You are hereForums / By Discipline / Mountain (off road) / MTB Events / Convict 100 (50km course)
Convict 100 (50km course)
NB: Originally posted elsewhere on the Global Riders Network and appears via syndication.
I am looking to do the 50km course of the Convict 100 and was wandering if any one can give me an idea of how tough it is. I am reasonably fit BUT my MTB skills are very average. I have done quite a few adventure races, (such as Akuna Bay, Gloucester tri, all about 3 to 4 hrs) but not a straight MTB event. Is this too tough for a first time go at these type of races?
- Login to post comments
- Bookmark & share
Tags
Enduro events are rarely very technical so with your fitness you will be fine. Most people tend to struggle with not being fit enough rather than not being a good enough rider. Starting with a 50km event is a smart way to do it (and which I didn't do!), make sure you have your hydration and eating plan worked out (know what works for you and make sure that you stick to it) as I reckon that that's more important than being the best rider or even having that extra bit of fitness.
You should be completely fine.
This is the race I convince all my roadie mates to do as a 'taste' of MTB.
It starts with about 12km of bitumen / dirtroad.
It then goes across a paddock and up a steep hill that never seems to end.
Once you're on top of the range, it rolls up and down on well groomed fireroads, before getting to the water stop.
You then descend a fast fireroad, hit the road, and sprint to the finish!
Good luck - its an awesome event. Dont let the first hill worry you either - a huge majority of people will end up walking it.
Thank you for the confidence builder, I have always wanted to do one of these but have thought they would be too tough. Also about the nutrition etc, I know I need to plan better with this thanks for the tips
..only thing you need to watch if you're still building mtb confidence is a couple of the fire trail downhill sections - seems most years somebody loses it reasonably big on a water bar or rougher downhill section. Other than that, it's pretty much all about how good your legs are.
......you can ride the Convict 50km. It was my first MTB race a few years ago, and you sound fitter than me. I did it in just over 3 hours, first time.
Couple of tips, don't go to fast at the begining, don't attempt to ride the big hill 8km in, don't forget to drink ,eat regularly while riding, take it easy on the big down hill at the 35km, sprint for home on the road for the last 15km over taking everyone who didn't do this. Most important- look around and enjoy,have fun, really is a great atmosphere.
You'll go under 3hrs. Let us all know how you went.
Great post Juliea, from a long time viewer of this site to a first time comment. Thank's for bringing the subjest up. This'll be my first time also at an event like this, so any feed back from the more experienced riders out there is much appreciated. All the best.