Thanks for this and your other video of the day. I did the ride about the same time as you - I’m pretty sure we crossed paths at various points during the day. I agree with a lot of your advice, but I would add that 3 days of proper carb loading makes a huge difference. I did 4 rides in the training period above 200 km in heat, and 2 were done with carb loading, 2 without. I felt much better during the ride and the recovery was dramatically better with carb loading. My other tip is to try to eat real food on the day, not just gels and bars. And eat a big simple carb breakfast on the day. I got up at 4.30 to eat 2 big bowls of cheerios and orange juice. Also I ran compact on the front and 11-32 on the back - no cramping or pushing the bike. I know everyone is different when it comes to nutrition and gear, but the science behind carb loading makes sense, and the pro peloton does it. Thanks again and good luck.
Thanks Luke, well done on your result. I agree on the carb loading. I meal prepped a lot of Carbonara for the day leading up which served me well. But I think i could have got more in. Also big up on the eating real food. It's hard to do but it helps out.
I’m surprised you could see anything at Akuna today with the mysterious fog 😜. Good chance it was me, I did roll through. Chase me for a chat next time.
Loved the re-cap and reflections/lessons learnt, again well done for completing the 2024 Peaks in very trying conditions. One thing I love about cycling is you can always continue to learn and improve. Keep safe. 👍🏻
Did 2 training rides with a buddy to help his prep for this year. It has been 8 years since my last participation and already signed up for 2025. I've enjoyed watching your content and hearing about how it was for you. 👌
I would have gone with a 34/50 compact crankset and 11/36 at the back, 120g of sugar per hour and bread and jam to keep the hunger at bay. Bread also helps with continuous energy delivery rather than peaks and valleys caused by sugar alone. Perhaps you can also utilise a CGM for a better fuelling strategy.
Yeah I think 36 on the back is key. I was pretty happy with my fueling on the day, probably another 100g towards the end would have helped. 9h in though gels were hard work.
Staying on the mountain would be the best option, but I have always stayed in Mount Beauty and driven up. Besides the time it takes, I’ve never found it to be a big hassle. I didn’t do Peaks this year, I enjoyed hearing your story.
Thanks mate. I think solid preparation would overcome not staying on the mountain. The only thing I would want to avoid is the windy drive up the hill ahead of the race.
Thanks for putting up your video. It’s good to reflect on how to do it better next time. Peak’s Challenge is an inspirational event to achieve. Completed the 2019 one after recovering from a paraglider crash in Feb 15. Suffered a burst fracture to my T12. Saw the shorts to the event only a couple of weeks after getting out of hospital. Took 8 months till I could ride my bike and at first couldn’t transmit any power, which was a bit of a shock. Slowly got stronger. Like you had I food eating issues on the day, but it’s a very satisfying event to complete. Looking forward to doing another one. Keep up the good work.👍
Another great video about 3 Peaks and thank you. It is great to see your story and the honesty around it and so good that I have now subscribed to your channel. 😊. As a female I can honestly say all the ladies that I rode with were so supportive of each other. I was in the 12 to 13hr group. One lady was very grateful when I got her and a group of six to Harrietville via a pull I swapped anther two lovely gentleman. The bit past Omeo was the worst for several of us and it was always the ladies encouraging each other. At one stage I was about to give up and a wonderful lady gave me words of encouragement and I was back on my bike. Many of us in this bunch meet our end when the Sag Wagon caught us. 😢. But every single one of these ladies gave up gracefully and encouraging other. We were all near 170KM. I would change lots on how I did things but I certainly hope the ladies continue on this ride and my hope is some of the ladies that did not make it this year return next and prove to themselves they can do 3 Peaks.
Thanks Sharon, so good to hear from you. I am beyond impressed. Only 10% of the field but so impactful. Here’s to the 15% target for next year. I know Jess from my first video is coming back.
Good analysis. My nutrition plan didn’t adapt to the conditions. In fact, I’d say the heat meant I ate less which contributed to the horrible cramps I had in the second half. I haven’t cramped in 8 years so that was a new and unwelcome surprise!
