20 December 2023
When Chief Petty Officer Mark Astley saw that the World Endurance Mountain Bike Organisation was bringing the World Solo 24-Hour Mountain Bike Championship to Australia in November 2023, in Armidale, he decided it was a good time to set a challenge.
To support this dream, the Defence Elite Sports Program and Chief Petty Officer Astley’s command at 822X Squadron granted him elite sportsman status.
This status allowed for an additional hour of sport a week, so he was able to train 15-20 hours per week.
Training began in January with long, slow rides with lots of climbing. Leading up to the November race, Chief Petty Officer Astley took leave for two big weeks of riding, where he notched 750km, 12,000m of climbing and 25-30 hours on the bike.
On November 4, Chief Petty Officer Astley set off on the 24-hour challenge.
“I try not to let the excitement of the start take over and go out too hard. I watch the top contenders fly off into the distance, but I stick to my race plan,” Chief Petty Officer Astley said.
“As the hours tick by I find that I’m slowly moving up the rankings. 1800 comes along and lights have to go on the bike. This is my favourite time to ride, heading into the dark, and I have just passed the quarter mark of the race.”
Chief Petty Officer Astley’s next goal was midnight, or half way.
“During the night as I was passing another rider, I hear some expletives, and I no longer see any lights behind me,” he said.
“Both of her lights died, she was in the dark with about 4km back to pits. I slowed down to allow her to follow me back, this was a bit tricky but we got there. Once I dropped her off, I refuelled and took off again.
“Dawn came without any incidents, and with the sun up the riding was comfortable – well as comfortable as it can be after 18 hours.
“Everything was hurting, the body just wanted to stop. The hills were getting steeper and longer and I was sick of eating and drinking, but it was only six more hours.”
Chief Petty Officer Astley finished third in Master 4 (45-49), and thirteenth overall.
Over the 24 hours, he completed 24 laps, covered 340km, climbed 6500m, consumed 12,500 calories and only stopped for a total of 45 minutes.
“I’d like to say a massive thanks to my pit crew and my command for all the support throughout the year,” Chief Petty Officer Astley said.
