Having taken a break out of racing enduro for a couple of years, Irishman, Pat Coady felt he needed a fresh challenge to get him back racing again. Most normal folk would probably start again with a couple of local Hare and Hounds but then again it seems Pat isn’t normal. Throwing all sense and reason out the window he lined up for the Dawn To Dusk Ironman 24 hour race. Twenty- four hours later he crossed the finish line victorious! Here’s his take on it all…
Firstly, what made you want to race the 24hr Ironman?
Pat Coady: “The Dawn to Dusk is one of those races that I always wanted to, I had taken a break from the sport for a few years and just decided that focusing on a challenge like that would be a great way to get back into it.”
How did the race go overall?
“Overall I was happy with the way the race went, I couldn’t have asked for a better start as I got out front straight away. We had a few small problems during the night but nothing a few unscheduled but quick pit stops could not sort out. I started into the day laps 3.5 laps up on my closest rival Stan Watt. So all I had to do for the remaining 12hrs was ride steady and not leave Stan close the gap.”
What it was like racing at night, it must have felt like a completely different place?
“We were scheduled to start at 7pm but we were delayed until 7:20, which meant we only had about 90mins of daylight before we were plunged into ten hours of darkness. The night lap was pretty easy going. Good helmet lights are a must! The introduction of a 10hr big bike race on the same loop made for some interesting overtaking manoeuvres during the night. You get so used to riding the track in darkness that when it starts to get bright it almost seems like you are on a different track.”
Did you do it all on one bike or did you swap machines?
“In the marathon class you are allowed multiple bikes. I have 2 KTM 450 EXC’s and I set one of them up with HID Lights for the night riding. I also brought a 450 Husaberg just in case but I did not have to use it. It is a long way to go for a mechanical problem to put you out of the race, so I was taking no chances.
What was the course like to ride, did it get badly chewed up?
“The course held up pretty well considering the amount of bikes that were on it at any one time. The night course was pretty easy with nothing very technical in it and only one extreme section. There are a lot of shale paths in the night course and a few wood roads, which became very slippery. They opened up the day loop at 6am where it goes from being an 8-mile easy loop to an 18-mile tough and in places technical course. There were three extreme sections in the day loop, a few gnarly up hills and plenty of ruts.”
How long did it take to ride a lap?
“The night laps were taking roughly 15mins and the day laps were taking on average 45mins.”
What was your race tactic starting out, were you able to stick to that or did it change as the race progressed?
“The race went pretty much to plan. My intention from the start was to push for the first few laps, then try settle into a steady pace once we switched to the lights and get as many of the short laps in as possible. Coming into the longer laps a few laps ahead of the closest marathon rider meant I had just had to stay steady all day.”
Did you lead from the outset and try to control things from there?
“I had a dream start and lead from the first bend. A few minor problems with lights during the night slowed things a little but I still managed to hold the lead in the marathon class all day.”
Did you ride non-stop or take a break halfway through?
“I pretty much rode non-stop during the night lap only stopping if I had a problem or to take on fuel and food. During the day I had a bit more time to play with and could take longer pit stops enabling me to take on more substantial food.”
Was it mentally or physically more difficult?
“It was defiantly harder physically. It’s a tough race and being on the bike for that length of time takes its toll no matter how much training you have done. My hands and wrists suffered most towards the middle of the day. Mentally it was not too bad. I was pushing hard at night so the time flew. During the day there was always enough bikes and obstacles on the course to keep your mind active and concentrating on anything but the time.”
How important was your pit crew in surviving a race like this?
“The pit crew were absolutely vital. I could not thank them enough. I could not have won it without them. There is so much to think about that it would be impossible to concentrate on racing and all these other things. Even the simple things like knowing when to pit for petrol, getting food on board and knowing where you stand in the race. A good pit crew is vital in the marathon class.”
What was your feeling crossing the finish line?
“Thank god that’s over!!!”
Would you do it again!
Absolutely!!
This interview is featured in the current issue of UKXC magazine issue #20. To check it out and find out more about the Dawn to Dusk race log onto http://www.ukxc.co.uk/
Interview: Robert Lynn Images: Pat Coady