This feels like revisited ground, but while building up new bikes recently, I realised how essential a full workshop and array of tools is. A proper bike build (or rebuild) can only be completed professionally when properly equipped. As I have ruminated on before, there is a certain tranquility to be found preparing your bike in the days before a Marathon. And having a ‘Service Course’ of sorts in various cities and towns around the world is immensely useful for the traveling Mountain Bike racer.
Stage racing is different though. There is so much jammed into one week. Friendships, racing allegiances, sickness, injuries, problems and solutions. You experience physical highs as you utilise the top form you have achieved. But you also experience the lows of Day Five Fatigue – this can hit earlier, as Graeme Arnott experience on Stage Three of Trans Alp 2010:
“I was so far into the (hurt) box today that it was dark. I have never gone so hard in a race, and that’s as good enough as a win for me.”
Well put. We put our bodies and minds through a lot to achieve the goals we have set ourselves. But what do we put our bikes through?
I have never hit a stage race with a fresh bike. Usually, it is part of a solid two to six week(or foolishly in 2010, a 15 week) block of racing. So hitting the start town in need of some mechanical help is unfortunately something to which I have become accustomed. Thankfully, race organisers and event sponsors are used to this – and they are prepared.
Any Stage Race of worth has technical sponsors. Thankfully, my chosen bike brand are at the biggest events, and I have usually run components from another large sponsor, wheels included. While trying to not appear needy, I have always been so grateful to see the band of merry mechanics churning through countless repairs each and every day. Chains, chainrings, cassettes, pivot kits, gear shifters, rear shocks, spokes, brake pads, gear cables, derailleurs, freehub bodies…all have been patiently and expertly replaced and adjusted from Sion to Scuol, and from Graz to Gluszyca. These groups of mechanics and the brands they represent help people like myself, and hundreds of others, achieve our amateur sporting goals.
So how can you say thanks? Mechanics around the world have different currencies – except for beer and coffee. These two are universal. Come equipped, and your gifts will be gratefully accepted. Always bring a clean bike, and ensure that your required repair isn’t from your own poor maintenance and preparation- but because you have been racing hard and just need some help to continue to do so. These mechanics will keep you rolling, so make sure you show your gratitude!