Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - If You Rode For 24 Hours..

how far could you go?

just wondering what the ranges are out there.. seems like the record is somewhere around 500 mi (for an upright bike anyway). but most of us aren't dedicated LD riders, just recreational types or randonneurs, so i suspect we'll be a bit lower than that.

the most i've done in 24 hours is about 430k, which really isn't that far. (267 mi) it was a slow ride over mountains with a lot of stops and headwinds. made for a helluva day tho! next year i'm shooting for 500k in 24 hours, i think it should be doable even by a mortal like me. 600k in 24 hours might be

anyway, how far could you go in 24 hours? (that is, assuming you want to ride for that long)

I've never really tried a proper 24hr, such as a fleche. I've done somewhere around 410 in under 20.

My best 600 (on a hilly course) is 35ish. 24 hours for a 600 would be very good -- in the "Bonner League."

600 in 24 hours isn't that hard, though it does require a certain focus on keeping moving. I did it in 2002 (Mersey Roads Time Trial) and I've only got under 70 hours for a 1200 once.

I've never really tried a proper 24hr, such as a fleche. I've done somewhere around 410 in under 20.

My best 600 (on a hilly course) is 35ish. 24 hours for a 600 would be very good -- in the "Bonner League."

Amen to that. A couple years ago, 3 riders went sub-24 (by a few minutes) on the Oregon Randonneurs 600k. But that was 3 mutants, in near-ideal conditions, and a moderately easy course. Of course, no sleep stop.

Personally, I've done a fairly flat 400k in 18:30, but I was in excellent shape, riding hard, with a very compatible, aggressive group. We rolled thru St Paul, OR (maybe 15 mi from the finish) at 1am doing 20+ mph. One of the high points of my rando "career" thus far. And on the RM1200 this year, I covered the first 445km (Kamloops-Jasper) in 22 hrs. So, 500k in 24 hours would be within reach, but beyond that would be more of a stretch than I'd want to take on.

It really comes down to whether you're looking at a "semi-enjoyable rando" effort, or a "balls-out ultra racer" type of effort.

SP

I'll be pleased with myself if I'm around 24hrs for the 3-Passes 400km.

If it was a dead-flat track and optimal conditions (like the century ride at the Indianapolis Speedway), I think I could do a triple century; but that's pure speculation based on my performance at this year's STP, which is a low-rolling double with around 3000' total gain. I rolled across the line in 14h 45m total time for that one, so I'm just extrapolating to figure that I could have churned out another 100 miles in 9 more hours.

If you look at the Montreal 24 hour inline skating event (http://www.inline24.com/results.php)..the winner did 544K or 338 miles. Seems like that could be doubled on a bike.

If you look at the Montreal 24 hour inline skating event (http://www.inline24.com/results.php)..the winner did 544K or 338 miles. Seems like that could be doubled on a bike.

I don't see it being doubled (on a road course w/o autopacing) any time soon. I'm not sure about other records, but in 2007 a local guy (Chris Ragsdale) did a 24hr distance of 502.7 miles. I've seen some insane distances for 24hr records, but they were for things like autopaced track records.

I believe the unfaired 24 hour recumbent record is 516.5 miles or 831.23 km. James Kern did that at Sebring in 2006 , source here (http://www.wisil.recumbents.com/wrra/records.asp). This is a non-drafting event.

Whoops, Dennis Grelk beat that in 2007 with a course record (http://www.bikesebring.org/records.html) of 522 miles.

I did the Boston Brevet Series 400k in about 24 hours. It was hilly! I'm hoping to do better next year.

It really comes down to whether you're looking at a "semi-enjoyable rando" effort, or a "balls-out ultra racer" type of effort.

SP

Indeed. My approach is almost always the former. I like to enjoy the view.

That was a good time to Jasper. Did I get a photo of you on the B-J Highway or at Lake Louise?

I don't see it being doubled (on a road course w/o autopacing) any time soon. I'm not sure about other records, but in 2007 a local guy (Chris Ragsdale) did a 24hr distance of 502.7 miles. I've seen some insane distances for 24hr records, but they were for things like autopaced track records.

