Well I'm a sad old guy of 68 whose bones are starting to creak and the hills seem to get steeper. Today the Swytch bike electrification kit I ordered on the 30th of March finally arrived. Fitted it this evening and a test drive up and down the drive in the dark shows it's working. So tomorrow I'll have a go and see how much it helps. Watch this space I'll report back.
It’s pretty tough, specially if you are self supported. But is hard to find support like that, it was my first time carrying 40+ lbs everything is different on the bike. But is prep for future races.
Nicely done! My buddies and I are planning to do a 500 mile self supported ride next summer similar to the one you just. Don't think it will be nearly the amount of climbing as you but from what I can tell, it will be more of the single track/gravel type of ride. Just need to decide if it will be on the mountain or gravel bike!
With that kind of miles, you really need to test out everything, from the gearing to what exactly to bring even bike styoe. Some “cheap “ racks might work ok on fire road or road, but will get destroyed in some aggressive off-road. Carrying just 20-30lbs changes everything, after 6-8hrs everything matters. Personal grooming, in particular the butt is important, I only use assos cream for 4hr + days and reapply.