I would agree with this, I think the heat was a contributing factor in me struggling to get the gels in. My gels were warm 🥴. Unfortunately I think cramps were unavoidable.
I suspect that the powerlifter you were referring to was ‘AnabolicGabe’.. he documented his ride on his UA-cam channel.. apparently made sub10.. defies all logic completing in that time, while carrying that muscle, not being a regular cyclist.. and in that heat.. incredible!! Must be gifted with a huge aerobic engine?
I had more HR plans rather than power plans. At this duration I wanted to be in Z2 through the flats and Z3 on the climbs. I targeted 250w on Mt Hotham, but for Falls the plans were out the door. I think 2.5wkg should be enough for sub-10.
I did the peaks back in 2013 (I think). Some things I noted off your video that I did and you didn't (and vice versa) I put a spare pare of bib shorts in my Dinner Plain bag along with an undershirt, and I sent my old shorts, my gilet and warmers back in the same packet. The change of shorts was GREAT, I learned that after doing Sufferlandrian Knighthood and a couple of everest attempts - a change of shorts is kinda worth the time loss on a long day. I rode on Crank Brothers MTB pedals, which was a dumb idea (Basically, I commuted a LOT at the time and MTB shoes made the best sense for that) - if I were to do it again, proper pedals, because I got foot pain VERY badly around Omeo and had to deal. I might not have needed to walk on the back of Falls if I'd not had the pain in the feet, but ironically, the MTB shoes were nicer to walk in. Go figure. I didnt stop at Harrietville, too hectic, though I probably should have. I don't remember having a valet bag for the minor stops on mine, but I was carrying a bunch of gels and I'd been doing race simulation rides with my nutrition plan in the lead-up, doing 200km+ a few times through Royal National Park as the best option locally to Sydney. I did get injured (hit by a car) in the long-term lead-up, so I was carrying too much weight for the climbs, so opted to really hammer it on the downhills, which was possibly unwise. I also got an unlucky group between germantown and harriet, they were dropping bottles and chopping like idiots, which kinda messed up my rhythm. Given my time over, I'd definitely try to get a better alliance before making the turn onto the Great Alpine Road or do the entire event as a group. My group from Omeo to Anglers rest was AMAZING. Also, I would definitely try to stay in Falls next time. I stayed in Bright for mine, had a few too many beers the night before, wasn't 100% and ended up doing 10:15 from a target of 9:45 Oveall, great couple of vids!
Thanks Jason. Some great commentary here. Change of bibs is interesting. I had a change of jersey, but didn't feel like it wanted to change. Shoes is an interesting call out. I wear Shimano Sphyre and love them, but I think anything over 10h will have some discomfort. But they were terrible for walking on BOF. I considered rolling through Harrietville, but I need to fill a bottle, and I am glad I picked up my gel. Next time maybe plan to skip it, and have bigger bottles and carry more gel from the start. The bunch you end up with is always a gamble. I had some sketchy moments with other riders throughout the day, I try to identify reliable bunch members and try to stick to their wheels. Haha beers before Peaks. That is a recipe for disaster.
Great video mate. You’re really inspiring me to have a go next year. It looks like a huge commitment but very rewarding. I like your choice of jersey.. I can’t stand getting sunburnt, but would opt for a white long sleeve jersey.. that green one looks very dark.. it could contribute to an extra degree or two in core body temp??
Thanks Dave. I would definitely recommend giving it a crack. It is SO hard, but it is one of the best cycling experiences I have had to date. Yes white might been the key.
I will be honest it was pure oversight. I normally use 500ml bottles, I didn't think to upsize. I planned to make the 3 valet stops plus Trapyard, which was going to allow for the 10 bottles I needed.
I have been trying to quantify that myself but it has been difficult. At the time it felt like an eternity. But it couldn’t have been more than 2km. I got my accommodation on the secondary market so it is not super representative. But on mountain ain’t cheap.
