I was asked recently if I would answer some questions on my Ultra Cycling races as part of a research project from someone studying at a University in the UK.
I liked the questions and enjoyed answering them, so here they are!
1. Please give an account of your cycling history in regards to the TOUR DIVIDE, TERRA AUSTRALIS BIKE EPIC (TABE) and participation in ultra-distance cycling
My cycling history that took me into ultra-distance cycling events, really started in 2009 which was about a year after moving to New Zealand . After a few years of doing lots of XC races and learning heaps along the way , I was hooked. I had heard of The Tour Divide and seen the film ‘ Ride the Divide ‘ and was curious about it, but it was still a far-off dream to even contemplate doing. Riding 4,400 km across a country seemed incredible to me at that time.
I rode a few 1100km Brevet events here in New Zealand and started to enjoy this style of riding. I rode the 3,000km Tour Aotearoa route in 2016 and Slowly I gained confidence to enter the Tour Divide in 2017. I was super excited and trained very well for this. An unfortunate mechanical on Day 1 of the race was not part of the vision, however, I continued to finish 4th place in 17 Days. I simply had the most amazing adventure of my life.
Ultra Endurance cycling was now a huge motivation for me and I completed another Tour Aotearoa in February 2018. Later in the same year, I raced the inaugural 6,400km Terra Australis Bike Epic (TABE). This was an absolute monster adventure that I thoroughly enjoyed. I was the first to finish in 31 days.
2. What is a successful outcome for you in a race?
A successful outcome for me in a race is when I truly know I have given my absolute best to achieve the best possible position, whilst at the same time enjoying the adventure and having fun doing it.
3. What is your race strategy for the Tour Divide?
I go into the Tour Divide with a basic strategy; 3 to 4 hours of sleep per night, towns and services I would like to reach at certain times etc. My personal experiences have evolved to make my plans very non-stringent!! My plan has to be flexible to adapt to anything that can happen, like my Day 1 mechanical in TD 2017 which meant I was out of the race for nearly 24 hours. When something like this happens I have to revise my plan, refocus and just get on with it! All part of the adventure.
4. Which of the following strategies do you think improve your performance in the short term, but are not sustainable in the long term?
(a) Reduce sleep time
(b) Ride longer hours
(c) Higher speed
ANSWER (c)
5. When would you use the strategies above?
(a) At the start of a race
(b) To counter a competitor
(c) Anytime it will earn an advantage
(d) To make up lost time
(e) Towards the end of a race
ANSWER (d)
6. Generally, would you prefer to :
(a) Set your own pace, and then defend your position as necessary
(b) Ride aggressively and take every advantage
ANSWER (a)
7. Do you think a successful Tour Divide strategy transfers to the TABE? Why/ Why not?
I think the same strategy applies to both races. As I said above, my plan is flexible. I don’t get too fixated on strategies ….. each race is unique and they play out with different consequences. For me, this is what makes Ultra Endurance racing so exciting.
8. Rate the following race goals by importance ( 1 being the lowest importance and 5 being the highest importance )
(a) Set a new record: 2
(b) Win the Race: 4
(c) High place Finish: 5
(d) Just Finish: 5
9. Rate the following categories by their importance to the success of a race.
(a) Rider: Physical preparation: 5
(b) Rider: Motivation : 5
(c) Strategy : 3
(d) Organisation: 5
(e) Sponsorship : 3
(f) Bike: 5
10. How do you prepare for a race?
I am always training for something, with so many exciting events now in the race calendar, so I am generally just topping up my fitness. About 3 to 4 months out from a big race I will focus more on longer rides, multi day rides carrying all my gear and camping out. I’m lucky enough to have plenty of mountains here in New Zealand, so I spend a lot of time climbing and of course descending.
I am a vegetarian mostly plant-based eater and leading up to a race I will concentrate a bit more on getting the essential vitamins and minerals from organic sources, required for the extra training and the upcoming race. I take some supplements as required also.
I will regularly do Yoga, Meditation and the 5 Tibetan Rites to increase overall flexibility and core strength and to help focus my mind. My aim as I prepare for a race is to remain relaxed and not get too serious about the training, I simply enjoy riding my bike, something I love to do.
11. In what ways do you think about your competitors?
If I know some of my competitors from a previous race, I look forward to seeing them again and racing against them. If I know some competitors just by name, I look forward to maybe meeting them getting to know them better and race against them.
Steve Halligan contemplating continuing in Lincoln (Spencer Harding)
12. How do you organise yourself on a typical day (riding, resupply, resting etc)?
A typical race day for me begins with an early morning start and this be could anywhere between 3 am and 6 am. If I am camping I will know how far to the next resupply and I will know how far to the next one after that. I will be assessing as I’m riding what I will need to buy at the shop, cafe or service station. A typical day will involve 16 to 22 hours of riding between 200 and 300 kilometres or more. If I am camping I will ride well into the night and as I start to feel tired I will begin scouting out a suitable place to sleep for a few hours. Each day is different with resupply points, terrain, and weather and this dictates how I organise each day.
