kit.
As for gravel bike being good for you, I agree. Being comfortable means you will ride better & for longer. I no longer have a light weight carbon everything road bike but instead have a high end gravel bike. It’s comfortable, does everything (with suitable tires) & is much better on the crappy UK roads!
Was wondering if someone else would suggest this. $5 note works well here in Australia.
I've done 200 milers twice and my main takeaways are: take as few breaks as possible, it really adds up over the distance, learn to eat on the bike and nibble away regularly, take some real savoury food cos you'll get sick of gels and protein bars (peanut butter, philadelphia and cherry tomato bagels are my fave). Our lights all ran out on one ride, so preserve these or have the means to recharge. Chamois creme obvs, apply very liberally!
I agree I kept my breaks to 30 minutes total for my 200 mile ride.
Best tubeless advice: 'Stay Hard'
Always test your tubeless repair strategy BEFORE the event.
Might want to take: Tubeless plugs, CO2, pump, 2nd inner tube, patches, chamois cream...
Also, suggest 35mm tyres as a min, but 32mm with redshift could work.
Regarding your gear, I have a Garmin Varia radar light and I love it but do note that the battery isn’t going to last 12hr+. I'd look into a couple things 1) use a separate light with long battery during the day, switch to Garmin at night 2) tape, zip tie or velcro a charge cable from your Garmin Varia to your frame bag so you can easily plug it into a battery pack.
I thought about this issue at the spot in the video, but forgot to comment. Definitely make sure to keep the vario on light-off mode (only when appropriate and if allowed on the course) to save the battery life.
My contribution is…. Start eating right at the outset - you want to keep those carbs coming in so you don’t deplete your glycogen stores so quickly. And strictly aerobic intensity all day. That’s my learning out of 2 12-hour and 2 24-hour rides.
Totally anecdotally, I found that when daylight is fading, swapping to clear shades (or just remove your sunnies) pushed back against the feeling of fatigue. You want daylight in your eyes to trick your system into not preparing to sleep.
Interesting setup. I have never ridden more than 60 in a day where the biggest issues were pain in my neck from the lean forward and my tailbone from the seat. If that give in the seat and slightly wider seat work as well as it looked, that will be less of an issue but in 200 miles probably still matter. The pain in the neck might be more of an individual thing because other riders I have talked with often complained about shoulder joint or or lower back pain which I did not experience at all even though I have on much shorter but radically more aggressive downhill rides.
Electrolyte balance is always extremely important in long events but I think your experience will be able to handle that well enough. The worst pain I ever experienced was after a 40 mile run in hilly terrain where I had not ran more than 7 miles in a few years and was simply under-trained. The fasciitis and piriformis were so inflamed I could barely walk for a couple of days, the morning after I was literally crawling on the floor between the bathroom and the bedroom and 200 miles is significantly more than a couple hours on a training bike so that will be interesting to see how your body adapts or doesn't.
Mark - great set up. Chase the Sun is the best ride I have ever taken part in. You will love it. Great Facebook community around the event with hints and tips. Just don’t stop too often or for too long.
Long time viewer here. I am so happy to see you making this kind of content again (races & challenges).
I don’t know how this race is, but if you start in a group, make sure you have experience riding in a group, learning all the unwritten rules and etiquette can keep you safe, and help you go faster. Also for 200 miles, you want the beginning to feel almost too slow. Check out Dylan Johnson, he has a lot of videos on pacing these types of events.
I’m doing Chase the Sun North. Cautiously optimistic given I’ve done lots of 100+ mile rides already this year.
If the bike setup shown in the video is post-bikefit, I’m a bit concerned; Your bars are horrifically wide, and the saddle tilted very oddly. Also a little concerned about the gearing - you’ll be cruising at speed much if the time (all being well).
Re clothing, 2 things you didn’t mention that are #1 and #2 giro clothes for early starts or changeable weather are arm warmers & a windproof gilet.
