Riders summary
Elin Starup – 19. – 20. September 2020 – 10:00:00 AM
24 Hours, Outdoor Track, Women 18 – 49, Standard bike
Vaerlose Flyvestation – Starting point at Arrow 52
I had really looked forward and were very excited to do this attemp. After a promising 24-hours ride 5 weeks before, I had set a goal to go 700 km and believed in it.
Everything was tested on the previous 24-hours ride. I was only going to eat fluid meals to optimize time on the bike and that part worked really well for me.
No idea that the concussion I got 4,5 weeks before the attempt would be a huge game changer.
Following the weather reports closely the days before showed that unlike normal on the Flightstation in Vaerlose, the wind would be very easy. A huge advantage since the place is very open. Unfortunately a thick fog settled over the track at the same time as darkness fell. This is where the concussion became the game changer. I got dizzy and had problems coordinating and had to get some rest as it was to dangerous to proceed. After 30 minutes rest, the fog was gone and I was ok to get back on the bike, but was unable to push the speed to anything decent.
It became a long and cold night with only 4 degrees celcius and just before sunset the fog was back and again I had to rest. In my head, I should have been off the bike less than 30 minutes, but sometimes reality is different and with almost 2 hours off the bike and the low speed after first brake, the 700 km was far gone.
STILL it was an amazing experience and if the weather allowed it, I would do it again as soon as I am fully recovered from the concussion. Not reaching the goal set prior to the attempt of course is unsatisfying but I know I did my best under the circumstances and I am happy that I completed 24 hours and 24 seconds.