Graeme Simpson: Solo slog builds to world champs

The Nduro 24 returns to the Rotorua trails this weekend.

For a lot of the riders it will be a social occasion like most day/night races.

It's a different story for the 24-hour solo racers. Rotorua's Megan Dimozantos is ranked third in the world in this category and will contest the WEMBO World 24 Solo Championships in Canberra in October.

Megan also trains riders including Tim Farmer. He's one of those Aucklanders who spend as much time on the Whakarewarewa trails as a busy life allows. This year most of his free time is devoted to training for his first World 24 Solo Champs.

I caught up with Tim to find out what it is about the 24-hour challenge that appeals to him.

"It's a hard question to answer and it comes down to a favourite saying of mine - those who do it can't explain it, those who don't do it, don't understand," says the 31-year-old policeman.

"I've entered 12-hour solos and loved the team aspect of 24-hour races, but became frustrated waiting for my laps to come round. I watched Megan, found myself totally inspired by her dedication and realised this was for me. I signed up with her Bike Love Coaching and jumped feet first into training."

Tim has big goals for 2013.

"Yes, top three in the Nduro 24 and top 15 in the Elite Men's at the WEMBO World Championships," he says.

"However, finishing a 24 hour is a triumph in itself and I see it as a repayment to those who have supported me throughout the build-up like my wife, Belinda."

If 24-hour racing is hard, the training is harder.

"You need to be honest with this and going out to rack up big rides is not training.

"I've had to learn to understand my heart rate zones and how my body reacts.

"It's a full-time job in itself, six to seven days per week, eating the right food, timing sleep, prepping the bike before heading out for a five- or six-hour ride and then the recovery and a quick shower before work. This is repeated day after day. Sometimes, I'm up at 2am riding the trails or roads to make sure training is ticked off for the day."

And Tim's top tips for anyone taking on a challenge like this?

"Eat, drink, smile and ride your bike a lot. Don't expect to finish a race if you only ride once a week. Get a training programme from a coach that has knowledge of the discipline ... to help achieve your personal goals. And never, ever forget why you wanted to do a 24!" he adds, with a laugh.

You don't have to be as dedicated as Tim or Megan to enjoy the Nduro 24. Get a team together and enter now.

There is a 12-hour option and 6 + 6, just riding in the daylight hours.

The event HQ will be at the Waiariki Institute of Technology forestry school campus past the Red Stag Mill, with good facilities, places to camp and a course featuring some of Whakarewarewa Forest's best trails. Online entry and more information at the website www.n-duro.co.nz