They pack small so easy to takenoff, but are a godsend and really versatile. I recommend the Torm arm warmers, which come in sizes - essential for people with muscle. And I really like Sportful Fiandre NoRain vests.
200 miles is no joke. Best of luck to you! Remember, the the aero bars are faster (or easier at the same speed); if you can, make them your default option. Over 200 miles, holding an aero position could save you some big time (30 min?). Also, the “time in the wind” is a big driver for that savings; the longer you are on the corse, the more the aero more the savings, even if you’re moving “slowly”
On long rides, aero bars are perhaps most useful as a means of having different positions and taking the weight off your hands.
Some essentials I have in my saddle bag after years of road side repairs: a bike multitool, tyre levers, small bottle of super glue (can repair a punctured tube or ripped tyre in seconds), zip ties, SRAM powerlock chain link, small pocket knife, and a pair of surgical gloves.
I had a 30 mile route that I rode about twice a week in Los Angeles, usually late at night because too much traffic (cars and people) and heat during the day. i'd knock it out in a couple of hours and come home chuffed with myself.
One day I decided I should do a century. I didn't state a metric century or "real" century, just century.
Woke up the day of, got my gels, nutrition, and hydration sorted and took off. Started off alright. I went on the same route because I was familiar with it. it ended up being a metric century (62 miles, 100 kilometers) but that ride took me all day and it was the worst thing I had ever decided to do up to that point.
Because I was unaccustomed to the heat during the day I was drained of all energy within the hour, my throat was burning, my lungs felt like they were on fire and it was sheer grit and determina ..., um ... stupidity, that compelled me to finish that ride. My normal night ride, 30 miles, 2 hours. That ride, 62 miles, 7 and a 1/2 hours.
A long ride is a completely different animal than your usual sprint. i hope you're ready for it. Best of luck.
Great video as always. I would add bar tape & AXS wireless blips to your aero bars so you can shift gears in the aero position. And practise on aero bars so you get used to the narrow stance/ twitchy steering, relaxing & not pulling with triceps, and riding with knees closer to your chest.
Good luck Mark. Race against the Sun has been an event on my bucket list for a a few years. Love the tweaks to the rig. Comfort over aero wins the day I reckon. Hope you get to see that sun drop with a smile on your face.
Have you heli/3m taped the frame under the mounting points? It'll save the straps wearing through the paint work!
Or just get the whole bike wrapped. I did a few years back and it still looks mint.
I have recently found your channel and started watching your videos. I am just now, in the last few weeks, getting started on my journey to get back in shape. I want to get back to running again but I have had knee issues so I am starting back by biking to get a base level of fitness and to hopefully lose some weight to help the knees when I get back to running. I really enjoy your videos and I have been watching a lot of your older zwift ones as I am getting started on zwift. Watching your videos helps keep me motivated to keep going and to stick with it. Looking forward to more uploads soon and I hope you do well and are able to complete your Chase the Sun event.
Huge change in tire size. Consider 38mm road tires. There's a chance you won't like the stability of 32s. I found my cornering and confidence went way up going to larger volume tires. Your rims may also not shape well with the skinny tires since they fit well with the 40+ range. 2 cents you didn't ask for..
Salesmen must be over the moon when you walk in the door.
I'm online guy, they never see me coming 😂
Mark, sounds like a perfect excuse to play “Highway to the Danger Zone” on loop for 16 hours….. And as someone who has ridden that distance, you’ll need all the 80’s montage motivation you can get!
Fair play on such an honest video. First one of yours that I’ve seen and love the honesty and frankness. You’ve got a sub! Keep it up! X
I have had a Redshift seat for around 5 years since I backed them on Kickstarter. I love it.
I just did a North to South ride in Taiwan a few weeks ago that was about 350km. The absolute most important bit of kit you need to have ready is a trusty cycling bib. TEST YOUR BIB SHORTS for many hours in a single sitting! Pedal on the trainer, not even for a workout effort. Just having your weight on that seat in those bib shorts for multiple hours will change how they ride, stretch, feel, and rub. I'm not sure how much LONG riding you've done on your training days, but bib shorts with a bad shammy or even a medium quality one will ruin any major distance ride.
