400k

[DooBlood]

Having never ridden a 400k, was wondering what one would advise to take?

 

[JonnyBlade]

Your medication lol

 

[DooBlood]

Thanks Jonny

 

[JonnyBlade]

I have 1061k to ride in 4 days with a half marathon in between September this year. I'm after tips too!

 

[JonnyBlade]

Oh yes SB

 

[ACS]

Oh yes SB

Sorry Jonny I deleted the comment because I thought on reflection it was not in keeping with the question. I have never ridden a 400km, just 1x 200km (Deeside Loop) and based on that experience I would say emergency rations. I bonked at about 90 miles, 10 miles from a check point and every pedal turn hurt. Eaten everything I had, I was grovelling up the old Military road toward Glenshee and feck all left in the tank. Got to the hotel and just got wired into every morsal I could find.

Lost about hour recovering and George Berwick (All hail the Lord of the Audax) offered to ride the last leg with me, which I was grateful for, more than I expressed at time something which I regret. A selfless act which IMO epitomises the spirit of Audax riding.

Have a great ride

 

[JonnyBlade]

SB Kudos to all distance riders. I've never been past 101m and the plan is 160 a day. We'll have a support vehicle so will be fed and watered but it's a marathon event. What's the 400k for if you don't mind me asking?

 

[Greenbank]

Having never ridden a 400k, was wondering what one would advise to take?

Up to a 200km ride: Toolkit (multi-tool, chain tool, spoke key, leatherman mini with knife and pliers), puncture repair kit, 2 spare tubes, mini-pump, spare cash, spare chain links (for fixed), spare stuff bag (SPD cleat, various bolts), zipties, latex gloves (keep hands clean when doing any repairs), electrical tape, lightweight rain jacket (Montane Featherlite), phone, wallet, keys, lights mounted to bike, ibuprofen/plasters/antiseptic-wipes, spare brake blocks

Also, depending on the weather (rain/cold): swap jacket for a proper one (Gore Alp-X), knee warmers, arm warmers, leg warmers, thicker gloves

non-summer rides (where there may be night riding): add on Petzl head torch (emergency front light plus useful for repairs).

300km ride: add a folding tyre, maybe another tube, Portapow battery pack (to keep GPS and/or phone topped up). Spare lights (lightweight ones that would do in an emergency).

400km+: maybe another pair of mitts, Pro-Plus (may need to stay awake...)

Don't really add much on top of that for 400km or 600km.

For 1000km and further: spare jersey(s), shorts and socks.

Bonk rations (chocolate flapjack or the like) in little tri-bag behind the stem. For 300km+ rides I'd have something else, like a sandwich or pasty in the main bag. For some 600s (like the Bryan Chapman which has a 100km+ stretch at night with no shops/pubs/garages open) I'd be carrying a couple of bits of food just in case.

I have a Creek2Peak rackpack that's about 15L which gives me enough space for all of the above, plus spare space if I need to throw some food in there. Just resist the temptation to fill it before you've set off.

Two water bottles (750ml each). Topped up before leaving each control (after drinking whatever I need to at the control). Zym or Nuun tablets in the water to stave off dehydration and electrolyte loss.

Probably lots more I haven't remembered, need to start making piles of stuff for PBP.

 

[JonnyBlade]

Nice one GB

 

[frank9755]

I've done one 400. I didn't take much more with me than I would for a 200. I think I had a couple of extra malt loaves, which weren't really necessary as the route passed plenty of shops and cafes, but a bit of spare food is nice to have in reserve.

We started at 6am and I finished at 2:20 the next morning so it was a long day.

I had one puncture and no other mechanicals, and my body got round in one piece.

I think the main thing is to make sure that your bike is properly set up, but if it is comfortable for a 200 then it should be ok for a 400, and to ride with others so you have the moral support, especially during the night legs.

It's a great feeling to have done one and I hope yours goes well. I look forward to doing a couple more this summer.

 

[DooBlood]

Big thanks to GB and Frank. Pro plus seems like a good idea. I'm doing a 400 just because I haven't done one before (a 300 being my max).

 

[zigzag]

it depends a lot on the weather and location, i always carry an inner tube or two, micro pump with co2 inflator, co2 cartridge, multitool, puncture repair kit. this, and some flapjacks i can fit into 1l topeak saddle bag. combined with pocket space i can fit everything i need for a long day's ride (200-300km). 400km shouldn't be much different, unless you will ride in inclement weather and/or in very remote areas.

 

[vorsprung]

GB has got it covered
Staying comfortable is the key
If you are riding through the night it is surprising how cold it gets at 2am even in the middle of summer
Spare socks and extra gloves are great on wetter rides, especially water proof ones

My Avalon Sunrise 400km is a fairly easy one, although you might like to wait until 2012 as it is running a few weekends earlier this time due to PBP considerations

 

[totallyfixed]

I'll throw in my two penneth worth, I've done several 400's and always just taken what will fit in a seat pack and a bar bag.
From experience [without taking the kitchen sink] I can get by very well if I take the following items
1. Puncture stuff
2. Chain tool and 2 joining links
3. Waterproofs
4. Head torch that swivels to point downwards for reading directions.
5. Spare batteries
6. Lots of spare energy foods.
7. Mobile phone.

PS Done a 600k as well still with same stuff.

Just make sure your bike is in good nick and your saddle is right for you over distance. Hope this helps because it's possible to go overboard and end up taking stuff you might only need a couple of times in your life, and believe me a hilly audax becomes an ordeal at 3/4 distance when you have to lug more weight than necessary.

 

[elan2011]

take all the normal stuff as in the other replys, but i would add water loads of the stuff, not just as much as you think you may need, but loads more. and try to find outwhere you can resupply during ride.

i once came unstuck on a 400k due to lack of water