Amongst the Brits, Roy Cromack did 507 miles in 1969. Andy Wilkinson did 525.07 miles in 1997. I think that is still the longest non-drafting 24 hr effort. http://www.cyclingtimetrials.org.uk/comprec.asp?Cat1=1&Cat2=7

Something else to consider: Not all routes are created equal. Of course, I'm thinking in terms of the routes I ride most frequently -- here on Vancouver Island. Our traditional spring 300 includes over 3500 metres (11,500 ft.) of elevation gain; our summer 300 (Tsunami) over 3900 m (13,000 ft.). Our summer (Backroad) 400 over 4,000 m.

The spring 600 (Pacific Rim) that traverses the Island to Tofino and back, then up and down to Campbell River, climbs over 4600 m (15,000 ft.). Ken Bonner has managed a sub 24 on that with a partner of equal prowess. This year, I created the "Northward Ho" 600 route that travelled to the northern terminus of Hwy #1, at Port Hardy. The classic Island "End to End" AKA "Tortoise & Hare" 1,000 from Victoria-Port Hardy-Victoria includes the same amount of climbing as Paris-Brest-Paris. Good training on a PBP year.

Bonner's Ultimate Island Explorer 2000 route, this year, climbed a mind-boggling, quad-busting 20,900 m (68,570 ft.) He did this as a permanent (http://www.randonneurs.bc.ca/newsletter/submissions_2008/066_ultimate-permanent_ken-bonner.html) in October, in 140:31

Yes VI is a lumpy place

check out some heavy weight stuff at http://www.ragsdaleridesagain.com/ Chris is a member of SIR who rode 502 miles and I believe beat that this past spring in Michigan. I'd be glad to ride 300 in 24 hours with moderate mountains.
papa

Again, keep in mind there is a world of difference between fully-supported RAAM-type events and brevets.

Indeed. My approach is almost always the former. I like to enjoy the view.

That was a good time to Jasper. Did I get a photo of you on the B-J Highway or at Lake Louise?

I agree completely. What's the point of going on a ride like that if it isn't at least somewhat fun?

At the RM1200, the 10pm group was just flying out of Kamloops. IIRC, we got to the first control 1/2hr after it opened. After that things settled down quite a bit. But a quick start always helps the average speed.;)

In the "official" collection, there are two pics of me on the bike: one at Moose Lake, and one on the Bow Parkway. I'm the tall guy in a blue and yellow jersey on a recumbent. My fave tho' is me sound asleep in a chair by the fireplace at the Curling Club after the finish.

SP

Again, keep in mind there is a world of difference between fully-supported RAAM-type events and brevets.

indeed, and i'm more concerned with unsupported 24-hour rides in this thread.

there's nothing wrong with supported LD, but it's hard to compare it with brevets or general unsupported riding.

2006 UMCA 24-hour TT ...

http://www.machka.net/24hour/2006_UMCA24hour.htm

287.3 miles (462.4 kms)

In the "official" collection, there are two pics of me on the bike: one at Moose Lake, and one on the Bow Parkway. I'm the tall guy in a blue and yellow jersey on a recumbent. My fave tho' is me sound asleep in a chair by the fireplace at the Curling Club after the finish.

SP

Ah, I think I missed you on the B-J, but I believe I have you leaving Kamloops, at the start (last photo but one in the Kamloops gallery) at Velopix (http://www.veloweb.ca/bikepix.html).

Many distances mentioned here are downright frightening.

This bent-riding refugee from 50+ would, if necessary to keep kittens being killed, maybe make a couple hundred miles in good weather without any challenging elevation changes. Move the kittens to safety, add some hills or weather problems and a hundred is about it.

The most I've done is 298 miles in 21 hours with 14,000' of climbing

The most I've done is 298 miles in 21 hours with 14,000' of climbing

Hmmmmm, (he said, consulting his km converter) that's very respectable there DanteB.

The most I've done is 298 miles in 21 hours with 14,000' of climbing

nice.. no extra 2 miles for a rounded out 300? although maybe that's a dumb question.. sounds like a helluva ride! and pretty speedy too.

nice.. no extra 2 miles for a rounded out 300? although maybe that's a dumb question.. sounds like a helluva ride! and pretty speedy too.

The ride organizer considered it 300, that was good enough for me even though my speedo said 298.

