BB200 2024 Prep - Captains Log

[redefined_cycles]

I asked Stu regards BB200 chitter-chatter. He said its fine and since I enjoy working up to it, rather than the actual event itself (maybe, dunno, too much fatigue or injury risk and I'm always too slow or not moving), I thought I'd open up my training/prep once again. Nothing too exciting and more to keep my actual compass oriented right!

For anyone that doesn't know, a bit of background is good. Hopefully context will come with it. So, previously my hardest ever yearly event used to be the local Colve Valley MTB Challenge. About 30 miles and tough as anything.

Naturally this transition to a Bearbones200 was massive, so in 2017 or 2018 I started training for my first one. Attempted a loop of the Peaks200 loop and also got the BAM badge. Then proceeded to complete my first ever BB200 with some much needed motivation from Wotsits and others.

I actually finished that first attempt and was 2nd to last back. Got the badge and life was good Alhamdulillah. Now, I just needed to keep the ball rolling for the coming years.

2020 ended up being the special edition (I think) where it didn't start from the community centre and thus wider Wales was used. I attempted to be the first back as there was no group start due to the CVD. As soon as the clock started rolling at the start of the month, I parked up somewhere near the loop. Rode down and met Offas Dyke, but before long (first night) I had to chuck in the towel.

So I backtracked and took the short/long way home. Through Storm Alex and over a mountain pass, like you do!! Got a DNF but at least I'd followed through and my legs weren't swollen like the successful attempt the previous year.

Then came the 2022 edition (what happened to 2021 was a training injury I think, but I'd entered) and I managed the loop. Thought I'd gone into kidney failure towards the end due to starting to smell fragrance from my fingers (I'd smeared chamois cream on 10 hours earlier to help the soreness but then forgotten). But, I made it back though it was an hour or 2 late.

2023 came and AFAIK I trained hard. Especially the hiking a bike bits. But, I like to recreate as much misery as is possible without Stu being involved. So on the 2nd (or so) to last training ride and during the 3 mile uphill hike of the bike up some sort of slippery limestone mixed with mulch, I injured myself. Muscle pulled of some sort, but I'm not complaining as I tried!!

Now, I'm in for the 2024 edition. So the plan of entering every year seems to be going well, but the training plan is a bit poorly. Life got in the way maybe!!

Yesterday was my first official training ride (other than the lots of walking to or from work, or whenevers been possible) and here kicks off...

[redefined_cycles]

The plan was/is simple really. A 98 miler arranged with John in a couple of days, but I needed to shake off the bike. Could the legs hold out to a 40 or 50 miler or was/am I gonna beholding our man Lazarus upwhen trying to dissect the Peak (district).

I roughly prepared yesterday's (training ride 1) as taking in as much hard climbing as possible. But no enforced walking, just as and when it was needed. I don't plan to risk injury before the big day.


Went straight for my Everesting climb first which is as gard as any climb I know (without the proprietor of this forum being involved). Made it up The North Face with a heart rate touch 170, but when trying to clear this here 'Advanced Base Camp' it became too much for my heart to handle.

Heart rate hit 184 and I either slipped off the rocks or the legs stopped turning. Got a breather and continued up the next section called 'The Death Zone'. Managed to clear that after the rest though, Alhamdulillah. Next was to hit Castle Hill without going direct (it's steep up there).

Castle Hill and beyond was achieved with some more 'high heart rate' climbs but nothing as hairy as 184. Reached 181 at some point and also decided to turn back before Wessenden Head (northern Peak District) as I needed to be home for sleeping and a 4 hour drive to work in the early hours.


Standardised the elevation using Strava data and it reflects the punishment I inflicted on the legs. As if getting to Castle Hill once wasn't enough, after stopping at my mums for midday prayers, I decided to try and ride straight up the off road path/paths. A few slips and walks, but I made it up.

https://i.imgur.com/yOtiCms.jpeg
This pic taken just before the last/main rock garden up to the brow of the actual hill. Previous days storms had ensured I got the full BB atmosphere aswell.


This massive tree I'd encountered early on in the trails. Managed to squeeze through some of the trucks.

Next is, loosely to try and ride as much 100 miler trail weeks. But also to try and remain injury free and start riding with the same setup that'll I'll have on ride day. I'll be attempting to travel light!!

