Monster Bike and Hike Training

Something I forgot to mention. I signed up…no…..my colleagues signed me up for an event called the Monster Bike and Hike. At the time I didn’t take much notice about what it was or what it consisted, but I’m certainly taking notice now.

The Monster Bike and Hike is a 30 mile cycle followed by a 43 mile hike along the Scottish Great Glen Way…..all in 24 hours. The bike and hike is a fundraising event for Maggie’s Cancer Care centres.

Naturally when it finally sank in what the Bike and Hike entailed I decided some training was in order. As a kid I rode a bike all the time. Over the last few years the cogs have got rusty…and I’m not just talking about the bike. So I decided now is as good a time as any to get my backside used to the saddle once more.

Thankfully 12 of my colleagues are also taking part, and I’m fairly certain I won’t be last to finish 🙂

Our first training session was a 12 mile hike over the Pentlands which was achieved pretty easily. That however, was nothing compared to the training session on Sunday. The route for the Monster Bike and Hike is relatively flat (allegedly) so we thought this time we’d go for distance and speed.

Here’s the route we took;

The power of technology told us we were averaging 13 minutes per mile. We completed the first half of the hike in a little over 3 and a half hours. The pace was quick. The return journey was equally as quick…although a couple of pubs got in the way at the end. Well deserved I say.

And today my feet, calves and thighs are all fine. The back of my knees are not. It feels as though someone is boring a hole in the back of my knees. If that was result after 22 miles I dread to think what the result will be after 43 miles. Thankfully I’ve attended Monster Bike and Hike two training sessions. I’m worried for those who haven’t started training yet.

Essentials for the Bike and Hike

This is more of a list for me than anything else, but if you’re planning on doing the Monster Bike and Hike, here are my suggested necessities;

• 2 pairs of walking boots / shoes
• Several pairs of breathable socks
• Talcum powder
• Blister packs
• Energy bars
• Haribo
• Lots of water (suggest a Camelbak)
• Vaseline
• Breathable waterproofs
• A rucksack that allows your back to breathe (Berghaus do a good Freeflow range)

If you think of anything else, let me know! This years Monster Bike and Hike takes place on the 3rd/4th May.