Packing for an ultra race is a game of fine margins. Too little and you’re playing a dangerous one, but too much and you’ve made a gruelling challenge even harder.
This week is a simple, short rundown on my equipment and nutrition for the upcoming 1.600km TransAlba race with 22.000 metres of climbing, starting on June 16th.
In true Scottish fashion, the weather promises to be rough, windy and wet.
And my set up reflects the environment I’ll be riding in as well as my race goals. I’ll take enough to bail me out of emergency situations, but I’m also packing the right gear to race for a top 10 finish.
If you want to follow my race progress in Scotland, here’s the link:
Electronics
Wahoo Roam V2
Usually lasts around 20 hours riding time and has excellent navigation features.Nothing phone 2
Solid battery life and most importantly a camera to document my adventure.3x usb-c & usb charging cables
Take more cables than you think. If you lose your only charger for your head unit, you’ve got a tricky situation in your hands.Di2 charger
If you’re running electronic gears, it’s unlikely you’ll make it round without charging once.2x power banks
For any race above 72 hours, I’d take 2 power banks to give yourself a solid safety net.Multi-point charging plug
This is a gem. Rather than taking multiple plugs or charging one device at a time, you can break someone’s electric circuit and charge everything at once with one plug.2x front lights & 2x rear lights
I use 2 sets of the Lezyne super drive 1800 and Trek Flare RT rear light. Both will generally last me one night riding and I charge them during the day.
Nutrition
40x SIS gels with 40 grams of carbs
40x Flaming Phoenix bars with 66 grams of carbs
1kg of maltodextrin powder
I’ll touch on this topic more in a future blog, but in essence the goal is to stop as little as possible in the first 2 days and consume easily digestible food. The maltodextrin is also a superpower water supplement I’d highly recommend for ultra cycling.
Baggage
Tailfin aluminium aeropack
This is an expensive option but it’s unbelievably stable and there’s no sway.1x front & 2x Apidura top tube bags
The 3 bags in addition to the Tailfin give me enough space to have food, warm clothing and electronics to hand.
Bike
Cervelo S3 2021 Dura Ace di2
This is a stunning, fast aero bike. While it certainly catches the eye, I will be replacing it very soon. The internal cabling is too complicated to fix and when you’re riding bike your bike a lot, the mechanic bills add up quickly.Bike gear ratios
I’m running an 11-30 Ultegra cassete and 50-34 on the front. It does mean I’ll run out of gears on the downhill but it’s ideal for the climbs.
Ritchey 40 cm bars
This is an easy way to save watts. Most riders use bars that are too wide but a slightly narrower size can improve your riding efficiency and comfort.Profile design aero bars
It was a close decision if I’d take these on this hilly race but there’s enough flat sections to sit in the aero bars and rest my hands. Once future upgrade is to buy 5cm stacks to raise the height.GP 5000 28mm tyres
Low rolling resistance and I can push them onto the wheel with my thumbs.
Clothing & sleeping
Rab sleeping bag & bivvy bag
Mostly I’ll be sleeping outdoors to save time and I’ll spend one or two nights in a hotel to properly refuel.
DMT shoes
Good comfort but they also have a stiff carbon sole for high power transfer.
1x long & 2x short sleeve jersey
This may seem like a lot but there’s nothing better than putting on fresh clothes when you’re tired and stinking.
3x socks
Same goes for socks
2x bib shorts
”…”Patagonia lightweight rain jacket
Excellent waterproof jacket for the guaranteed rain during the race.
Albion body warmer
Highly recommended due to its packability and warmth. This fits into my back pocket.
Rapha overshoes
There’s nothing worse than wet cold feet. I’d invest in a top end set and skip the cheaper ones.
Leggings
These aren’t waterproof but they’ll keep my legs warm during the. night and bad weather.Oakley sunglasses
Not much to say but they look cool - let’s hope I get to use them during the race.
Mechanical
Spare cloth
This is also an underrated item I’d highly recommend for cleaning your chain during the race.
Chain wax
This is much better than oil because it doesn’t stick to your components as much.
Topeak mini torque wrench
Because there’s extra weight on your bike you’ll need to retighten some bolts and it’s best to get the right torque.
4x inner tubes & tyre levels & 1x mini pump
This should cover enough punctures on route.
2x quick links & 1x chain tool
Snapped chain is unlikely because I change my chain before every race but I’m covered if it does.
Cable tires
Ideal for broken spokes.
Extras
Mini tooth brush head & mini tooth paste
I cut off the head off an old toothbrush to save space and the tiniest bit of weight.
Wet wipes
Handy for wiping off gel or after a wild Scottish nature break.
Follow my race for live updates on my progress as I push for a top 10 and a race report will follow after.
Good luck with the race!!