Cycle 600km in 40days Challenge

The Cycle 600km in 40days Challenge (C600K-40D) for short by Trisports Solutions, Inc is an online format cycling challenge. Rides are recorded through a GPS-capable gadget like a smartphone, cyclo-computer or in my case, a Tomtom GPS watch. Data is then uploaded online and exported to Strava. By joining the Strava club for the challenge, the organizers are able to track the progress of participants. The main advantage of the online format is that anyone can ride anywhere, anytime and at their own pace.

Like any race, I gauge the prospect of success before registering. With 600km in 40days, I need to average around 15km per day. My commute (bike to work) takes 4.8km one way and another 4.8km going home. That assures me 9.6km in a day and leaves me with 5.4km more, which can easily be done through detours and going the long way around. For weekends, I do not have work so I just need to make sure that I accomplish 30km. On top of my commute, I do go on training rides in the morning for my duathlon races. This gives me the extra kilometers to finish ahead of the deadline. With the computations done, I go and register for the challenge.

I finished ahead of the deadline. I did 612.62km in 20days to be exact. I averaged 30.631km per day. I only did three long rides (the three spikes). The rest of the kilometers covered are from my commute and training rides.

Daily km covered and Running sum.

I learned a few things from doing this challenge. First, a challenge can really motivate you to ride and train. Knowing that there is a deadline means maximizing opportunities to cover kilometers for my commutes. I may not be able to train every morning but I do go to work on weekdays. Also, I try to at least accomplish the 15km "daily average" I computed at the start. Also, getting lost is okay and going the long way is okay. It does not mean I'm wasting time. It means I'm getting my kilometers down. There is now a consolation price for exploring and going the long way. I'm now using routes I wouldn't take on a typical day because they now have a reason.

First ride of the challenge. I took the long way and did a number of loops before going to work.

They say, "shortest distance between two points is a straight line" but I need the kilometers.

Second, don't get overexcited. While updating on the night of Day 19 (Friday), I decided that it would cool to finish the challenge already. A handful of participants have already finished the challenge and one even did it in six days. Since Day 20 is a Saturday, it's possible time-wise. How bad could it be? I did 113.6km and...my legs hurt. I woke up on time but couldn't ride on Sunday. It hurts. Getting overexcited can hurt.

The 113.6km ride that completed the challenge.

Third, ride safe. Since most of my rides are commutes, I need to stay alert and attentive. I am riding with vehicles that vary from motorcycles, cars, jeeps, vans and trucks. If I get hurt or if the bike gets broken, then I may not be able to finish the challenge. In addition, there are afternoon rains. I have to go straight home instead of covering kilometers. I need to avoid sickness because I can't ride when I'm sick. In short, stay safe and stay healthy.

To conclude, the online format racing is a good way to encourage and motivate cyclists to go out and ride (or ride more). "Anytime, anywhere, your pace" is a tagline that is sure to attract even newbies and cycling-for-fitness. On the other hand, this format does require the participant to have a GPS device or a smartphone at the least. This may not be that much of a problem. I really enjoyed the challenge. Trisports will have the Run 150km & Cycle 600km in 50days Challenge later this year. I would definitely join that one.

Screenshot of the Challenge Update.

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