Hi, i’m doing an XCM event next month (first one abroad) and there aren’t many things i’m looking to do or change between now but want to cover all bases.
My aim is to complete the course (65km, 2200m) without too much emphasis on placings - id rather enjoy it and get round, although i’ll be going as hard as i feel i can on the day. Its in Spain (im UK) so i want to use it to get used to travelling with my bike and sorting logistics.
Its dry and rocky. I currently have 2.25" barzo/mezcal combo for tires and am considering inserts. My bike is a Lapierre 7.9 XR so 100mm travel. I’ll be getting it serviced next week to ensure things are running ok and i’ve done a ‘test pack’ into my bike bag.
I can only fit 1 bottle (750ml max) into my bike and there are 3 feed stations. I’m contemplating not using a backpack as itll be 1-2kg extra water weight i dont need as it will only be around 18 degrees and i should be able to get from feed station to feed station. Its not a big event so supplies shouldnt be an issue. Id then carry 1x tubeless kit, CO2 cannister, hand pump, multi tool, innertube, tire boot, quick link and tyre levers strapped to my bike or in my jersey pocket.
A camelbak would just afford me somewhere for layers or extra water like i say. Gels and bars can be carried in my jersey and picked up at the stations so im thinking camelbak is overkill.
If just completing the event is the objective then I would skip the camel bak and just get your moneys worth at the aid stations.
Our XCM events are longer although not as much climbing and usually consist of multiple laps so bottle hand ups are easy if you have support. If I didn’t have support I would use a camel bak style system and carry a bottle to last the 4+ hours. Personally I usually only carry a co2, link, plugs, and a tiny multi tool.
Keeping in mind bottles can fly out of holders so I’ve also utilized another bottle in a jersey pocket just in case.
If you’re planning on replacing your tyres for the race, I’d recommend doing a test-run fixing what is the most common mechanical - a sidewall gash in your old tyre,. This will teach/prove you can do it with confidence and on autopilot in Spain’s rocky terrain.
This could look like:
Do a dry run: a ‘half-elevation’ ride a month before your event, on whatever rocky terrain you can find in your area
Testing out a camelbak / extra bottle in the jersey for this ride, just to know how it goes. And whether your bottle cage bolts are done up.
Deliberately slashing the sidewall of your old tyre at the end of the ride. Yes. When you’re fatigued, your hands are tired, the equipment is muddy and buried in your jacket with gel wrappers, and you’re only carrying that silly little pump.
Fixing your slash with what you carried for 2hrs - this confirms your tyre boot will/won’t work with an inner tube, confirms your ability to get the tubeless valve out ( hard without tools).
Knowing how much of a clusterF#ck it can be, you’ll ride more cautiously, and not flat in your event!!