Boston 400k in '06 in 21:36 (~250 miles + a few bonus miles)
Boston 600k (DNF) in '06 - (~221 miles in about 17 hours)

The 600k crossed the Green Mountains in VT and had plenty of steep rollers in Western MA. Temps climbed to 90 or so going over the Greens.

The 400k rambled through Western MA with plenty of choppy pavement and steep climbs, including 2 long climbs near the mid point that nearly did me in.


So, no, I'm not a speed demon - and I have to add a few more hours to my ride times to hit the 24 hour mark.

But - bring on the Endless Mountains 1240k next September... I'm registered and planning a strategy to enjoy the ride as much as possible. That should be a good metric for 24h of riding. ;)

The one triple century I've ridden took a tad over 21 hours and that was enough for me, at the time.

May try a triple again on Grand Tour (Malibu, CA) one of these years, then may ride the whole 24 hours just to see how far I can go. More likely, of course, if I have support.

Rick / OCRR

In England there is a national championship each year for 24hour riding. Basically you ride on a course that takes you on country roads for about 400 miles. You then ride on a ten mile circuit and your laps are counted. There are timekeepers at about mile intervals and you ride until your time has elapsed. Your distance is calculated on your average speed on that circuit if your time expires inbetween two time keepers to calculate your exact distance. I rode two events doing 470miles in 1993 for third place and 475miles in 1995 to claim second. The winner in 1995 was Andy Wilkinson with 500 miles. The same guy went on to an incredible 525miles in 1997. I believe that record still stands today.

In England there is a national championship each year for 24hour riding. Basically you ride on a course that takes you on country roads for about 400 miles. You then ride on a ten mile circuit and your laps are counted. There are timekeepers at about mile intervals and you ride until your time has elapsed. Your distance is calculated on your average speed on that circuit if your time expires inbetween two time keepers to calculate your exact distance. I rode two events doing 470miles in 1993 for third place and 475miles in 1995 to claim second. The winner in 1995 was Andy Wilkinson with 500 miles. The same guy went on to an incredible 525miles in 1997. I believe that record still stands today.


Yes. A friend of mine also rode that one ... in 2003 or 2004 or maybe both and maybe more than that. But the UMCA 24-hour I referred to in my post is one of the American ones like it.

If you check out my Links page: http://www.machka.net/links.htm
you'll see a list of American 24-hour events. I think that's all of them, but if someone knows of another one, please let me know.

I really should add the UK one as well. Do you have the website for it? And do you know of any others over there like that?

I would be thrilled if Canada and Australia had those events too, but in all my research I have not come across any. Canada has one or two mtn bike 24-hour events, but no road bicycle events. However, if any of you know of any, please let me know!!

I really enjoy doing the 24-hour events, and wish they weren't all so far away!

next year i'm shooting for 500k in 24 hours, i think it should be doable even by a mortal like me.Your question did not describe in any detail about whether the 24-hour ride you want to try would be part of an actual event, with lots of riders, with groups of riders drafting and a route using repeatable night loops or a self-supported, solo ride -riding anywhere you want and riding all alone experience.

In any case, a couple of additional variables regarding successful outcomes of any 24-hour ride has whole lot to do with whether you are riding with others, with or without "support people" and whether you are riding on a familiar route with a repeatable, somewhat safe night-loops.

I think the "gold standard" for accomplished, supported riders is still 400 miles, while toughing-out 200-240 miles by yourself in hilly, unfamiliar terrain might be just as much of an accomplishment. Of course all the answers reflect much of this perspective.

All 24-hour rides involve riding at night. (unless you're in Alaska) Personal support and riding night loops are two features of organized events that contribute to mileage results over self-supported solo attempts.

Your question did not describe in any detail about whether the 24-hour ride you want to try would be part of an actual event, with lots of riders, with groups of riders drafting and a route using repeatable night loops or a self-supported, solo ride -riding anywhere you want and riding all alone experience.

true - in my case i'm talking about a 600k brevet, over open roads, self-supported - or maybe just a solo effort, unsupported. generally the brevets end up being something like 50% group riding, and 50% solo.

so if i did 500k in 24 hours, the next 100k could be done at a pace to get me in before 30 total hours, which would be a hell of a 600k time for someone with only one year of rando experience. of course this is probably way to soon for me to plan a ride like this, as my only 600k so far was a 40 hour affair.

but it's always fun to dream of what you might do some day.

true - in my case i'm talking about a 600k brevet, over open roads, self-supported - or maybe just a solo effort, unsupported. generally the brevets end up being something like 50% group riding, and 50% solo.

so if i did 500k in 24 hours, the next 100k could be done at a pace to get me in before 30 total hours, which would be a hell of a 600k time for someone with only one year of rando experience. of course this is probably way to soon for me to plan a ride like this, as my only 600k so far was a 40 hour affair.

but it's always fun to dream of what you might do some day.


