Teams should consist from 8-12 riders from novice up, who are willing to train up to the standard required on the ride itself. The team then needs to divide up into sub groups of generally 2-4 riders of similar ability who relay with the other sub-groups in the team for a distance of 20 to 30 kms. It is expected that teams follow the correct rules of relay, i.e.; just like passing the baton, as one group arrives, the next group then leaves. This provides the challenge for the team to complete the event within 24 hours. Do no waste time on changeovers. Teams should not have too many riders on the road at the one time, to ensure riders get enough rest before they do their next stint. You need riders to pace with, but you can join into a bunch with other teams of similar ability, so, 2 to 3 riders at a time means that your team does not have to changeover as often, thereby conserving energy. Riders usually ride in pairs, so that they are on the bike for example, 1 hour, followed by 3 hours off, for a team of 8

A team of six would need to be a little stronger so that they can ride for 1 hour and have 2 hours off.

A team of four would need to ride one at a time for an hour, resting for 3 hours, unless they were very fit, in which case they could ride in pairs, 1 hour on and 1 hour off.

Riding 1 hour on and 3 hours off would mean each rider would cover, approximately 130 km in 24 hours. If there are stronger riders in the team, they may elect to do longer relays, giving weaker riders a longer rest. No set distance is laid down for relaying, and change overs may be altered to suit town, wayside stops and riders’ ability, but 20 to 30 kilometres is generally a comfortable distance for each riding stint. In choosing your team, it is often good to enlist a “high profile” person, e.g. CEO, DON, councillor, school teacher, business persons, etc. They may be an unlikely cyclist to begin with, but with some training, they can be a very good member and often raise the team’s profile for publicity and fundraising purposes.

Teams should develop a good rapport, and where possible consist of people who can train together at least once a week. They may have a common interest e.g. Service Club, work mates.

Above all, remember this ride is a challenge; do not leapfrog your team. This behaviour only cheats your sponsors and destroys your team morale. On the last section of the ride from Hamilton to Port Fairy, you are only allowed one support vehicle to follow. Consequently you may have to ride a little further if you elect to ride on this section.

Don’t hesitate to ask a competitive cyclist or someone who has done this ride before for help with your training, bike set-up, food clothing, etc.

Road 10 speed bikes are the best to use. They are designed to be ridden in the position that gives the most use of those muscles required to gain the most speed. They may be hard to get used to, but in the long run, they are streets ahead of any other type.

The lighter the bike, the better, but within reason. Don’t rush our and spend a fortune on an ultra light machine that will sit in the shed for months. Borrow one unless you intend to keep on riding after the event.

Get your position, especially the seat height, set up properly before you start training. See training tips