Anyone At Straphpuffer This Wend?
Discussion
Just packing my bits now looking forward to it, come round so quick entered online in hospital on Nov 20th after reading a magazine called Outdoor Fitness, then purchased my second hand steed.
I'll be the bloke at the back with clothing from Aldis, lights from Hong Kong and a pair of trainers on.
Truth be told Ive rode once at night round Cannock so need to get my head into gear for that.
Matt ITR, how many sets of pads do you suggest I need? Any other good tips? Much appreciated.
I'll be the bloke at the back with clothing from Aldis, lights from Hong Kong and a pair of trainers on.
Truth be told Ive rode once at night round Cannock so need to get my head into gear for that.
Matt ITR, how many sets of pads do you suggest I need? Any other good tips? Much appreciated.
Take as many as you can!
Minimum 5 sets I would say. 10 would be better, they won't go to waste afterwards and you will be kicking yourself if you run out mid race.
Make sure you know how to change them under torch light as well
I won't be there myself, but will be following progress online.
Good luck!
Minimum 5 sets I would say. 10 would be better, they won't go to waste afterwards and you will be kicking yourself if you run out mid race.
Make sure you know how to change them under torch light as well
I won't be there myself, but will be following progress online.
Good luck!
tuffer said:
As in 10 sets of brake pads? WTF, just got my first bike with disks so how often will I be looking at replacing them?
If your doing this:http://www.strathpuffer.co.uk/home
Its supposed to chew them fairly quickly.
Thanks Matt currently writing another list out! What worries me is my list mainly contains items of food.
theboymoon said:
been following this for a while, good luck dude.
Considering circumstance, if you are still going at the end then that's a phenomenal achievement!
Many thanks for that.Considering circumstance, if you are still going at the end then that's a phenomenal achievement!
Matt have had a new rear set put in today, brakes have also been bleed, have brought another 4 sets, had to buy original Juicy 7 pads so not the cheapest, if I run out I'll put the top of my trainer on the rear tyre
Can you return the expensive pads? These are very good value for money -
http://superstar.tibolts.co.uk/index.php?cPath=21&...
http://superstar.tibolts.co.uk/index.php?cPath=21&...
Beyond Rational said:
Can you return the expensive pads? These are very good value for money -
http://superstar.tibolts.co.uk/index.php?cPath=21&...
Thank you for the link, as usual in my life i'd left it to late and in rush mode, I have saved the link though for future reference.http://superstar.tibolts.co.uk/index.php?cPath=21&...
rhinochopig said:
Why the suggestion for so many pads? I've done a few 24 hour races - one of which was in the worst conditions I've ever pedalled in mud wise - and didn't even go through one set. A spare set I could understand.
Sounds like you know better than me then, this guy writes for a mountain bike mag and seemed to go through plenty so may not be a novice thing:http://www.bikeradar.com/mtb/news/article/tackling...
Plenty of pics of the pads he went through towards the bottom, I also know Matt ITR has completed it.
996 sps said:
Sounds like you know better than me then, this guy writes for a mountain bike mag and seemed to go through plenty so may not be a novice thing:
http://www.bikeradar.com/mtb/news/article/tackling...
Plenty of pics of the pads he went through towards the bottom, I also know Matt ITR has completed it.
Thanks for linking to my article, I hope it helped http://www.bikeradar.com/mtb/news/article/tackling...
Plenty of pics of the pads he went through towards the bottom, I also know Matt ITR has completed it.
Reason for needed so many brake pads is the type of ground conditions. The rocks are basalt, which is very fine and very hard when this mixes with mud then it becomes a grinding paste that destroys everything on the bike. I was changing brake pads every 3-4 laps and used over 10 sets (as a pair).
Riding solo there is the potential to do even more laps (I think I did 15 laps, winning soloist did 24 laps).
Everything about the event sounds crazy and a bit stupid, but it is brilliant. Enjoy it!
And if there is a big crowd of people at the top of the hill, say hello. Group of my friends who race it every year.
I just hope it isn't too mild. Mild = mud
Edit:
Beyond Rational said:
Pads from 5 different brakes in that picture 
That picture was from a team of riders.This is a picture of mine... just a sample of the worst worn pads, I had loads more that still had a tiny amount of backing left.
Edited by matt-ITR on Thursday 5th January 10:19
Edited by matt-ITR on Thursday 5th January 10:20
matt-ITR said:
996 sps said:
Sounds like you know better than me then, this guy writes for a mountain bike mag and seemed to go through plenty so may not be a novice thing:
http://www.bikeradar.com/mtb/news/article/tackling...
Plenty of pics of the pads he went through towards the bottom, I also know Matt ITR has completed it.
