Training & preparation
The Artemis Highland 100 is aimed at people with a moderate or above level of fitness. You'll be cycling between 64 and 132 kilometres over mostly minor roads. The Gold and Silver routes both include a 12 kilometre off-road hill section and the Gold section continues to include a tough 22 kilometre circumnavigation of Loch Lyon of more challenging off-road biking suited to people with a good level of fitness.
We recommend you prepare your body for the challenge!
- Try to cycle as much as possible before the event.
- Use cycle machines at the gym.
- Become familiar with your bicycle, ensuring the saddle is comfortable and set at the right height.
- Wear cycle shorts as this will reduce rubbing and chaffing.
- Make sure your helmet fits and become familiar with the gears and puncture repairs.
Top tips
- Drink and Hydration: Drink and eat regularly. Use a camelback/platypus water container. We will provide High Five energy drink which contains electrolytes to assist you to maintain a balance between water and salts.
- Stretching: Make sure you and your team have fully warmed up before starting any stretching - never stretch cold muscles. Aim to do some stretching throughout the event and especially at water stops.
- Rubbing/Chafing: Wear cycle shorts or lycra and use Vaseline to prevent chafing.
- Temperature: Maintain a constant body temperature and prevent your body from sweating/shivering. Constantly adjust your clothing according to your temperature. Zip tops make this easier.
- Check point routine: Try to spend no more than 20 - 30 minutes at each check point. This will help prevent muscles from seizing up and it is important to keep the momentum going. Support team members should make sure that they are well prepared to receive the riders with chairs, food, clothes and sock changes, first aid and replenishment of water and food supplies.
- Massage/physiotherapy: This is provided for you as part of your registration fee. Please use it!
Compulsory kit list
- Cycle helmet - no helmet, no event!
- Puncture repair kit, to be carried by every participant:
- Tyre lever
- Bike pump
- Inner tube
Recommended kit list
- 15 litre small day sack
- Camelback/platypus water container (2 litre recommended) and energy drinks
- Well broken in pair of cycling trainers
- Full set of waterproofs
- Spare change of clothes and towel (can be carried by support vehicle)
- Sun cream and sun glasses
- Midge repellent and midge net
- Cycle shorts (essential) and Vaseline
- Finerless gloves (essential to protect your hands against blisters)
- Basic first-aid kit
- Energy food (nuts, fruit, chocolate and energy bars)
- Mobile phone and whistle
- Pairs of spare socks
