For most, the idea of jumping on a bike with no brakes, no gears, dashing around a track with gravity-defying bankings, and having little to no sleep doesn’t seem that appealing. However, we’ve now seen over 500 exceptional people take on the track in Cyclone24 out of which approximately 60% have been completely new to track cycling. The fact is, we’re all stronger and more capable of accomplishing goals than we think. Especially as part of a team. And to prove this, we’ve created a list of myths about completing the Cyclone24 challenge.

Myth No.1   You need to be an experienced cyclist.

Most people’s reaction to Cyclone24 is that it must be an incredibly hard challenge only for those who ride the velodrome regularly. The reality is very different. Around 60% of those taking part are new to the velodrome track. You don’t need to be a cycling expert to achieve Cyclone24 glory, to complete our challenge you just need determination, motivation and a great team around you!

Sure you will need to get out of your comfort zone and you’ll need some mental grit to get you through those early hours, but working together in your team and the camaraderie from others will help push you through to the finish.

Myth No. 2  You need to have all the gear.

So you don’t own a bike, let alone a bike specific to the velodrome track. No problem! We provide all the equipment you need to take part in the challenge including bikes and helmets. However, we do recommend you invest in some padded shorts and cycling mits are a must have.

It’s important to get some time on the velodrome track ahead of the challenge so you can be safe and confident. All velodromes offer taster/beginner sessions from around £15pp including bikes and helmets and these are perfect to learn the basics and build your confidence.

Another thing to keep in mind is that Cyclone24 is a challenge, not a race, it’s all about working together as a team to accomplish something extraordinary together.

Myth No.3   It’s just for men.

Erm… try telling our very own Zoe Westerman that! In fact the number of female participants is increasing on each challenge and we’ve even been featured in Lessons In Badassery, Badass Women in Sport, Fitness and Adventure. There’s always a great camaraderie between male and female participants which makes the challenge even more fun.

Camaraderie and teamwork are at the heart of the Cyclone24 ethos, remember, spending 24 hours together in lycra (!) can be tough, especially in those early hours 1-3am. Choose your team mates wisely, those who are high spirited, motivational and have great attitudes is sound advice!

Myth No.4    You need to be super fit.

So you don’t go to the gym every day? No problem. Cyclone24 is challenging but achievable and sees people of all shapes, sizes, ages and levels of fitness taking part. How much preparation time you require will depend upon your base level of fitness and your cycling experience. If you have ridden a bike regularly for years and ride the track regularly, the preparation will be much less than those who are new to both cycling and the track.

Cyclone24 is a team adventure meaning that everyone has a common goal to train for. Teams tend to get together to train in the months and weeks leading up to the challenge, so that the team building and networking begins well before the challenge actually takes place. The lead up to the challenge offers plenty of opportunities for team bonding, socialising, preparation, PR and fundraising.

Myth No.5    You might die.

Stop being melodramatic! Although there is an argument that if your time is called by the man upstairs as you’re crossing the Cyclone24 finish line, you will at least arrive at those pearly gates with a smile on your face and the feeling that you didn’t leave too much undone on this earth.

No matter what reservations you may have, we invite you to enter the unknown, push the boundaries and see what can be achieved. We think you’ll find Cyclone24 to be the most exhilarating, mind blowing, adrenalin fuelled fun you’ll have on two wheels. And don’t just take our word for it, check out our rider interviews from previous challengers!

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