Wheel-ly pushing themselves to limit
24-hour cycling challenge real test
Forget the Tour de France – three Wishaw mountain bikers are set to push their bodies to the limit during an all-day cycling challenge.
Wishaw Mountain Bike Club members Paul Burns, Neil Morrison and Russell McCoull will compete in a 24-hour race at Kielder Forest in Northumberland testing both their physical and mental capabilites.
And all three admit this is a challenge like no other.
Paul certainly didn’t need any persuading to take up in the daunting 24 hour task.
“The day after I got a mountain bike I was cycling the Great Glen Way from Fort William to Inverness,” said Paul. “I was totally done in. I was literally falling asleep on the bike. I have done a few 12 hour races before but this is on a different scale.”
Russell, who has competed in events such as biathlon and ultramarathon, is hoping the trio’s efforts can raise awareness of the club in particular the work it is doing helping kids in Craigneuk and local schools at the area’s new bike pump track.
He added: “We are doing a lot of good work which should be highlighted. Plus I’m a bit of a sadist who likes doing these crazy things!”
The object of the race is to put in as many laps as possible during the 24 hour period.
The trio have been busy training in all manner of conditions.
Neil said: “We did a training ride from Tweedbank to Lanark which was 74 miles and also been doing six to eight hours on the saddle in the snow.
But Paul admits the main worry for him is the sleep deprivation.
He added: “Mentally it will be very tough. At about 2am or 3am your mind starts playing tricks .”
The lads compete in the Kielder Chiller 24, Northumberland, on February 10 and 11.