Really interesting! I had my first go this year at 51 and managed a 9:31. I suspect the only reason we didn’t finish very close together is I somehow managed not to walk anywhere on back of falls, cos lord knows I wanted to 😂 I am 💯 with you on gearing, I had exactly the same as you, 36x30 and actually took it into the shop in the week prior to try to get a 34 but they not only didn’t have it but said I would need a new hanger anyway as I have 11 speed which isn’t set up for a 34. 36x30 just wasn’t enough, not with the training I did anyway! Spent a lot of time tacking up back of falls. Nutrition-wise I agree with liquid strategy, I had a custom mix with extra sodium (I have a bonkers sweat rate AND Na concentration so lose 2.5 g per hour) and used litre bottles all day, aiming for 1 litre per hour and managed to get them down, which was 120g/hour qt 70kg weight. I also took in 20x215 mg salt tabs, 2 per hour.
That’s a great result. I had spent too many matches by falls and the gearing got the better of me. Seems like you had your carbs dialed better than me too, which probably helped you there too. I love hearing stories like yours. It fills me with motivation and positivity for crushing it in the coming years!
Thanks for this and your other video of the day. I did the ride about the same time as you - I’m pretty sure we crossed paths at various points during the day.
I agree with a lot of your advice, but I would add that 3 days of proper carb loading makes a huge difference. I did 4 rides in the training period above 200 km in heat, and 2 were done with carb loading, 2 without. I felt much better during the ride and the recovery was dramatically better with carb loading. My other tip is to try to eat real food on the day, not just gels and bars. And eat a big simple carb breakfast on the day. I got up at 4.30 to eat 2 big bowls of cheerios and orange juice.
Also I ran compact on the front and 11-32 on the back - no cramping or pushing the bike.
I know everyone is different when it comes to nutrition and gear, but the science behind carb loading makes sense, and the pro peloton does it.
Thanks again and good luck.
Thanks Luke, well done on your result. I agree on the carb loading. I meal prepped a lot of Carbonara for the day leading up which served me well. But I think i could have got more in. Also big up on the eating real food. It's hard to do but it helps out.
Think I saw you today at Akuna, holding your GoPro near the Marina! Looking forward to your next video.
I’m surprised you could see anything at Akuna today with the mysterious fog 😜. Good chance it was me, I did roll through. Chase me for a chat next time.
Loved the re-cap and reflections/lessons learnt, again well done for completing the 2024 Peaks in very trying conditions. One thing I love about cycling is you can always continue to learn and improve. Keep safe. 👍🏻
Did 2 training rides with a buddy to help his prep for this year. It has been 8 years since my last participation and already signed up for 2025. I've enjoyed watching your content and hearing about how it was for you. 👌
Thanks for the kind words. Good for you mate. Solid decision.
I would have gone with a 34/50 compact crankset and 11/36 at the back, 120g of sugar per hour and bread and jam to keep the hunger at bay. Bread also helps with continuous energy delivery rather than peaks and valleys caused by sugar alone. Perhaps you can also utilise a CGM for a better fuelling strategy.
Yeah I think 36 on the back is key. I was pretty happy with my fueling on the day, probably another 100g towards the end would have helped. 9h in though gels were hard work.
Staying on the mountain would be the best option, but I have always stayed in Mount Beauty and driven up. Besides the time it takes, I’ve never found it to be a big hassle. I didn’t do Peaks this year, I enjoyed hearing your story.
Thanks mate. I think solid preparation would overcome not staying on the mountain. The only thing I would want to avoid is the windy drive up the hill ahead of the race.
Thanks for putting up your video. It’s good to reflect on how to do it better next time. Peak’s Challenge is an inspirational event to achieve. Completed the 2019 one after recovering from a paraglider crash in Feb 15. Suffered a burst fracture to my T12. Saw the shorts to the event only a couple of weeks after getting out of hospital. Took 8 months till I could ride my bike and at first couldn’t transmit any power, which was a bit of a shock. Slowly got stronger. Like you had I food eating issues on the day, but it’s a very satisfying event to complete. Looking forward to doing another one. Keep up the good work.👍
Wow that is very inspirational that you completed Peaks after such a set back. Cycling really is an amazing rehab sport.