[fatbikephil]

Mebbes find a none existent BW over a swamp fest moor and try to get along it Shaff
My prep = not very much. My mileage is well up but it's mostly been on the g**** bike. Memo to self, do some death marches....

[redefined_cycles]

Yeah. WTH. Was supposed to go out on a long one today Phil. But the family had other plans. Then got home for about 1800 so it was pointless. Rubbish training honestly!

[riderdown]

Then got home for about 1800 so it was pointless

Disagree, perfect for riding out to some isolated high moorland to then push your bike across in the semi darkness

BB200 training

[redefined_cycles]

That's true. But, weak will power meant I stayed home instead lol. Then planned to ride out this morning straight after morning prayers, 0530ish. Came back home from the masjid and decided to jump straight back into bed. Oh, flip...

Now, as I'm doing training talk, the wife's just come and given me an earful... Something about doing the loft work and the sealant in the kitchen which I've had out to remind me. Next step is brushing me teeth, then riding over to my dad's via the mtb route.

Over my Everesting climb and soon after Friday prayers maybe aim for Wessenden Head. If I can be back home by about 1900 then hopefully I'll be in time (for the sealant and) departing for work at 0400. Maybe a few more friendly earful before BB200 ride day but I suppose it's all part the training/management plan.

Reminds me why I like to get out (book in) on these stupidsillyrides. Message to self. Sleep less, ride more!

[Mrs Polisherman]

Mebbes find a none existent BW over a swamp fest moor and try to get along it Shaff
My prep = not very much. My mileage is well up but it's mostly been on the g**** bike. Memo to self, do some death marches....

My BB prep seems to mostly be in the gym due to lack of time - more bang for your buck - turbo trainer for speed, weights for strength and mobility (pushing over tussocks!). I know I can ride for 36 hours without a sleep (I had a bash at the Lakeland 200 earlier this year) and I know I can ride 300km, but can I put the 2 together? Why do I even need to know if I can or not? Still undecided about 200 or 300......

[redefined_cycles]

I write this with sweat dripping off my brow. So the ph9ne might be salt-playing up. My heart rate a few mioemnrtw earlier was through the roof. Despite the battery in my HRm being dead, I knew cos it was pounding.

But, I'd cleared that climb down there. Anyway, Mrs Polisherman. With all due respects (lol) you're crazy. We all know what you mentioned in the BB200 2024 thread and when Stu worse than Strtat Florida, it's all oj you (I've not seen ST but my rear hub us almost certainly contaminated with it...

Everyone's crazy, but utterly works out well...

[redefined_cycles]

Anyroute... Training might be getting cut short but at least I'm out. Didn't make the first bump and actually topped off a good few metres before it (can be seen in the distance after the bike). Then the next section I also did not manage and almost had a face plant going uphill!

Now I sit with a beautiful creature in my lap..

[redefined_cycles]

25 miles in the legs today. 3500ft so it's all adding up. Main thing is that it indeed felt tough and some hairy climbs were targeted. An amalgamation of pics here which shows Shaw Lane and the connecting steep climbs. Was supposed to go there on that last ride but, better late than never.

https://strava.app.link/dD68SdBouMb

Saw a couple turn into the (hairier) bit just ahead of me. Alot of effort to get up it so they must've assumed I would just continue riding on. Had to tell em that only the stupid people try to ride up here. But they countered with, 'not true, the hard people do'. So we agreed that stupid and hard, but with them watching I made sure to clear it (Whin Gate (very very hard) just after Pighill where it turned left into New Lane.

Up Whin Gate, back in the day we used to have various strategies. My mate Kris would imagine he's being chased (or summoned) by his dad so he HAD to clear it. I used to think like Mohammed Ali when training for George Foreman or one of the other heaviest hitters (maybe Fraiser). Being in the same gym Mohammed Ali wouldn't look at his competitor's punches as they'd make craters in the punchbag.

I'd pretend the hill was Foremans punch/craters. Then ensure not to look up at it. Today/now is different though. I've been staring down those 'darn' hills. Hopefully it helps with some sort of mental prep. Felt harder!!

