For those new to the Mid-Atlantic 12/24, here are some notes on what to expect. This is a modified version of the notes I sent to a group of DF friends that are going to the Mid-Atlantic 12-hour to do a non-competitive 200 mile ride. Their first double century. The race organizer said if 200 miles is your goal, and you’re not sure if can get it done in 12-hours, then still sign up for the 12-hour race and keep going after 7pm assuming you have the appropriate lights and reflective gear. You just need to communicate what you’re doing with the race officials. A single day 200 miler is a very impressive goal!!!
Event:
http://www.midatlanticultrasports.com/
Date: August 18, 2018
Time: 5am setup, 7am race start (7:30 for the 100 miler)
Location: Washington High School bus loop: 400 Slatestone Road, Washington, NC
Preferred hotel: Hampton, 2085 W 15th St, Washington, NC 27889
Remember to bring chairs.
The route is a 26-mile loop that goes back to your car at the high school. You are responsible for all your water, ice, food, and other supplies. Make sure you bring plenty of water and ice. Did I mention ice? It is August after all.
Google map view of the Washington High School
The event will be set up in the bus loop. The buses will be removed. You will ride your bike clockwise around the loop such that bikes are not crossing paths. That means you are driving on the left side of the road in the school. Notice the location of the timing stand and the bathroom. The bathroom is a walk through the woods to the track. For solo riders, this is the biggest time killer. Therefore, the best place to park for solo riders is after the timing stand near the bathroom. These parking spots will be in high demand. This is less important for the 2-person relay teams.
While the 100-mile race is going on, the left turns and road crossing will be protected by police officers. After the 100-mile race you must follow the rules of the road and that left turn out of the HS is a bit hard to see oncoming cars.
It is hot at the Mid-Atlantic. Make sure you bring a big cooler with ice. One of the best places to buy ice is the Twice-the-Ice kiosk in front of the Food Lion. Big bags cheap.
Here’s an additional note from Jeffrey Ritter:
Last year was my first Mid-Atlantic, also my first attempt at endurance racing. For what it’s worth, a couple of other lessons learned:
1. One neat trick is to take old stockings, fill them w/ice and tie off the ends. They drape around your neck to cool your body temp nicely and, when the ice is gone, you don't have a warm, soggy towel weighing you down. Prepare a bunch in advance if you are self-supporting.
2. Consider arm and leg stockings that are SPF graded, like these. We also learned that if you pour water inside the stockings, it also is very cooling. But, don't fail to put waterproof SPF on everywhere--for recumbents, that is especially important on your chest.
3. Food--there is a ton of learning and options, but the key is to try and make sure whatever you eat you will be able to hold down during exertion and/or avoid gastro-discomfort. In other words, test your menu before the event! I do fine with what I consume--hand-made nut and fruit balls, bananas, sweet potato, and gels--but those may not work for you!
Night riding
Sunset is 7:54pm. If you’re riding past sunset you must be properly equipped.
1) A head lamp that has enough throw for the speed you’re riding. Two loops will take about 3 hours so most commuter lights would be sufficient. You should also have a backup head lamp.
2) A solid (not flashing) tail lamp. Multiple are better. These must be bright enough to be seen from a good distance.
3) Reflective vest and ankle bands. They don’t have to be fancy cycling versions. You can find them at hardware stores and Amazon has a ton of them.
Randonneur guide:
https://rusa.org/reflectivity/
If you’re curious, this is what I will have. I’ll give you the Amazon links, because, you know, I own stock.
1) 700 lumen Nitecore SRT5 LED Flashlight with replaceable batteries. These are discontinued but there are other great flashlights available. The advantage of a flashlight over a cycling specific light is you can use it for many uses and can have spare batteries.
2) TwoFish Flashlight holder:
http://a.co/6RlQinN
3) Niterider Solas taillight:
http://a.co/gPkWwUo
4) Cateye Rapid X2 taillights for the seat stays:
http://www.cateyeamerica.com/Rapid-X2-Rear-LM-TL-LD710-R and http://www.cateyeamerica.com/Sharp-Aero-Rubber-base-for-Rapid-X3-X2
5) Light and Motion Helmet light. I still have these from years of bike commuting and I really like a helmet light for night riding. I bought a new Vis 360 Pro version for the 600km randonneur ride I did earlier this year. I'm not thrilled with the Pro version, the discontinued Vis 360 Plus has a much better rear light. But the Pro does have a lockout feature and a longer run time.
http://a.co/5AwbINa
6) Reflective vest. I used this one with the randonneur rides. I can probably use it instead of a jersey on hot nights. There are a lot of other choices online.
http://a.co/7enAzDD