One of the best reflections on Peaks I've watched. Well done dude 👍
Thanks Michael. How did you fair?
Another great video about 3 Peaks and thank you. It is great to see your story and the honesty around it and so good that I have now subscribed to your channel. 😊. As a female I can honestly say all the ladies that I rode with were so supportive of each other. I was in the 12 to 13hr group. One lady was very grateful when I got her and a group of six to Harrietville via a pull I swapped anther two lovely gentleman. The bit past Omeo was the worst for several of us and it was always the ladies encouraging each other. At one stage I was about to give up and a wonderful lady gave me words of encouragement and I was back on my bike. Many of us in this bunch meet our end when the Sag Wagon caught us. 😢. But every single one of these ladies gave up gracefully and encouraging other. We were all near 170KM. I would change lots on how I did things but I certainly hope the ladies continue on this ride and my hope is some of the ladies that did not make it this year return next and prove to themselves they can do 3 Peaks.
Thanks Sharon, so good to hear from you. I am beyond impressed. Only 10% of the field but so impactful. Here’s to the 15% target for next year. I know Jess from my first video is coming back.
So, looking forward to that Peaks Challenge 2025 reflection video!
Good analysis. My nutrition plan didn’t adapt to the conditions. In fact, I’d say the heat meant I ate less which contributed to the horrible cramps I had in the second half. I haven’t cramped in 8 years so that was a new and unwelcome surprise!
I would agree with this, I think the heat was a contributing factor in me struggling to get the gels in. My gels were warm 🥴. Unfortunately I think cramps were unavoidable.
Great job mate. That’s my dream to do this. Need a lot more training though.
I cannot recommend it any higher. Such a great event, such an amazing vibe. It takes work but any serious cyclist can do it.
I suspect that the powerlifter you were referring to was ‘AnabolicGabe’.. he documented his ride on his UA-cam channel.. apparently made sub10.. defies all logic completing in that time, while carrying that muscle, not being a regular cyclist.. and in that heat.. incredible!! Must be gifted with a huge aerobic engine?
Hey, you are right! I just watched his video. What a machine. Thanks for sharing I will put a link in the description.
I'm terrible. It'd have to be a 42 at least for me. I hear you on the difficulty of eating.
42? Definitely more gut training that is for sure.
@@ModerateCyclist Yep, a 42. I'll be sixty this year.
How was your pacing? Did you have a target power on the climbs or was the heat too much? What power to weight do you recommend for a sub 10hr?
I had more HR plans rather than power plans. At this duration I wanted to be in Z2 through the flats and Z3 on the climbs. I targeted 250w on Mt Hotham, but for Falls the plans were out the door. I think 2.5wkg should be enough for sub-10.
I did the peaks back in 2013 (I think). Some things I noted off your video that I did and you didn't (and vice versa)
I put a spare pare of bib shorts in my Dinner Plain bag along with an undershirt, and I sent my old shorts, my gilet and warmers back in the same packet. The change of shorts was GREAT, I learned that after doing Sufferlandrian Knighthood and a couple of everest attempts - a change of shorts is kinda worth the time loss on a long day.
I rode on Crank Brothers MTB pedals, which was a dumb idea (Basically, I commuted a LOT at the time and MTB shoes made the best sense for that) - if I were to do it again, proper pedals, because I got foot pain VERY badly around Omeo and had to deal. I might not have needed to walk on the back of Falls if I'd not had the pain in the feet, but ironically, the MTB shoes were nicer to walk in. Go figure.
I didnt stop at Harrietville, too hectic, though I probably should have. I don't remember having a valet bag for the minor stops on mine, but I was carrying a bunch of gels and I'd been doing race simulation rides with my nutrition plan in the lead-up, doing 200km+ a few times through Royal National Park as the best option locally to Sydney.
I did get injured (hit by a car) in the long-term lead-up, so I was carrying too much weight for the climbs, so opted to really hammer it on the downhills, which was possibly unwise. I also got an unlucky group between germantown and harriet, they were dropping bottles and chopping like idiots, which kinda messed up my rhythm. Given my time over, I'd definitely try to get a better alliance before making the turn onto the Great Alpine Road or do the entire event as a group.