Why not try a 24-hour TT event ... the Oregon one isn't that far from where you are. And those rides are motivating!!

I was one of the volunteers at the Texas Time Trials this fall. That was a neat event.
Looks like the fastest guy on the 500 mile route did 27:18, which scales out to 440 miles in 24 hours.
They had one 4-man relay team that did it in 21:13. That was switching off on a 20-mile loop.
Fastest person on the 24-hour time trial did 345 miles in 23:41.

This is riding on a fairly hilly 20 mile loop. So the riders don't have to tote a bunch of stuff with them, but could probably pick up the pace a bit on a flatter course. This event had a pretty good mix of riders.

1216.81 miles in 24 hours Michael Secrest drafting an 18-wheeler on an auto test track. I've heard something about doing 800+ miles drafting motor bikes in Aussie land.

No idea. I'm sure it would not be as far as most are claiming here though.

Here are the official standings for the 2005 and 2006 UMCA 24-hour events. My husband Rowan and I are both mentioned in both accounts ... they were the only two we've done so far. :)

http://www.ultracycling.com/results/iowa2005.html
http://www.ultracycling.com/results/iowa2006.html


And you can find the results from other 24-hour events here as well, including indoor events:
http://www.ultracycling.com/siteindex.html
http://www.ultracycling.com/records/recordsprocess.html

Here are the official standings for the 2005 and 2006 UMCA 24-hour events. My husband Rowan and I are both mentioned in both accounts ... they were the only two we've done so far. :)

http://www.ultracycling.com/results/iowa2005.html
http://www.ultracycling.com/results/iowa2006.html

how was it riding in a loop for so long?

i'd think it would be mind-numbing!!

how was it riding in a loop for so long?

i'd think it would be mind-numbing!!

They divide the 24 hours into three loops. In 2005, the first loop was really long - well over a century, the second loop was about 30 miles, and the third loop was 7 miles. That year, we were out on the first loop too long, missed the cut-off time for the second loop, and were put right onto the third loop when we got in. We did that little loop for the entire night ... and it was mind-numbing!!

In 2006, it was much better. The first loop was about 70 miles, and we did it twice. That was nice because we had support at the start/finish area, and support at about 35 miles (toilet and a table with bananas and gatorade). The second loop was about 20 miles, and we did that loop for most of the night. That was all right because it was long enough so that it wasn't completely mind-numbing, and yet we got to know the loop so we knew when to accelerate, when to ease off a bit, etc. And then right toward the end they put us on a 8 mile loop. I barely remember that loop because I was riding flat out to try to get in before the closing time ... and I finished it with 15 seconds to spare!! :D

My husband Rowan and I are both mentioned in both accountsCongrats - a trans-hemisphere marriage, holy commute Batman!

Congrats - a trans-hemisphere marriage, holy commute Batman!

It's 30 hours travelling time from house to house!! Sort of like doing a randonnee to get to see each other.

how far could you go?

anyway, how far could you go in 24 hours? (that is, assuming you want to ride for that long)

329.8 miles. Officially, that is. Can I call it 330? Please??? (Sebring, 2007)


It's 30 hours travelling time from house to house!! Sort of like doing a randonnee to get to see each other.

Hey girl! Haven't been here in a while, but CONGRATS!!!! My sweetie and I are 24 hours apart -- driveable, though. It works!

Another Mersey roads rider here, I did it in 2007 and managed 334 miles on 72" fixed unsupported.
scroll down near the bottom here (http://www.fixedwheel.co.uk/fixedwheel%20stories.htm)

the winner in 2007 did 501miles, most randonneurs manage between 400km and 600km

Another Mersey roads rider here, I did it in 2007 and managed 334 miles on 72" fixed unsupported.
scroll down near the bottom here (http://www.fixedwheel.co.uk/fixedwheel%20stories.htm)

the winner in 2007 did 501miles, most randonneurs manage between 400km and 600km

That's a good 24; congrats!