I've got several different sets of riding pants, a Rapha, a Santini, a junko from Giant, and a GRC. The cheapo ones from Giant are my daily pair that I don't mind throwing in the dryer. They're only good for up to 90 minutes of riding. The Rapha and Santini make it to about 3 hours before getting into uncomfortable territory. The only one that is comfortable no matter the distance is the GRC set. Do your ass a favor and test out your bib shorts on a 5-6 hour trainer ride before your race. Wouldn't want you needing enough vaseline to get on a watch list again.
…great set-up Mark…twas a fun session! Aero bars could do with a tweek though, roll those extensions inwards slightly (ie so the tips are closer together) to follow the natural rotation of your wrists/hands when relaxed…then reset the pads flat, and also rotate them to angle them onwards slightly…makes a big difference to comfort
Great advice.
I'd really like to know whether his bike fitter addressed the aero bars....I have some thoughts on them but I don't want to contradict a pro
@@DC-lu5qs so when mark attended for the fitting it was a bog standard gravel set-up. During the fitting the benefit of tri bars etc was discussed and recommendations to suitable brands/shapes and spec etc made. Since then Mark has obviously gone away and purchased the bars and fitted them himself…I have not seen him or the bike since they where fitted. See my comments/recommendations above.
@@markharvey1041 Lol. So you're the bike fitter - that would explain the great advice👍
@@markharvey1041 completely missed the first sentence where it is made clear that you are the pro in question :)
My layman's impression has been that the current thinking is that raising the front of the bars closer to face level is more aero beneficial. And, for me, considerably more comfortable than the flat arrangement.
Bike fit is probably the best addition youv'e made, you'll be able to transfer that to any other bike .
I used to divide my long rides into shorter rides based on feed stops, these events they are usually around 35-40 miles apart
In case you are not fully ready for the full length try and do it from Brantley. I did half of the race starting from Bramley, south of Reading, unofficially without entering, nice and local for me. I joined my club mates Swallowfield VC. I took as little gear as possible with me barred a raincoat which I ended up needing towards the end. Good luck!
glad to see you've recovered after your last video Mark!
I raced a 10k 3 days after - 6th out of 140!
@@MarkLewisfitness while using the rest of that egg as nutrition I hope! 😂 well played mate!
@@lukaskarlgerhard yeah - that didnt last long 😂
I bet this ride will tick off the 10,000 calories out, best make it 10,000 calories in too.
Suspension seat post, awesome. My Mrs has the redshift, I have the cane creek carbon version on our road bikes. Made a massive difference to my back. We both have the redshift stem, no noticeable loss of power, very noticeable increase in comfort.
Same bike, same seat post, same English roads, and pot holes totally agree, and yes good fitting bib shorts, although after 16hrs might as well be coarse grit sand paper... really hope you enjoy this, so feel like doing more...
I love that you’re doing this challenge! I think it’s commendable to throw yourself at big challenges, there’s always things to learn from them. Having crossed the US by bike, I have one suggestion: use a hydration bladder. It’s nice to be able to sip without much fuss, and while bottles are easy in many ways, it requires a bit of finesse to reach down, drink, put back, and maintain pace.
Looking forward to seeing the video of this challenge, best of luck!
Hi Mark, glad to see you’ve got a road set of tyres, but think about getting a second set of wheels. That what I run, so you just need to swap out the wheel set and not faf around with the tyre sealant. Also add some bar tape to the bar ends for extra grip. If it rains those exposed bar ends are going to be slippery.
Nice tip on the tape.
@@MarkLewisfitness also play around with skateboard grip tape on the ends, extra grip
Brilliant video, always learn so much from you! Many thanks!
Good luck Mark. Smart to get that bike fit, always worth every penny.
Always enjoy the content and the presentation. Best of luck. Looking forward to the recap.
Love the comfort level from my gravel bike, being the older side of 50 I really appreciate not wincing when I see a pothole I can't avoid !
