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Getting into endurance races ...
Hi all, quite new to the whole mtb thing this time around although I used to ride a bit many years ago.
So anyway I'm getting right into it again and reading about these endurance events I am really interested in maybe giving one or two a bash. Would love to hear any thoughts, experiences etc around preparation, training, the level of skill and fitness required, and smart ways to work up to these events.
Cheers,
Pete
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No need to work up to one.
Just go and enter a 100 in SS class and then train your arse off thats what I did. My first 100k Dirtworks a couple of years ago was my 7th mountain bike ride after about a 15 year brake from any off road riding.
Nothing like jumping straight in the deep end to find your feet again I say.
I started training after Dirtworks, by commuting to work three times a week (20km each way), then on the weekend I would either do a road ride of about 70km, or do 3/4 laps of Appin or Ourimbah. This level of training was good enough to get me through my first two 8 hour races.
Now I'm training for a solo 24hr, I've increased training more and now commute 4/5 days a week, and on the weekend do either a long road ride or spend 5/6 hours riding off-road. Two weeks ago I completed 400km training, for last week's taper I cut back to two days of commuting to feel fresh for the Angry Doctor. So far this week I've not ridden, will be going for a ride tonight and back commuting the next two days, and doing a long road ride this weekend. Since I started training I've dropped at least 10kg, hoping to drop another couple before the Scott next month.
The hardest thing I've found with doing enduro races is getting the nutrition right, I've started seeing a nutritionist and have really noticed the difference.
One race you may want to look at is the 4 hour later this month: http://nobmob.com/node/10262
Enduros are good. I always say that if you can ride 50km and not really feel any ill effects the next day you should be right riding 100km.
The thing though, is this... they are addictive
First 100 I did was Dirtworks when they had the 3 big climbs. I took a packed lunch and everything. Went real slow and came in 8h43. Thing for me at that time was that I couldn't ride fast even if I wanted to and was happy with that.
Now I always want to do better each race but it's the law of diminishing returns. You (well, I) have to train a massive amount more to get even a tiny bit more speed - getting older each year can't really help either. But that said - it's all good, as 'training' usually means being out on a bike and the fitter you get the more fun you have on your shorter rides.
A 4 hour circuit race is a good place to start but nothing like a full on Enduro. Circuit races are good because you can stop after any number of laps so no pressure. Even if you collapse half way through a lap it's usually an easy stroll back to transition. On an Enduro, especially somewhere like Dirtworks, the thing is commitment - there's no easy way back (halfway through you're about as far from the finish as you can get). And there's always someone in the same boat to moan about the pain and stupidity of it all with as you
slog onmotor homeBut there's nothing like finishing one. And even better - finishing the same course the following year and smashing your PB to pieces
So in a nutshell, yeah, what the others said - just get out there and give it a go. What's the worse that can happen?
Check out enduropulse it has a list of events throughout OZ. You are too late for the fling which is a very achievable race for a newbie {55ks}. There is the wyong crossride cup in november but have a crack at some 4 hour enduros as well such as the rocky trail gp. WSMTB will also be having their 4 hour series again this year which is always a good series.
Thanks guys for the very useful info.
I have signed up for the 4 hour race next weekend so we'll see how I go! If you see someone looking slightly lost with an old Giant AC2 and baggy shorts that will be me - come and say hi!
Just a follow up to say the recommendations re this race were spot on. Had a great time and found it tough but enjoyable. The track at Awaba was terrific.
Thanks to Rob for the lift and waiting until the very end to lap me
My progress has been starting with 8hr/12hr/24hr team events and then moving on to solo races as my fitness has improved.
This year has been my first solo races – Dirt Works 50K – smashed out a fairly good time in that. Then I did the NRMA Woodford to Glenbrook in a pretty good time. After the confidence of those two I entered the Angry Doctor 100K and that brought me back to reality! I finished, but it took me over 9 hours and it really knocked me about.
Competing in 100k events required a LOT of training to be able to finish in relative comfort. As others have said before, in these longer races nutrition is also so much more important.
I’m now looking forward to putting into practise the lessons learnt for the Highland Fling in November