Monthly Newsletter - February 2011
Nutrition
That should give you enough flexibility for most weather conditions. The next big one to consider is nutrition. At over 200km linear and 5km vertical ... you can't eat and drink too much. However if you don't take in enough of either ... you won't be finishing. Bonking (as it is referred to is serious). Some people find it difficult in eat and ride over long periods of time. If you are one of these people I would suggest that you look at carbohydrates that come in a liquid form. In this way you can add them to you electrolytes drinks and not suffer from lack of food. You should try this before the event though. NEVER test new procedures on the day of a big event or race. You should aim to take in a full bidden of fluids every hour. So don't carry your spare tubes and gas in one of your drink holders on the frame of the bike, as you will need these for carrying TWO fluid containers. Spares of tubes (2) and pump or CO2 will need to be carried in your jersey. TFM carry a select range of high quality nutritional products such as Endura and Torq. Drop in and see them and they will explain the pros and cons of each and the amounts that you would need to take with you.
Bike Checks
You need to make sure your bike is in pristine condition for a ride like this. It will be tough enough without battling against your bike. These roads are not like Beach Rd. They are rough and TFM lost count of how many tubes they went through last year. Go to this event with new tyres! If your old ones aren't too bad, put them back on after the event. Brake pads get a severe bashing on an event such as this. Don't make the mistake of checking them or other parts on your bike and thinking that they have last 3 months already so they will be ok for this event. Consider this single day a three month wear and tear on your consumable parts!
OK so you've done the training and all your check boxes have been ticked. Set two alarms for the day. The main one and the back up one! Have everything ready the night before and put notes on your bike to remember to get things out of fridge etc. Enjoy the day and remember not to push yourself. You should always be thinking, "I can go faster than this". If you take the approach that, "I'm going as fast as I can" then at some point you are likely to blow. Believe me, you will gain far greater satisfaction in finishing the event than collapsing in a mess close to finishing.
Enjoy the event and we would love to publish some recollections of the event. Just shoot us off an email at tfmceltic@gmail.com and we'll publish some in next months newsletter. Don't forget to include a picture of you.
Product of the Month: Aussie Butt Cream
It's no coincidence that we've chosen to highlight this product for February. With the 3 Peaks Challenge just around the corner, this product will certainly make the journey a more comfortable one. All TFM store stock this down under product for a down under problem!
3 Peaks 2011
As far as challenge rides go, it doesn't get much harder than this. As a matter of fact I would strongly recommend not attempting it if you have not been doing some training for the event. For those that are going - you'll be pleased to know that you will be well looked after by TFM, one of the major sponsors of the event this year. TFM will be providing mechanical support for the event and they will be a very visible presence at the event, providing last minute spare parts and service options and nutritional goods. As a matter of fact if you are wearing either a TFM jersey or knick on the day of the event any mechanical work will be provided free of labour charges.
Hey you can't get better than that! So make sure you are wearing one or both of these items at the event. If you've worn your out ... they will be selling them at the event as well.
TFM, as sponsors of the event are giving away 2 free tickets to the 3 Peaks Challenge. To go into the running simply contact the Port Melbourne store and say you read the newsletter and then ask to go into the draw.
Challenge Ride Check and tick lists:
The first thing you need to consider for an event like this one is that you are very likely to experience extreme temperature variations. One the flats on the lower altitudes of Tawaonga Gap is could be in the high 30's, while at the higher altitudes of Falls and Hotham that could plunge to single digits. This needs to accounted for in the clothing that you select to take along. The reality is that you need elements of kit from the four seasons. Because you'll be experiencing these variations on the one ride, flexibility becomes imperative. A visit to any of the TFM stores can help. As a matter of fact, putting your whole planned kit in a bag and taking it down to Adrian or Annette at Port Melbourne (or any of the other stores) isn't a bad idea as they are more than willing to give advice here.
My Recommendations:
Always start with the standard kit: Jersey bib-knicks, undershirt. Add to this items that can be added or subtracted from the standard kit. These include,
- arm warmers,
- leg/knee warmers
- sunglasses (Best option here are some photo-chromatic lens type, all the TFM stores sell them. Yes they can be expensive, they range from $169 - $450 but well worth the outlay. You'll have limited pocket space for carrying and with the possible large variation in light conditions, you can just leave the same pair on all day. I believe that the best of these are the Euro, Oakley and Rudy Project varieties. TFM stock these but not at all stores.),
- vest (gillet) you can also go the and/or option of a rain vest. The more compact and breathable ones are usually the least rain resistant ones, but it all helps and bulk is not your friend on these days.
- If the weather report is not promising I would opt for a rain jacket rather than a vest. Again it will need to be one that can go in a back pocket of your vest.
- Gloves. Standard fingerless gloves should be ok for the whole event but again be aware of the "local" weather forecast an if looking bleak I sometimes bring a thin pair of ling finger gloves that fit underneath my standard gloves.
Editors Cheat Note:
I hate taking anything I don't have to or holding onto something I no longer have a use for, so on any long ride like this, I take a self addressed Express Post bag and dump anything I don't need at the first mail box I see.
ie. if it turns out to be a warm day, there won't be much of a need for warmers, jacket etc. past Dinner Plain
The Freedom Machine :: Port Melbourne
265-267 Bay St. Port Melbourne 3207
Tel (03) 9681 8533
Fax (03) 9681 8609
portmelb@freedommachine.com.au
The Freedom Machine :: Prahran
245 Chapel St. Prahran 3181
Tel (03) 9510 1010
Fax (03) 9521 3969
prahran@freedommachine.com.au
The Freedom Machine :: Brighton
76 Church St. Brighton 3186
Tel (03) 9592 5199
Fax (03) 9530 5122
brighton@freedommachine.com.au
The Freedom Machine :: Williamstown.
63 Stevedore St. Williamstown 3016
Tel (03) 93975300
Fax (03) 93999655
willy@freedommachine.com.au