Event planning for long ‘adventures’
Coach Ed Milbourn’s planning tips for long adventures.
Success at long adventure events, whether races or solo trips is often down to how you deal with things when something goes wrong. As part of that we need to spend time thinking through all the challenges which might occur, and have a plan for each.
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Lighting / Power / Electronics
What equipment are you taking? How will you re-charge? What spares do you need?
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Navigation / route planning / bail out
How are you navigating the route? What back up navigation devices do you have? What waypoints are you using? If you need to bail from the route, what are you exit strategies?
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Fuelling / restock points / water & hydration.
How are you carrying your fuel and hydration? What are your restock or resupply options?
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Equipment malfunctions
More detailed mechanicals eg. on the bike - if tubeless, do you have extra spares to carry.?
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Temperatures & thermal management
Are you prepared for environmental challenges? What will you carry to deal with extremes of either heat or cold?
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Sleep & fatigue management
What is your strategy for dealing with fatigue? Do you have planned sleep stops or will you adapt to the conditions during the event? Will you use caffeine to keep you awake? Have you planned for when you have the natural circadian rhythm lows? and will you rest at these times or power through?