Does anyone have experience with XCM races that don’t allow you to have outside support or drop bottles etc in the feedzones?
I’m trying to work out what combination of equipment (bottles, hydration pack) and what nutrition (drink powders, gels etc) will give me the best balance of good nutrition, low weight and least time stopped at the feedzone fumbling with refills.
What do you use?
Do you have more context on the duration of the race and the likely weather conditions? Those are usually the two key inputs I’m looking at when considering how to fuel a long race without support.
If they have neutral bottle handups I’d err towards using those and using my own nutrition in the form of gels. If bottle hand up…then I generally think taking a minimal bladder and bottle(s) with exact water/nutrition already in them is the way to go. Sometimes ultra running packs are smaller, lighter and fit more aero than anything made for cycling.
Refilling a bottle mid race or asking some volunteer to fumble around and do it for you is a great way to watch your competition get a 2+ minute lead and never see them again, or find yourself behind a pack of slightly slower riders when you don’t want to be.
Downside of pack is its hard to see how much you’re going through, the weight and potentially heat dissipation on your back. Upside is its way easier to drink out of through technical terrain, and it’s nice not having to rely on anyone else.
Do you have more context on the duration of the race and the likely weather conditions?
4-6 hours. No idea on conditions yet, but it will probably be pretty warm.
Refilling a bottle mid race or asking some volunteer to fumble around and do it for you is a great way to watch your competition get a 2+ minute lead and never see them again, or find yourself behind a pack of slightly slower riders when you don’t want to be.
Exactly what I’m worried about!
When I am mountain biking for more than two hours, I invariably take a backpack with me (I swear by Deuter backpacks, I have a larger Transalp 30 and a smaller 12 liter one). I pack my 3 liter hydration bladder, food, spare clothes, some tools and some medical supplies.
Deuter backpacks have small pockets in the belt that are perfect for gels.
I was hoping to avoid having anything on my back, but a hydration pack is probably the best option. I have an USWE pack, which is theoretically 2 liters but you really need to fill it 'til bursting for that.
If I have to do refills myself, a pack is probably quicker than doing 2 bottles, especially if I have to get some drink mix in there too.
Ah - sounds like a tough one to plan for. Personally I’d carry it all on my back, really amp up the electrolytes in your solution, but personally would keep my drink mix pretty calorically light and then try to carry bars / gels in your pockets to handle the majority of your calories. Riding that long I’d be worried about my stomach going sideways with too much sweetness, so electrolyte drink + bars would be my go-to. I did it in a ~6.5 hour race last year, but that was cold so not quite the same parameters.
It’s not that bad, especially if you opt for a smaller, well-made backpack. Once you get used to them, riding with a pack becomes second nature. You just need to pack them properly and get one that is just big enough if you can. And I vastly prefer drinking from a hydration pack than bottles. I end up drinking much more often and stress less about it.
Speaking for myself here, but 2 liters are not enough for a 4-6-hour race. But 3 liters might be enough.
Speaking for myself here, but 2 liters are not enough for a 4-6-hour race. But 3 liters might be enough.
No, you’re right. Even 3 litres isn’t going to be enough. I guess I could carry 3 litres on the back and then 1.5 in bottles, but that’s a lot of weight. I expect the question becomes - what is the best pitstop strategy?
I think refilling one hydration pack is probably easier than fumbling with two bottles.