Mike Tate's almost ready

Since my last update I have just returned from a well earned rest in Biarittz in South Western France. It’s always nice to get away as soon as the School break starts as it ensures you relax at the very start of the vacation.

With both the GORE BIKE WEAR™ TransWales 2011 powered by Mercedes-Benz Vito Sport and Ironman Wales looming in the not too distant future this was going to be a chilled family holiday so no bike was packed. Instead I enjoyed 10 days of surfing with my son every day, playing bat and ball with my daughter and partner and generally enjoying the heat and sunshine. I ran several times but the holiday was a great opportunity to just rest, sleep and enjoy with no pressure on training.

Now we are all back the focus shifts back onto training and preparation for a busy month. This weekend myself and my partner, Tara, are off to race a three quarter Ironman race – 2.8k swim, 130k bike and a 30k run. So with little time between this event and the start of the TransWales on the 13th (with lots of Ironman training between!) I thought that I had better sort my kit out ready for the events.

Having read the guidebook, blogs and web articles about riders’ experiences in the TransWales it was obvious gear selection was crucial to the success and enjoyment of the event. At the start of the week you are given a large holdall that is all you can pack your gear for the week in. Being in Wales the race will, as in all previous years, experience every type of weather that could be thrown at you. Therefore it’s important to pack for every eventuality and to also remember the importance of recovery and being comfortable back at camp. But first the riding gear.

Mike Tate Gear

Two full sets of Tredz Team riding kit. Good jerseys and fantastic lycra shorts kindly given to me by my local shop. These kits can be rotated but I have also packed six undershirts for a fresh one almost daily. I have added two pairs of padded baggy shorts as well as a pair of waterproof riding shorts. The Gore prize top and a specialised waterproof together with a windproof gilet and thermal gilet give me plenty of options over the seven days. I have packed seven pairs of riding socks as well as waterproof overshoes. Two pairs of riding gloves, autumn gloves and thin windproof gloves cover the options for the hands and the riding gear is finished with the ubiquitous Buff and windproof beanie. Two sets of arm skins and two sets of knee warmers also add to the range. Hopefully this kit will allow me to dress for any conditions and keep me comfortable.

Mike Tate Gear

For base camp and hopefully chillin’ in the evening sunshine (there you go I have tempted fate!) I have packed Gore Tex Salomons, casual shorts, tees, a hooded fleece, a down gilet and a waterproof. A nice warm beanie, gloves and some thermals have also been thrown in to keep me warm at night! I’m hoping to get the odd massage but will be putting on compressions tights each night after showering. I’m sure its the triathlete in me but after using these garments for the last year I swear by their benefits. I have a thermarest to sleep on and will be bringing a 3 season sleeping bag. One dilemma is whether to pack a proper towel or a large travel towel that will dry quicker.

So hopefully thats all the clothing sorted. I have also packed all the amazing MuleBars and gels and For Goodness Shakes that I will be using. I have packed all my new trick tools into the superb Osprey hydration pack and included chain links and spare pads as well as short zip ties just in case. I’m sure there will be other things to be put in like lights, goodies etc but I will think of these when I return from Essex.

I will send an update on my training progress, my next race and other musings when I return. Would be good to hear what people think of my choices and whether I have made a glaring error somewhere! Catch you all soon.