All the best, Mark. I did round Norfolk a few years ago, 200 miles 13 hours on the bike. What did I learn not to say how hard it can be lol its only 70 more miles than my max ride. Lots of anti Chafing cream to hand every stop whice I did every 50 miles just to stretch and get more fluids on the bike, dont know ifs there's any stops at half way (bag drop) but if there is good place to restock your stuff so you don't have to carry lots with you, I set may watch to bleep evey 15 mins frist bleep drink second bleep eat I found it every easy to finish lots of rides with almost all of my drink left and not eaten anything. Best of all, enjoy it. Have a laugh.
Ya wahoo wont make it alone so battery source required. Possible change of kit as things can get salty! Get comfortable with some 4-5 hr rides, time in saddle not distance or speed. 10 days out string together 3 80 milers over 3 or 4 days to get your legs use to loading. Work out the calories and take them with you. Dont push any of the hills as you will be over-watting anyway against course average going up hill. Use the wahoo map/gradient screen to view the upcoming terrain so yo can decide whether you should carry speed over rollers or settle in for a steady uphill plod. Set an alarm on the wahoo/garmin for eat drink and stand every 20 mins. Only burn matches in the last 10 miles. Just enjoy the journey. It is not so difficult, but fuel fuel fuel from the get go.
You've got this Mark. I cannot wait to see the video.
I ride centuries pretty often, that said 205 miles is gonna be tough! I feel like the discomfort will be something you will just have to mentally get past. The biggest thing I’m not seeing mentioned here is training your gut, your gonna need a lot of fuel for a ride that long and it can be very difficult to put down that amount of carbs while riding. Making sure what ever gels and stuff you currently use while running play nice with the gut while cycling will be important as well as getting the gut used to the quantity needed.
I suggest to take a Restrap tyre boot or similar for any sidewall or tread tears. Also a spare battery for the AXS as you’re 1x so cannot swap derailleur batteries if one dies. Best of luck.
As a 6'5" 220lb rider I have really enjoyed my mimic seat on my diverge comp carbon. Looking in to the seat post now. Thanks for the tip!
Good plan to swap the tires, but no need to go with narrow 32mm ones. Rene Herse and a few others make 42mm road tires that have the same or better rolling resistance as skinny tires and are more comfy on less than perfect roads. Best of luck and enjoy the ride!
Glad to hear some feedback on the redshift seat post. I’ve been considering it for my bike I use for longer multi day bike pack trips.
You got this. Lean on your ultra experience because you will be in some really dark places on a double. Don’t go out the door too hard (a power meter is really helpful for pacing strategy if you can pick one up and get familiar). Try to jump in a few local club or shop rides for some group experience. You’ll really want some experience riding on a wheel and your moto experience will let you pick it up quicker than most. Unlike Zwift, just remember you can’t smash right thru the rider in front (well, you can but it usually ends badly). Best of luck and enjoy yourself.
Best of luck Mark and I'm sure we'll see a video with lots of drama.😄
I'd also have recommended the GP5000 32mm. I have the 28mm variety mounted on some nice 52/63mm deep carbon wheels and the sound & ride feel is just amazing. Cuts through air like a dream.
Longest I've ridden is 100miles. I didn't have loads of kit beyond food and a jacket, but if I were to be out longer I'd defiantly be going down the comfort route rather than aero speed. I think the lightness of the bike will help offset the frame bag and kit, that little bit extra kit/food will be a real game changer IMO. Sometimes a little comfort goes a long way!
It absolutely pissed it down last year towards the end of the event and was reallllly cold going through cheddar gorge, specially if like me you where still riding up it after sunset. Make sure you've got a decent rain jacket 😎
Another great video and I'll be keeping my eye out for you on the day! This will be my first time doing CTS and training hasn't really gone to plan so far.
Good luck Mark; Here's hoping you'll make the ride all the way
Hi Mark. I did the C2C in a day ride a few years ago and really want to do CTS so best of luck to ya. Any discomfort after a 3 hour ride needs addressing as it will be hell after 9 hrs and could cause injury.