Thanks for linking to my article, I hope it helped http://www.bikeradar.com/mtb/news/article/tackling...
Plenty of pics of the pads he went through towards the bottom, I also know Matt ITR has completed it.
Reason for needed so many brake pads is the type of ground conditions. The rocks are basalt, which is very fine and very hard when this mixes with mud then it becomes a grinding paste that destroys everything on the bike. I was changing brake pads every 3-4 laps and used over 10 sets (as a pair).
Riding solo there is the potential to do even more laps (I think I did 15 laps, winning soloist did 24 laps).
Everything about the event sounds crazy and a bit stupid, but it is brilliant. Enjoy it!
And if there is a big crowd of people at the top of the hill, say hello. Group of my friends who race it every year.
I just hope it isn't too mild. Mild = mud
Edit:
Beyond Rational said:
Pads from 5 different brakes in that picture
That picture was from a team of riders.This is a picture of mine... just a sample of the worst worn pads, I had loads more that still had a tiny amount of backing left.
Edited by matt-ITR on Thursday 5th January 10:19
Edited by matt-ITR on Thursday 5th January 10:20
Matt your article was really useful, didn't realise it was you, I also read this the other night from an Enduro rider who has won a number of 24 Hour events, Alex Slaven, interesting what he mentions about what makes the Straphpuffer that bit harder they most events he's done:
Edited to add he also went through pads in 2 laps on some occassions on the Puffer:
Rehearsals for the village pantomime (I'm the dame) has curtailed training rides a tad, though I have been able to run through my lines when I'm out on the hills.
Luckily Alex Slaven, a legend of the 24-hour enduro race scene, has been mentoring me over the last couple of months.
Alex is built like Bob Cratchett but has the heart of a lion, the lungs of something with really big lungs and the mental strength of Nelson Mandela.
He's not as good looking as Kelly Rowland but knows a helluva lot more about bikes, hill climbing techniques and saddle sores than the American songstress.
Alex, who retired from competitive riding this year following some bad injuries, has won the Strathpuffer a couple times.
In 2010 the Leslie Bike Shop team rider racked up 23 laps, that's 23 laps, of the 8 mile course in 23 hours 48 minutes and 35 seconds.
An astonishing effort.
Here's Alex's guide to the sharp end of racing the Puffer.
What makes the Puffer so special?
The strathpuffer is special because it is the only 24hour ultra endurance MTB race held in January in the UK. Just to make it even tougher they hold this event in Strathpeffer in the north of Scotland where arctic weather adds to the fun !
The weather and terrain are a true test for (wo)man and machine and perfect planning and preparation are required to be successful. Every serious endurance racer wants the puffer on their palmares - this bad boy is the daddy of them all.
What's your favourite part of the course?
The puffer course is great fun with a mix of technical rock and natural root and mudfest sections mixed with tough fire road climbs and trail centre type descents, although my favourite part on the course is anywhere that has a marshal's station.
In truly horrendous weather these dedicated guys and gals will be huddled round brazier fires cheering every competitor on their way as music blares from their land rovers and sparks fly off popping logs and wood smoke scents the air - they never let up, willing you on all day and night - a very special atmosphere indeed.
During the race where can most time be made up?
During the race time can be made up anywhere - just pedal harder !!! But most of all just ride smoothly for a fast lap time.
What makes a good pit crew?
Being on the support crew is a tough job, every bit as hard for them as it is for the rider.
A good support crew has to be dedicated to the task of maintaining bikes in good order for the whole event in awful conditions, working with frozen hands in buckets of icy water, constantly trying to keep gears and brakes running sweetly while the Puffer fights back with bike-wrecking grit and mud.
They also have to anticipate their rider coming in after completing another lap and be ready to change bikes or to swap drinks bottles and have some hot food prepared if needed.
My spannerman at all the events I have entered was my mate Paul Murray and he is a legend! Very organized and totally unflappable when the sh..' snow' hits the fan, never any dramas with Paul supporting.
What bikes and kit did you use?
The kit I take to these races has to be totally reliable - the puffer will punish anything that's not up to the job
BIKES - SPECIALIZED AND GIANT do the business
TYRES - Specialized s - works and Shwalbe ICE tyres are my preference
BRAKE PADS - I just empty the shelves at LESLIE BIKE SHOP as puffer mud can eat pads in as little as 2 laps. I also keep all my old part worn pads from throughout the season as back up's should I run out of new pads.
What modifications did you make if any?
The No1 modification I would recommend has to be tubeless ready tyres - less punctures, less weight , more traction and they roll faster - what's not to like ?
Another good tip is to heat up your drinking water (just to lukewarm though) as you will be cold enough without drinking freezing cold energy drinks during the puffer.
What kit did you wear?