[redefined_cycles]

Interesting little fact I learnt today after discussing with one of my fundraising colleagues (speaking about maybe riding/attempting the event for the Palestine orphans). After he asked when's the event. I learnt it's in the first week of Oct.

WTH. No pressure. Discussed a job opportunity at Harrogate today too so that might get some miles in my legs after...

[redefined_cycles]

Managed to sneak out for another training ride. A big one this time as I've figured that doing a few 60 milers might just keep me in the runnings. Could probably say that it didn't go well.

Before the 20 mile mark I'd probably talked myself out of completing the loop and coming back in the pitch black. Plus. The legs didn't seem to want to work and climbing was tough.

A few discussions with myself, in my head about chucking in the towel. But, either way, I can definitely say that I've found my limit. That is the BB200. Wonder if I'll ever make it round in time again... smiles to himself.

[fatbikephil]

Just get off and push Shaff. You are still making progress but giving contact points and legs a rest. Moving slow is better than not moving at all!

[redefined_cycles]

Thanks Phil. Yes, it's possible I'm using too much brawn and little brain these days. After about 5 hours (10 on the road bike on the 24 miles via Wales to Birmingham) I became breathless. Probably too much exertion...

New strategy. Watch the heart rate. Don't think (sounds a contradiction to what's written above I know) too much. Walk more. Take the tent and aim for 36H not 24.

Started with the 10kg squats today. Like you don when there's only 1 month left for the hardest ride of your year.

[riderdown]

Just get off and push Shaff. You are still making progress but giving contact points and legs a rest. Moving slow is better than not moving at all!

This got me round in 2023

[redefined_cycles]

Thumb is healing nicely (constant dabs of honey at the stab site means it's also knitting together nicely) but didn't wanna risk a bike ride just yet. Walked it instead to Sowerby Bridge for a very very very short work shift. Then walked back round to Huddersfield for the dentists.

Last mile or so, despite me and my partner in walk constantly keeping tabs of pace/time, had to switch to aslwo run. Made it just about 5 seconds before appointment time.

Did dentist stuff, then prayers and off the the bus/train station. Properly 'naffed' on the bus and then got home to lots and lots of calories. At the dentist I was getting sharp electrical twitched in the thumb which I assume was an electrolyte imbalance. No food throughout the trip but plenty of water.

26.12 miles. Feel empowered. Even walked through various sections of slippery mud, brambles and a closed footpath. Had to grovel me way out at the end with the workmen.

[redefined_cycles]

First set of kettlebell squats (or any squats) since the little 'almost chopped my artery/nerve' incident. 10kg squats with a funny grip and 45ish reps. Also weight down to 85.1kg today which is the lowest I've been this year.

Hoping to reach sub 80kg before next Friday. Eating well, just smaller windows of it. Got apple cider vinegar in the water bottle just now. Bet that'll taste lovely!

[redefined_cycles]

Just get off and push Shaff. You are still making progress but giving contact points and legs a rest. Moving slow is better than not moving at all!

This got me round in 2023

Thanks Phil/RD. Yes, just getting off and pushing a bit earlier is gonna really help. I think during training I try best not to get off to ensure I'm kicking my brain as much as possible. Maybe a bit too much on that last ride!

[redefined_cycles]

Been working hard (daily fasting with water only, or black teas/coffee with some fat/butter if bored). List about 3kg so far (86.7kg at start of the 'passive training' and bordering 83kg yesterday.

Thankfully the rest I'd given the wrist/radial nerve after almost chopping it has helped. Went for a ride today and it felt altogether easier, especially on the climbs. No prewinal bests as such but then I had zero carbs taken (since yestwrday about 2100). Heart rate even hit my max a few times but I wasn't keeling over trying to puke or owt.

Ensured to climb everything, even the stuff that I'd normally not reattempt after slipping/maxing out, All Thanks to God. Also done a couple of marathon walks/hikes in the past 4 weeks which showed a moving time of about 8 hours for a total of 21 or 26 miles.

Think it's all helping. Belly is down and no inflammation to report. Hoping to hit 80kg by the weekend so God Willing a total of 4 Rockshox Sids off the total load. Lots of pressure daily with some crunches on the hanging bar. Plus some extreme squats when I could (be bothered).

May Allah make the big day easy for us all and keep the weather conducive to many black badges.