Can't wait for your video of the ride.
Hi Mark I would just like to say I too am a fan of the minimalist set up…in all seriousness love your videos
Good luck Mark - sounds painful but I have confidence you’ll nail it.
Inspirational stuff this channel, and cycling is my first love so this one is particularly inspiring! I really need to get off my fat behind and lose some weight and get back out on my bike! Good luck Mark 💪
Love the color scheme of the shoes matching the bike 👍🏻👍🏻
Yeah 205 miles is no joke, speaking as someone with a couple of centuries (which nearly killed me) under my belt, this is going to be a big test! I think I heard this as a general rule of thumb, that a century ride is equivalent to a marathon distance run, which kind of adds up, so you are well into ultra-marathon exertion for a 205 mile ride. Good luck! My focus has turned from cycling firmly into running so far this year, mainly thanks to your channel!
I'm doing my first ever 100 mile cycle next month and while training, I have realised nutrition is most important for me. Getting that fuel in before I need it has always been a bit foreign to me, but the results speak for themselves. I'm sure you've got that nailed Mark, but I thought I'd share anyway as it's been huge for me. I've got eating and drinking prompts on my Garmin head unit set up which are a big help.
Looking forward to this one! If i can make a suggestion it would be work up your trip length and get used to the hours in. After 5 + hours things start to feel less comfortable. Aslo fueling would be easiest to mess up. Need to have thise carbs and electrolytes coming in regularly.
If it's any consolation I had a similar amount of experience on a bike and entered a 120 mile race/sportive from Belfast to Dublin. It was an intense day out but doable. I'd compare the distance to a marathon on a bike. Best tip I'd give is enjoy the ride ...make modest goals and adjust as necessary. Take chaff precautions seriously! Best of Luck 😀
I'll see you there really looking forward it
Comprehensive preparation there Mark - very impressive.
All the best on the ride and most of all, enjoy it.
been doing a lot of long distance cyckling. you look ready. I lubricated my trouses everytime for long distance. will prevent a bad behind. for short distance it dont matter but when over 12 hours it do I think. good ride
Good luck! Tempting me to try a similar coast to coast... Double bib shorts for extra support on an endurance ride (although don't have to be £255 each!)
Sweet bike. Looking forward to the event video
Something that almost never gets included in bike kit are: mirrors. Perhaps because many are poor design/quality. But a great pair of end of bar mirrors (e.g. IRBM Italian Road Bike Mirror for Road Bicycle, which I use) have been incredibly useful for me on long rides. I think an argument against is that they don't look cool (not true) and stop riders looking over their shoulders, which is arguably the best way to check for traffic approaching from behind (as it is for motorbikes). But it's also not true. I do both. But having mirrors at the end of the handlebars means I can pretty constantly check what's coming my way just by momentarily glancing down, without having to turn my head and take a hand off the handlebar to look round properly. With a discreet pair of mirrors I see approaching vehicles long before a bike radar registers it (double so at night due to approaching headlights being visible from a long way back) - just as the mirrors on my motorbike do. It means I'm prepared for passing vehicles without being surprised by them. I've often wondered why they don't come as standard for road bikes. Best of luck for the race.
Love the bike and good luck with the race (its always a race). I was looking thinking the saddle looks too nose-down, then you mentioned that your triceps fatigue which is a classic symptom of a saddle that is too nose down. I dont know if you have had a bike fit but it might be something to look at. It wont bother you on an hour ride but over a full day - you want it to be right!
I should have watched the rest of the video before writing this comment...
@@bravehartley I was about to comment "it's literally in the video 😆" :)
Thumbs up for the seatpost. I have a similar parallelogram seat post (Suntour NCX) and it makes a huge difference for comfort. Sure it is heavier, but for 16 hours, I suspect comfort is key.
