The Final Countdown

Congratulations – you’ve made it to the end of your training! Event weekend is nearly here, and no doubt your nerves will be kicking in, so here are a few last minute tips and checks to ensure you arrive at the start line Etape ready.

Now is the time to make sure that you have everything you need for the Etape Loch Ness. Ensure that you have all the nutrition you will need on the ride, and make sure your maintenance kit is fully stocked. Don’t leave this until the last minute as it’s an important part of your preparation, and things could get difficult for you on the day if you’re not fully equipped.

Check over your bike for any defects that might hinder you during the ride. Make sure the brake pads have good wear left in them. Be sure to also inspect your tyres carefully, looking for cuts, wear or any other issues you think may need dealt with.

Try to get into a good sleeping pattern this week, so you can arrive fresh on the start line and ready to cycle. Consider carbohydrate-based meals for a day or two before the day, however don’t radically change anything this late on in your training. Also be sure to keep yourself well hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Saturday – Registration Day

Make sure you are prepared for the ride ahead of you. Your bike should be nice and clean, your chain lubricated, and your tyres inflated and checked one last time for any cuts or wear.

Keep an eye on the weather forecasts to get a feel for what the conditions will be like on the day. I usually check three and compare them to get the most accurate forecast. Find out what direction the wind will be blowing and how strongly.

Also consider what you’ll need to wear and think about wearing layers to put on or take off depending on the temperature. It’s also worth thinking about waterproofs in case it’s raining.

Prepare all your event-day nutrition the night before and make up your 2 bottles so that you’re ready to roll for the early start in the morning.

Sunday – Event Day! 

Begin your day with the breakfast you had before your long training rides, and make sure you leave enough time to digest it properly before your start time.

Arrive in plenty of time, and if you’re local it’s probably best to ride down to the start rather than taking up one of the parking spaces. This will also help loosen off your legs before you start.

When your group is pulling away, don’t panic and rush off. Practice getting into your pedals for a smoother start. There is plenty of time to settle into a steady pace: some people will dash away, but stick to the pace you normally ride and the day will go more smoothly.

If you’re in a pack, remember the group calls and etiquette we have already covered. If you’re passing a group or a rider, the norm is to pass on the right.

Set yourself a time in your head that you must eat – and stick to it. For example plan to eat every hour, or whatever you have become used to during your training. Drink when the road conditions allows, and not when on a steep climb.

As fatigue kicks in, have your wits about you and keep an eye out for other riders, who might not be paying attention. Be sure to also watch out for tricky bends in the road and manhole covers around the Foyers area.

We hope you all have a great day, enjoy the experience and feel the adrenaline of being in the largest peloton to ever have ridden around Loch Ness.