My group from Omeo to Anglers rest was AMAZING.
Also, I would definitely try to stay in Falls next time. I stayed in Bright for mine, had a few too many beers the night before, wasn't 100% and ended up doing 10:15 from a target of 9:45
Oveall, great couple of vids!
Thanks Jason. Some great commentary here. Change of bibs is interesting. I had a change of jersey, but didn't feel like it wanted to change.
Shoes is an interesting call out. I wear Shimano Sphyre and love them, but I think anything over 10h will have some discomfort. But they were terrible for walking on BOF.
I considered rolling through Harrietville, but I need to fill a bottle, and I am glad I picked up my gel. Next time maybe plan to skip it, and have bigger bottles and carry more gel from the start.
The bunch you end up with is always a gamble. I had some sketchy moments with other riders throughout the day, I try to identify reliable bunch members and try to stick to their wheels.
Haha beers before Peaks. That is a recipe for disaster.
Great video mate. You’re really inspiring me to have a go next year. It looks like a huge commitment but very rewarding. I like your choice of jersey.. I can’t stand getting sunburnt, but would opt for a white long sleeve jersey.. that green one looks very dark.. it could contribute to an extra degree or two in core body temp??
Thanks Dave. I would definitely recommend giving it a crack. It is SO hard, but it is one of the best cycling experiences I have had to date. Yes white might been the key.
Curious why you chose 500mL bottles rather than 750mL. Was the weight saving vs number of stops equation one you considered?
I will be honest it was pure oversight. I normally use 500ml bottles, I didn't think to upsize. I planned to make the 3 valet stops plus Trapyard, which was going to allow for the 10 bottles I needed.
How much walking did you do? How much was accommodation?
I have been trying to quantify that myself but it has been difficult. At the time it felt like an eternity. But it couldn’t have been more than 2km. I got my accommodation on the secondary market so it is not super representative. But on mountain ain’t cheap.
@@ModerateCyclistI see Lakeside has 5 bed room (bunks) for $780 per night next year. That's not bad if it's split between 5.
Really interesting! I had my first go this year at 51 and managed a 9:31. I suspect the only reason we didn’t finish very close together is I somehow managed not to walk anywhere on back of falls, cos lord knows I wanted to 😂 I am 💯 with you on gearing, I had exactly the same as you, 36x30 and actually took it into the shop in the week prior to try to get a 34 but they not only didn’t have it but said I would need a new hanger anyway as I have 11 speed which isn’t set up for a 34. 36x30 just wasn’t enough, not with the training I did anyway! Spent a lot of time tacking up back of falls. Nutrition-wise I agree with liquid strategy, I had a custom mix with extra sodium (I have a bonkers sweat rate AND Na concentration so lose 2.5 g per hour) and used litre bottles all day, aiming for 1 litre per hour and managed to get them down, which was 120g/hour qt 70kg weight. I also took in 20x215 mg salt tabs, 2 per hour.
Hey what’s your accent? Is it Canadian via 20 or 30 years in Oz?
That’s a great result. I had spent too many matches by falls and the gearing got the better of me. Seems like you had your carbs dialed better than me too, which probably helped you there too. I love hearing stories like yours. It fills me with motivation and positivity for crushing it in the coming years!
54/40 - 11/34 is fine.
The man has spoken. 40x34 seems to give you just a bit more than 36x30. Is this your everyday setup or your Peaks formula?
@@ModerateCyclistboth mate. I think the importance of the 54 is undervalued on long descents. 😃😃
@_LeeTurner it’s a good call out. I would have loved a 54 down Tawonga! 40 is interesting though. I might have to try that out on the Wahoo Bike.
What would I do different. Slend the money and stay on the mountain and reduce stop times. Overall 10hr 15min, moving time 9hr 23min. 🤦
So close. I am thankful for a found friend who was so quick at each stop and forced me to get a move on. Definitely recommend staying on mountain.
@@ModerateCyclist next will have valet bag ready with better nutrition and stops will be uber quick