13. What are the risks involved in the Tour Divide, and how do you handle them? Are the risks different on the TABE?
I would say the risks for the Tour Divide are the same as for the TABE and they are the same for every rider. I don’t put too much energy into the risks, I am aware of them and take the necessary measures to be as safe as possible. For example before the 2017 Tour Divide, I had never been to an area that had Grizzly Bears or Mountain Lions etc. I learned precautions and what to do in certain situations but I did not read endless internet accounts of Bear encounters or the like’s.
The Terra Australis Bike Epic had a whole new set of interesting and potentially dangerous animals. I had travelled in Australia previously so I had a fair idea of the creatures that I could encounter. Of course, Cape York that is located in the far north of Queensland has a large population of saltwater crocodiles. I had to cross waterways and creeks on the route but I did not see any. I did see snakes, scorpions and a whole host of amazing creatures on this journey. I believe most of the perceived dangerous animals will likely move out of a human’s way if they can.
14. How do you handle emergencies, such as mechanical breakdowns?
I would not call a mechanical emergency in a race situation, it is just something that can happen to anyone and you have to deal with it. In the 2017 Tour Divide after 100 KM on Day one my rear Derailleur broke off in sticky peanut butter mud. Sections of the route had become a sticky mess after some rain. I had not cleared all the mud off properly and as I cranked down on the pedals the derailleur got sucked into the sprocket and wheel. I was on the roadside in the cold rain as I removed my rear derailleur and spent a long while attempting to make it single-speed. Many riders passed, but of course, could not help as this is an unsupported race. I eventually decided to walk, just to move and get warm. I walked and rolled down the hills for about 5 hours before reaching the tiny town of Elkford. The next day I had to hitchhike with my bike to Fernie to get to a bike shop and get fixed up. Then I had to get a ride back to rejoin the course some 24 hours after the whole episode began. I was so happy to be back on the course and had a blast racing to Mexico.
I also broke my rear Derailleur in the TABE, here I managed to make my bike single speed which was great as it got me out of a remote section. I still had to go off course to get it repaired and lost about 24 hours once again.
In my 2019 Tour Divide, thankfully I did not break a derailleur 🙂 I did however have some other dramas. I had a couple of crashes in the ice and mud, smashing my face and cracking a metacarpal in my hand leaving it swollen and painful. Later with just two days of the race remaining a painful flare-up above my right knee almost stopped me in my tracks. Then a long enforced rest-up helped ensure I limped to the finish line on the Mexican border. I know it’s how I deal with these challenges that dictate the overall outcome and I know it’s important to relax, Breathe take a step back and not get too reactive to the situation. There is always a way ..!
15. How do you handle the mental approach to ultra-distance races?
Like I said above its how I deal with adversity that will be the crucial factor in how my race will be. In these Ultra endurance races there is so many absolute magical memorable moments and there is also some very tough challenging times. These can be mechanicals, injuries weather etc. If you can push through with determination and a positive attitude the outcome will be so rewarding and you will have extra energy in your legs.
Steve Halligan Cresting the Swan Divide (Spencer Harding)
16. If known, what are the reasons for participants failing to complete (scratched) in the TABE ? Are those reasons different from riders scratching in the Tour Divide?
From a relatively small number of riders starting the TABE, most did not finish or complete the course. As this was the inaugural race for the TABE, I believe it was the fear of the unknown that contributed to some failing to follow the route. Super dry drought conditions in outback Queensland were certainly a concern as water was scarce and the distances between services were big. Other reasons for failure to finish would be more like the Tour Divide; injuries, sickness, weather etc I have a big respect for anyone who signs up for these races especially people who will attempt and challenge themselves again to finish them. . .
17. How do you choose a race to compete in?
The Tour Divide was a dream to race as its iconic as the original self-supported Ultra Endurance bike race. Many other races have now appeared all around the world keeping the same spirit and rules. I follow many of these and if it’s possible to get to race them I will. I had heard many years ago that the Tour Divide gets under one’s skin. This is so true, I have raced it twice now and I am due to go again in 2020. Also for me in 2020 is the Silk Road Mountain Race in Kyrgyzstan which I am very excited about.
18. Rate the following motivations by their importance to your decision to compete in ultra-distance cycle races
(a) Prestige: 3
(b) Rewards (money, sponsorship etc) : 3
(c) Event Attractiveness: 5
(d) To compete against elite athletes 5
(e) To socialise: 2
(f) Personal achievement and challenge: 5
(g) To enjoy nature: 5
(h) Escape modern life: 5
19. Considering the nature of the questions above, is there any additional information you would like to add?
I Would just like to add that my main motivation comes from my love of just riding my bike. After this, I create a healthy balance of FUN and being competitive. I love the adventurous side of these massive races, the unknowns and the freedom are a mix that has me intoxicated with drive and motivation to continue to explore. I love to challenge myself on every level, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I learn so much about myself, others and life on each journey. This makes each adventure unique and transformational.
Thank You
Steve Halligan
bike racer turned trail ninja (Spencer Harding)
