Sleepless in the Saddle 2009 – What will I need?

Don’t want to worry anyone (least of all myself), but it is only 38 days to Sleepless in the Saddle 2009. For those who don’t know, it is a 24 hour mountain bike race around Catton Park in Derbyshire and as a I’m a glutton for punishment I’ve signed up to do it.

Sounds hardcore, but I should point out that I’ll be doing it as part of a team, not solo, but even so, riding a lap in the early hours of the morning whilst sleep deprived through potential mud and pouring rain will probably be quite a test!

SO, those of you who are experts at this sort of thing, what do I need to buy to make life a little easier. I’m going to make sure I have enough fresh sets of cycling kit (shorts and top) for each stint on the bike. I shall take a job lot of wet wipes to keep me fresh between laps.

I already have a tent, mattress and sleeping bag (although I doubt that I’ll get any sleep). I will take a chair and might take a gazebo for the team to chill out under and will of course take some energy drinks, haribo fangtastics and such like to keep my energy up. An iPod may come in handy and some warm comfortable clothes for hanging around in.

What else will I need? (Don’t worry I won’t forget my bikes!). Does anyone have a little tips that they want to share? I’m going to need all the help I can get!

9 Responses

  1. Avatar forComment Author Dan says:

    Conti Speed King 2.1s seems to be a good tyre choice for the terrain.

    Lights and backup lights or a petzl backup at the very least.

  2. Avatar forComment Author Alan says:

    Thanks Dan.. I have a Conti Speed King that I got as a spot prize from the Dyfi Enduro so that could be used.

    Lights… I’d better not forget those!

    Al.

  3. Avatar forComment Author Red Kite says:

    You can get an amazing fold up barbecue that doubles as a camp fire. They are the size of a carrier bag when folded and you can get few people around it (Iwantoneofthose.com) They are only about £16 and would be good for cooking breakfast or just staying warm in the gazebo between circuits.
    We use them at caching events and really take up no space at all. They are environmentally friendly too as they don’t scorch the grass.

  4. Avatar forComment Author Jazid says:

    Did it last year – it was very wet and windy – so recommend a Gazebo if you want to stand up outside to socialise/bitch about the weather.

  5. Avatar forComment Author Alan says:

    Cheers Jazid… I did already have the gazebo in my list of things to take as I too thought it would provide a nice communal place for the ‘team’.. Although if its that windy we’ll have to stand on each corner holding it down all the time!

  6. Avatar forComment Author Jazid says:

    Well , we had two gazebos last year and ended up with rope lashing one together (it died at the corner joint) and we had to lash a pole to the other.
    This year we have bought something more substantial – but we wait and see if it was wise money.

    Id also recommend a table of some description and a washing up bowl (but your team may be more organised than mine).

    Oh and lots of socks and a couple of towels!

  7. Avatar forComment Author Martin Davies says:

    Bring a sense of humour! I have not done one for 5 years! did one every year from the very first 24 red bull in 98 I think….
    Bring plenty of past and rice packs that cook in 2-3 mins as you wont be bothered when you come of the track and its important your in it for the full 24hrs.
    2 TOWELS as you cant dry the buggers, quick chargers for lights otherwise you will need 24 boxes of swan vesta’s!!!!

    See you there.

  8. Avatar forComment Author Alan says:

    Painkillers and decongestant too as I seem to have developed the worst timed cold ever. Hope it’s not Swine Flu and I hope I can shake it off in the next 24 hours.

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Alan Cole

Alan is a Freelance Website Designer, Sports & Exercise Science Lab Technician and full time Dad & husband with far too many hobbies: Triathlete, Swimming, Cycling, Running, MTBing, Surfing, Windsurfing, SUPing, Gardening, Photography.... The list goes on.

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