What lighting combination did you use? How did you manage batteries?
The lights I use and recommend are AYE-UP lights from Australia, very light and very long burn times indeed - in fact these batteries are so light I recon that they are empty boxes...only containing witchcraft.
I run a set of lights on my handlebars and a set on my Specialized helmet - they do the business for a 24 hour race.
What was your nutrition/rehydration plan?
I use Power bar and Sis products for all my racing needs, although during the puffer I will also take on porridge and Mums homemade chicken and pasta soup ( although the recipe for this is top secret - sorry!)
A strong mental approach is key to completing the Puffer - what kept you going during the long dark hours?
The Strathpuffer 24 is in a league of 1 in the UK, it will try to break you mentally and physically so you need to be able to keep yourself motivated and focused on your goal. Every rider will go through some tough times on the bike and your subconscious will try it's best to make you quit, you have to conquer this by drawing on all you're inner strength.
I will think of all my teamates who are willing me on and I don't want to let them down by not giving my best.
I also think of the people who have inspired me over the years with superhuman endurance, such as Lance Armstrong, Ellen MacArthur, Graham Obree and people with great talent and modesty such as TT legend Joey Dunlop , they show us what can be achieved with a careful methodical approach and a never say die attitude.
Completing 1 lap every hour is an astonishing achievement - any specific tips for finishing the event?
To complete a 24 hours race on the bike you can't approach it thinking of racing non stop for this duration of time.
Instead break the event up mentally into smaller chunks of time - say for example blocks of 4x6 hours and reward yourself with a small rest / break to mark these achievements.
Have something to look forward to like a hot meal and a change out of wet kit. Warm dry shoes and gloves can make a massive difference to your morale when you are feeling wrecked - but don't waste too much time at the pitstop as you're muscles will start to seize up with the cold and fatigue - best to get back out for another lap.
Any training tips?
Training tips for this event include spending long, cold nights out on your own in all weathers in the hills - there is always more speed in your legs than you think when something makes a scary noise near you as you are pedalling through a dark spooky forest at night.
Lots of hill intervals should be included as part of your training and some epic distance rides of at least 6 hours at the weekend all help.
Most important though is good all-round bike fitness and good core stability. I use a fully rigid bike with no suspension to build stamina and promote good bike handling skills but don't use this bike during the race as is a bit unforgiving when fatigue sets in.
My No1 tip is that I ride and train with the best riders in Scotland - The Leslie Bike Shop team is the stepping stone to successful racing.
Anything else you want to tell us about The Puffer?
The Puffer is THE best organized, best marshalled and the toughest 24hour MTB endurance race in Scotland/UK.
It is officially rated as one of the worlds top 10 toughest races. With competitors coming from all over the world to take on the challenge of ice, blizzards, gales, horizontal sleet, rain and ...even occasionally... the sunny course that is the Strathpuffer 24.
It is a testament to the dedication of the team who organize this unique event and SQUARE WHEELS CYCLES - WE SALUTE YOU !!!
Edited to add he also went through pads in 2 laps on some occassions on the Puffer:
Rehearsals for the village pantomime (I'm the dame) has curtailed training rides a tad, though I have been able to run through my lines when I'm out on the hills.
Luckily Alex Slaven, a legend of the 24-hour enduro race scene, has been mentoring me over the last couple of months.
Alex is built like Bob Cratchett but has the heart of a lion, the lungs of something with really big lungs and the mental strength of Nelson Mandela.
He's not as good looking as Kelly Rowland but knows a helluva lot more about bikes, hill climbing techniques and saddle sores than the American songstress.
Alex, who retired from competitive riding this year following some bad injuries, has won the Strathpuffer a couple times.
In 2010 the Leslie Bike Shop team rider racked up 23 laps, that's 23 laps, of the 8 mile course in 23 hours 48 minutes and 35 seconds.
An astonishing effort.
Here's Alex's guide to the sharp end of racing the Puffer.
What makes the Puffer so special?
The strathpuffer is special because it is the only 24hour ultra endurance MTB race held in January in the UK. Just to make it even tougher they hold this event in Strathpeffer in the north of Scotland where arctic weather adds to the fun !
The weather and terrain are a true test for (wo)man and machine and perfect planning and preparation are required to be successful. Every serious endurance racer wants the puffer on their palmares - this bad boy is the daddy of them all.
What's your favourite part of the course?
The puffer course is great fun with a mix of technical rock and natural root and mudfest sections mixed with tough fire road climbs and trail centre type descents, although my favourite part on the course is anywhere that has a marshal's station.
In truly horrendous weather these dedicated guys and gals will be huddled round brazier fires cheering every competitor on their way as music blares from their land rovers and sparks fly off popping logs and wood smoke scents the air - they never let up, willing you on all day and night - a very special atmosphere indeed.
