The prospect of your upcoming event can be a nerve-wracking thought to say the least.

Staring at a route profile that resembles a shark’s mouth can leave you feeling slightly uneasy even before you’ve started. There’s no better way to overcome the unknown and prepare than by taking the time to do a recon in advance.

Not only will this give you a greater understanding of what you may face, but also how it will feel after a certain amount of time in the saddle. A 10% gradient can be a real leg stopper after 4 hours on the bike if you’re not prepared for it.

Having prior knowledge as to where the road opens out, when to shelter in the pack or go full gas will give you an added level of confidence that only experience can bring. Here are our tips on getting the most out of your recon ride.