Isle of Man End 2 End Preparations

It’s not long to go until the Isle of Man End 2 End Mountain Bike challenge (I’m calling it a challenge, not a race!) and as is customary I don’t feel at all ready!

1. I haven’t done many long rides. I did do one on Sunday but it was only 36 miles as opposed to 46 miles for the End 2 End. Also, I started in the hills at 1200 feet and ended up at home at sea level. The total climb for the whole ride was only 3,326 feet compared to around 5,000 feet on the End 2 End. I need to do some longer, hillier rides to make sure I can complete it.

2. My bike isn’t ready – The chain is worn and needs replacing, the gear cables are sticky and need replacing and worse still the frame is cracked and needs replacing. I’ve so far had no success with contacting the manufacturers / importers regarding a warranty replacement though. Time therefore to check my back-up bike, an old Specialized Rockhopper hard-tail. Most things seem OK on it but the rear brake doesn’t work and needs bleeding.

3. It’s a lot closer than I thought. Less than 4 weeks in fact which just isn’t enough time for me to get fit and get ready – Time to start panicking!

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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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