During the race where can most time be made up?
During the race time can be made up anywhere - just pedal harder !!! But most of all just ride smoothly for a fast lap time.
What makes a good pit crew?
Being on the support crew is a tough job, every bit as hard for them as it is for the rider.
A good support crew has to be dedicated to the task of maintaining bikes in good order for the whole event in awful conditions, working with frozen hands in buckets of icy water, constantly trying to keep gears and brakes running sweetly while the Puffer fights back with bike-wrecking grit and mud.
They also have to anticipate their rider coming in after completing another lap and be ready to change bikes or to swap drinks bottles and have some hot food prepared if needed.
My spannerman at all the events I have entered was my mate Paul Murray and he is a legend! Very organized and totally unflappable when the sh..' snow' hits the fan, never any dramas with Paul supporting.
What bikes and kit did you use?
The kit I take to these races has to be totally reliable - the puffer will punish anything that's not up to the job
BIKES - SPECIALIZED AND GIANT do the business
TYRES - Specialized s - works and Shwalbe ICE tyres are my preference
BRAKE PADS - I just empty the shelves at LESLIE BIKE SHOP as puffer mud can eat pads in as little as 2 laps. I also keep all my old part worn pads from throughout the season as back up's should I run out of new pads.
What modifications did you make if any?
The No1 modification I would recommend has to be tubeless ready tyres - less punctures, less weight , more traction and they roll faster - what's not to like ?
Another good tip is to heat up your drinking water (just to lukewarm though) as you will be cold enough without drinking freezing cold energy drinks during the puffer.
What kit did you wear?
- *GRATUITOUS PLUG ALERT***
What lighting combination did you use? How did you manage batteries?
The lights I use and recommend are AYE-UP lights from Australia, very light and very long burn times indeed - in fact these batteries are so light I recon that they are empty boxes...only containing witchcraft.
I run a set of lights on my handlebars and a set on my Specialized helmet - they do the business for a 24 hour race.
What was your nutrition/rehydration plan?
I use Power bar and Sis products for all my racing needs, although during the puffer I will also take on porridge and Mums homemade chicken and pasta soup ( although the recipe for this is top secret - sorry!)
A strong mental approach is key to completing the Puffer - what kept you going during the long dark hours?
The Strathpuffer 24 is in a league of 1 in the UK, it will try to break you mentally and physically so you need to be able to keep yourself motivated and focused on your goal. Every rider will go through some tough times on the bike and your subconscious will try it's best to make you quit, you have to conquer this by drawing on all you're inner strength.
I will think of all my teamates who are willing me on and I don't want to let them down by not giving my best.
I also think of the people who have inspired me over the years with superhuman endurance, such as Lance Armstrong, Ellen MacArthur, Graham Obree and people with great talent and modesty such as TT legend Joey Dunlop , they show us what can be achieved with a careful methodical approach and a never say die attitude.
Completing 1 lap every hour is an astonishing achievement - any specific tips for finishing the event?
To complete a 24 hours race on the bike you can't approach it thinking of racing non stop for this duration of time.
Instead break the event up mentally into smaller chunks of time - say for example blocks of 4x6 hours and reward yourself with a small rest / break to mark these achievements.
Have something to look forward to like a hot meal and a change out of wet kit. Warm dry shoes and gloves can make a massive difference to your morale when you are feeling wrecked - but don't waste too much time at the pitstop as you're muscles will start to seize up with the cold and fatigue - best to get back out for another lap.
Any training tips?
Training tips for this event include spending long, cold nights out on your own in all weathers in the hills - there is always more speed in your legs than you think when something makes a scary noise near you as you are pedalling through a dark spooky forest at night.
Lots of hill intervals should be included as part of your training and some epic distance rides of at least 6 hours at the weekend all help.
Most important though is good all-round bike fitness and good core stability. I use a fully rigid bike with no suspension to build stamina and promote good bike handling skills but don't use this bike during the race as is a bit unforgiving when fatigue sets in.
My No1 tip is that I ride and train with the best riders in Scotland - The Leslie Bike Shop team is the stepping stone to successful racing.
Anything else you want to tell us about The Puffer?
The Puffer is THE best organized, best marshalled and the toughest 24hour MTB endurance race in Scotland/UK.
It is officially rated as one of the worlds top 10 toughest races. With competitors coming from all over the world to take on the challenge of ice, blizzards, gales, horizontal sleet, rain and ...even occasionally... the sunny course that is the Strathpuffer 24.
It is a testament to the dedication of the team who organize this unique event and SQUARE WHEELS CYCLES - WE SALUTE YOU !!!
Edited by 996 sps on Thursday 5th January 17:02
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