THE FOCUS RIGHT NOW
BUILD THE INTENSITY.
Eight weeks out, the build phase kicks in. One threshold session, one VO2 max session, and the long ride all in a week. Volume stays high, but now intensity layers on top. This is where your FTP should start climbing — if it doesn't, distribution is wrong, not effort.
THIS WEEK'S ANCHOR SESSION
2X20MIN THRESHOLD
Warm up 15min. 2x20min at 91-105% FTP with 5min recovery between. Cool down. Hit the target power both reps — if you fade the second, you started too hard. This is your bread-and-butter threshold session.
EVENT INTEL
WHAT THE DIRTY REIVER ACTUALLY DEMANDS
Dirty Reiver is the UK's flagship gravel event — 200km across Kielder Forest with 2,500m of climbing on forestry roads, single track, and open fell crossings. Self-supported navigation, weather-exposed. The event that established UK gravel.
KEY CHARACTERISTICS
- ✓Forestry roads in Kielder — fast, wide, surprisingly rolling
- ✓Weather can shift from sunny to snowy inside an hour in April
- ✓Self-supported: carry what you eat/drink
- ✓Short 130km + 65km options for first-timers
- ✓Borderline mountain bike terrain in sections
COMMON MISTAKES
- ✕Running road tyres — you will puncture
- ✕Underdressing because 'it's April' — Kielder makes its own weather
- ✕Pacing like a sportive — gravel eats your legs faster than tarmac
PACING
Gravel events punish overpacing effort because the surface varies. Target heart-rate rather than power — aim for high Z2 / low Z3 as your all-day ceiling. Let others go early on the fast sections; you'll catch them when the rough stuff starts. Eat on the flat sections when you can chew safely.
FUELLING
Self-supported means you pack it. 70-90g carbs/hour, more if cold. One water refill at the mid-point feed stop (if it's there — not guaranteed). Real food works better than gels when the ride stretches beyond 8 hours — sandwiches, bars, waffles.
KIT
Gravel bike with 40-45mm tyres — Rene Herse Humptulips, Challenge Getaway, WTB Nano. Tubeless with sealant. Mudguards help in wet years. Frame bag + top tube bag for food. Rain jacket that actually works. Head torch if you're a slower finisher.
WANT THIS BUILT AROUND YOUR FTP?
COACHED FOR YOUR EVENT.
Not Done Yet is the coached five-pillar system built around your actual event date. Personalised TrainingPeaks plan, weekly calls, expert masterclasses. 7-day free trial.
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OTHER PHASES FOR THE DIRTY REIVER