Congratulations on selling the TT bike. Having gear that you don't use brings a lot of negative energy, a sense of unaccomplishment. The gravel bike with the proper tyres and the TT bar won't be much slower but much more versatile and comfortable. About the suspension post, the issue with these is that the seat height varies and you feel it. At least this one moves backwards, the older ones move forwards towards the BB - the worst possible direction. I have the Ergon CF3 Pro Carbon / Canyon VCLS 2.0 on my MTB hardtail and I love it. With your long seat post extension you will have bigger movement range. But it is an arc with the center closer to the BB so the effective seat height does not change significantly.
Good luck Mark. Looking forward to the follow up.
Mark it’s the perfect bike for a 200 mile ride. Great video, I also do ultra long bike rides . It’s about comfort, comfort,comfort and comfort. I’m happy to share more info if you want. Good luck
Have a look at fidlock or side load bottle cages. I always find top loading cages with a frame bag a pain.
I have always had bad luck with traditional tubes as spares, they seem to always have leaks. Get some TPU tubes as spares and some TPU patch kits, I use Pirelli Cinaturato Smartube. Yes they cost more, a lot more, but they are worth it.
The aero bars will not only be a different position for comfort, but they'll make a HUGE difference to your efficiency. Apparently they save up to 30 - 40 watts depending on your speed and wind speed.
I did 204 miles having only been cycling, or doing any cardio for that matter for 18 months. It was tough, mostly because my shoes were too narrow and caused a lot of pain. But I did it with an average speed of 17 mph. So I know you'll smash it. 👍🙂
You might save watts for being in the aero but you lose watts in pedal efficiency when in that position. I hope Mark and his fitter took the aero bars into consideration. I ride a TT bike in the aero position and couldn’t imagine riding an Ironman on that saddle. I ride an ISM noseless saddle and it keeps the pressure off the perineal area
@@NockOn1 I ride a Specialized Roubaix Elite with TT bars, and haven't found any difference in my ability to sustain high power. I use a noseless saddle too.
Nice bike and setup. I would however consider something wider than a 32mm for your size (no offence). Changing from 42mm (they look like pathfinder pro tyres) to the road ones 10mm narrower might be a shock, even on the road. 34 or even up to 38 with lower pressure will make barely any rolling resistance difference and a lot more comfort. Really enjoy the content and best of luck!
I had 32mm on the TT bike so hoping they are ok. I will try them for a few training rides and see. 👍🏼
Terrible advice for a 200 mile road ride. 32 mm are massive already
They don’t even make fast road tyres in >32mm.
That isn’t true. Pro riders half the weight Mark use up to 32mm depending on the race.
I agree 32mm for a road ride is plenty big enough. But going from 42 to 32 a few weeks before the event might feel quite harsh, as stated.
Class, I think your bike is much better suited to you than a road bike for such a long distance considering your body isn't used to sitting in the position for so long.
One thing I would do is change your tyres to some slicks you'll notice a massive distance in speed. A pair of 30 or 32mm gp5000s would be excellent. Probably find you'll be about 1-2mph faster on them. Huge amount over a 16 hour ride.
I'd also spend most of your time training for the event sat in the aero bars to get used to the position. I generally find I'm a couple miles an hour faster on mine.
Good luck Mark. I'm rooting for you.
I reckon you’ve took a really sensible approach to this Mark, I’ve only ever done one 200 mile ride so probably not qualified to make suggestions but what I found was that I didn’t eat enough “real” food and after 10 hours I couldn’t face another gel or carb drink. If I did another ride like this I would aim to somehow take more substantial food with me, of course this comes with its own challenges but you do have some frame bags 👍
I did my first 150 miler last weekend after a dozen or so previous 100s. And, I _definitely_ experienced this at almost exactly the same time. Roughly 10h in, my body rebelled from constant stream of carb drinks. I didn't throw up or have cramps, but I was queasy/nauseated the remaining 3 hours (yes, it took me 13 hours to do 150 miles :) )
Good luck 👍 Interesting race, I'll have to add that to my "bucket list" 🙈
Always worth carrying a CO2 canister provided your tubeless sealant is compatible, I've had a puncture when doing lands end to John o groats and the best came off one side, wouldn't have been able to pop it back without the CO2 canister, lucky it popped into the wheel and not off it or I would have lost the sealant - little pouch of sealant is also a good idea as it's such a long ride - or a muc off BAM canister those are good.
