Expert advice: 9 common BikingMan mistakes

Hello Everyone !

BikingMan is an incredible adventure that pushes the physical and mental limits of participants. However, even the most seasoned cyclists can make mistakes that compromise their performance.

Here are the nine most common mistakes I’ve observed during the 14 BikingMan races we’ve organized, and how you can avoid them to succeed in your event.

9 erreurs les plus fréquentes du BikingMan

       1. Inadequate biomechanical preparation

The first common mistake is related to biomechanical preparation. Many athletes do not properly test their equipment, especially the cleats of their shoes. Poor adjustment can lead to knee and Achilles tendon pain, potentially causing tendonitis. To avoid this, it is essential to have a bike fitting to find the best position on your bike and to test your cleats several times before the race. A striking example is Gustavo, who, despite being in excellent physical condition, had to abandon the race due to poorly adjusted new shoes.

       2. Untested clothing

Wearing untested clothing is another frequent mistake. BikingMan races require 50 to 120 hours of effort, and unsuitable clothing can cause severe irritation. It is crucial to test your clothing, especially your shorts, before the race. Also, use chamois cream to reduce friction. Georgina, a regular participant, had to quit a race due to untested new shorts, even though she was in perfect physical condition.

         3. Lack of mechanical knowledge

A significant number of participants lack basic knowledge to repair their bikes. Knowing how to replace a tube, derailleur, or brake pads is essential to avoid unpleasant situations during the race. Participate in repair workshops offered by bike shops to learn these basic skills. Keeping your equipment simple can also reduce the risk of mechanical issues.

         4. Insufficient mastery of onboard technologies

Navigation devices like bike GPS are essential, but only if they are well mastered. Do not buy a new device just before the race without knowing it perfectly. Learn to use your GPS, reset it, and manage the recorded routes to avoid issues during the race. Several athletes, like Jean-Paul, were baffled by technological bugs, threatening their participation.

          5. Inadequate hydration and nutrition

Knowing your hydration and nutrition needs is crucial. Train to understand how many calories you burn and how much liquid you need. Dehydration and poor nutrition are common causes of withdrawal. BikingMan races require 1.5 liters of water to ensure sufficient liquid autonomy. Test your refueling strategies before the race.

           6. Lack of visibility

Safety is paramount. Many participants are not visible enough, especially at night. Wear reflective clothing and use front and rear lights. Know the autonomy of your lights and check their operation regularly. Do not be a “ninja” invisible to drivers.

           7. Inadequate lighting management

There is a debate between battery-operated lights and dynamos. Regardless of your choice, it is essential to know the autonomy of your lights and always have a backup solution, like a headlamp. This can make the difference between continuing and abandoning in case of light failure at night.

             8. Poor effort management

Many participants start the race too quickly, as if it were a sportive. It is vital to manage your effort to avoid exhaustion. Use a power sensor or heart rate monitor to control your pace and avoid the red zone. Proper effort management will allow you to endure the race distance.

              9. Not preparing for the unexpected

Even with the best preparation, mistakes and unforeseen events can occur. Be psychologically prepared to face difficult weather conditions, mechanical problems, or navigation errors. Ultra cycling involves anticipating the unpredictable and knowing how to bounce back from setbacks. Experience is also built by learning from your mistakes.

Participating in a BikingMan is a demanding but highly rewarding adventure. By avoiding these common mistakes and preparing adequately, you will increase your chances of success. Remember to test your equipment, train under various conditions, and master your gear. Good luck and see you at the starting line soon!

By arming yourself with these tips, you will be better prepared to face the challenges of BikingMan and fully enjoy this unique experience. Remember, every mistake is a learning opportunity, and every challenge overcome will make you stronger for future races.

Find us on:

• Website : bikingman.com
• Instagram : bikingman_ultra
• Facebook : bikingmanultra
• Strava : / strava  

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