But the way you put it that "most randonneurs manage between 400 and 600" is clearly intended to somehow disparage those achievements.

The fact is, only the very best randonneurs in the world can "manage" to ride 600 km -- from Paris to Brest, for instance -- in 24 hours. But they will then do the same back to Paris, for a cumulative time of 48 or so hours for 1200km.

The rest of us are happy to manage to finish under the 90hr time limit

Let's make sure we are comparing fairly as well. PBP includes 30,000 plus feet of climbing, and, last year, we had to fight torrential rain and headwinds all the way to Brest. The sun peeked out on day two, but the rain came back in full force after.

But the way you put it that "most randonneurs manage between 400 and 600" is clearly intended to somehow disparage those achievements.



I could be wrong, but I didn't get that he meant it that way. Have you been to England? Say it again with a British accent using British English and see how it sounds.

I could be wrong, but I didn't get that he meant it that way. Have you been to England? Say it again with a British accent using British English and see how it sounds.

You may be right about the intent, but ... I'm a Brit, born and bred.

You may be right about the intent, but ... I'm a Brit, born and bred.

Have I met you ... perhaps on the 2002 RM1200?

Have I met you ... perhaps on the 2002 RM1200?

Nope. But maybe if you checked out my website, all would become clear.

http://www.randonneurs.bc.ca/Resources/2007/edH-400/charlene.jpg

Hell and back (http://www.randonneurs.bc.ca/galleries/gal_2007/eau-de-hell-400.html)

Nope. But maybe if you checked out my website, all would become clear.

If you're the one in the photo, I have seen you, although I don't know if we've formally met. Were you at the Hell Week on Vancouver Island in 2007? Or the Harrison fleche in 2004?



EDIT: Harrison fleche it is!! Oh, actually no ... based on the pins on my handlebar bag, that would have to be the Vancouver Island. Was I really wearing that much stuff on that ride? The bump on my head must have knocked some details of that ride out.

If you're the one in the photo, I have seen you, although I don't know if we've formally met. Were you at the Hell Week on Vancouver Island in 2007? Or the Harrison fleche in 2004?



EDIT: Harrison fleche it is!! Oh, actually no ... based on the pins on my handlebar bag, that would have to be the Vancouver Island. Was I really wearing that much stuff on that ride? The bump on my head must have knocked some details of that ride out.

Follow the links. I'm VI coordinator.

I used to commute home after Midnight shift... My question.. When Tired , keeping a grip on the handlebars is not as easy as you'd think.. Motorists can fall asleep over the steering wheel. I found , when you feel your handlebars swaying, you'll likely wake up..

That's a good 24; congrats!

But the way you put it that "most randonneurs manage between 400 and 600" is clearly intended to somehow disparage those achievements.

The fact is, only the very best randonneurs in the world can "manage" to ride 600 km -- from Paris to Brest, for instance -- in 24 hours. But they will then do the same back to Paris, for a cumulative time of 48 or so hours for 1200km.

The rest of us are happy to manage to finish under the 90hr time limit

Let's make sure we are comparing fairly as well. PBP includes 30,000 plus feet of climbing, and, last year, we had to fight torrential rain and headwinds all the way to Brest. The sun peeked out on day two, but the rain came back in full force after.


Randochap I was not disparaging anyones rides, I was referring to Randonneurs who enter the Mersey Roads 24hr TT, put me on a hilly Audax and I'll probably be just behind you :)
PBP 2003 88h 25m on a mix of [73" Paris to Brest to Carhaix] and 68" gear back to Paris Hot days and cold nights but no rain. Almost glad I missed last years.

Randochap I was not disparaging anyones rides, I was referring to Randonneurs who enter the Mersey Roads 24hr TT, put me on a hilly Audax and I'll probably be just behind you :)
PBP 2003 88h 25m on a mix of [73" Paris to Brest to Carhaix] and 68" gear back to Paris Hot days and cold nights but no rain. Almost glad I missed last years.

OK. Got it. Yep, last year was a real "baptism."

You fixed people need your heads fixing! ;)