Im racing 320km later this year, only difference is that I train specifically for cycling with a coach and regularly race xc races. Even with all my experience im still not sure if i can finish, as my longest ride to date is only about 8 hours and i was dead after that. Best of luck to you, it will be really interesting for me to see how you do before I do my event.
He will perish
you can do it knoop
All the best my cycling buddy done the Irish one last year and he had to abandon due to being to cold and under fuelled but he is doing it again this year 😁
I love your videos man. You got this! I can’t wait to hear about it
Nice, in Sweden in June there is a 315km "race" I´m attending as a cycling noob as well. Going to do some century rides in the coming weekends to prepare. What makes me feel like it´s possible is that hundreds of retired "old" people do it too every year so surely I´ll get through. But the saying is, you should have 1000km in your legs for the year before you do the race.
Lol - being 'retired' means they have alot of time on their hands -
*For* *Training* !!
Best of luck🤞
@@JibbaJabber That is well and true, most of the cyclists I see around here with all the kit are retired people!
@@bingoberra18 It might be worth having a chat with them to learn a few tricks. Either way, just make sure you get your position dialled in for comfort. Then focus on nutrition and pacing. After that it's all about the experience :)
Hi Mark
Your Race is a Race everyone guess as fast as they can. I use to do a event that was similar ( Seattle to Portland 200 Miles about 2000 meters elevation Gain) I did the One day option three different years. My best time was 10.00 Hours including breaks. The Key is racking up hours in the saddle. Also aero bars are great but most people can't tolerate them for that many hours. Get 60 mm deep aero wheels, 28C tires , aero socks, clothes etc.
the bars are more for a 10 min change of position now and then - rather than to sit on, ironman style, for hours.
@@MarkLewisfitness Speed is comfort when doing long distance rides.
All looks good to me, but then my last bike cost me £30 (2nd,3rd or 4th hand), over 25 years ago. I did manage quite a few mile on the thing before it fell apart ! All the very best with the training and the eventual race. Looking forward to it all, from the comfort of my sofa, obviously 🤣 Great content as always
Did you look at the Diverge STR when you were buying? Maybe you wouldn't have needed the 3rd party seat post? Whatever the case, looking forward to hearing how you do on the race!
the diverge was just being launched when i got mine - but the price difference is nuts. The seat post does the same job for a fraction of the cost.
Hey Mark, That Redshift system is unreal! I put one on for Paris Roubaix a couple of weeks back and was shocked at how much i loved it!
cool isnt it! I thought it look a real gimick but now love it!
Good luck 🤞. Biggest bit of advice I can give is to ensure your nutrition and fluids are not overlooked (I have reminders set to pop up on my wahoo) Hope to see you on the start line 👍
Good luck with this. We did something similar in 2015, instead of the coast to coast which is inconvenient we cycled the border of Northamptonshire as closely as possible which was 205 miles. The sunset beat us mostly due to multiple punctures (0 for me,) but we did complete in 17 hours. Have you gone tubeless? Would be my top tip!!!
Oh you just said tubeless, dyna plugs will fix most critical failures and save a tube addition!
Bike bag envy was something I never thought I’d have. (Like the set up!)
You are just like you should be. Very entertaining, technically well prepared, eloquent and with a nice, dry sense of humour 👍👍👍. Train hard, stay safe!
Nothing if not ambitious. A century is no joke. But a double century? Good luck. Good job getting your bike comfort dialed up beforehand. I am intrigued by the seat post.
You've got this, Mark. Looking forward to watching your video whilst I'm on my static bike 10 000km challenge! Best wishes, Chris
Check the rule book of this event whether aero bars are allowed!
I recommend using frame protection for your lovely bike when running frame bags.
I like the used look 😂