endurance racing

[mrjmo]

Hello all,

I have decided to start dedicating some time to endurance riding/racing(30 miles and up)and I would love any suggestions, comments, etc., that any of you could provide me with. I am also looking to possibly get into some Xterra events if any of you have experience with those as well. As of right now I am riding a 2010 giant anthem (26in). Some of the things I am interested in are the following:

-where to train? (what local trails do you think are best for this) I have obviously been to and ride most of the trails within about an hour radius around GR, but do you think some of these are better suited toward endurance riding and training than others??
-road and trail or just trail?? (I have heard arguments for both)
-nutrition while riding
-what are some good events to get my feet wet?
-exercise and lifting? (I have heard a stong core helps)
-any group rides or suggestions?
-anything else you guys can think of!


Thanks so much and im sorry if this sounds vague, but Id love all the info. I can get. I really have no friends that ride so for advice I am limited to magazines and the internet and it would be great to hear from some of you guys who have been doing some of this stuff.

Thanks again,

-Jeff

[alec]

My advice - buy this book:

http://www.amazon.com/Big-Book-Enduranc ... 719&sr=1-1

As for places to train for XTerra races, certainly Fort Custer and Brighton State Rec. area as they both host actual XTerra races. In fact, Fort Custer hosts one this Sunday. It will be my first. I'm really looking forward to it. I think a road bike is a great supplement to your training - especially if you have access to decent hills.

[Slimm]

if you want to do xterra type events it is a good idea to do brick training so you get used to switching immediately to a different discipline.

other than that, you just need to get in lots of miles.

[mrjmo]

thanks for the help so far guys, good advice. (i.e. the book and the training suggestions)

[eric.patterson]

Jeff,

You should start with finding out where you are at. Pick a distance (or race) that you think you want to compete in and then do a few race simulations tailored around that event. If it is lap based then use your car for a pit station, if it is drop bag based, then fill a 1 gal ziplock bag in your car and only use stuff out of that. You will start to find out what aspects of that type of racing you are good at and what things you are not. Then it is easier to train when you can focus on your (self-perceived) weakest links.

Thanks,
Eric

[ibisman]

12 hour solo at ithica. 1 hill, lots of fun.

[mrjmo]

Eric,

Great advice that I have thought about doing, but wasnt sure.....it is reassuring to hear it from you. Also, I checked out your team page, great stuff......Thanks again.

-Jeff

Thanks as well to ibisman, I have heard great things about ithaca.

[eric.patterson]

Jeff,

Ithaca is a tad close unless you are using it for a "test" bed, although flat is nice. If you want to do a Fun Promo race this year I would shoot for Addison Oaks or maybe Pando. Pando can be tuff with the climbs but the laps are shorter. Speaking of Fun Promo though, going in as a two man team can help get the feel of that format of racing with a little less personal pressure. I applaud Ibisman on suggesting a 12 hour but you will also need lights (which can get expensive) so for your first one I would pick the shorter option at a Fun Promo race.

Keep us updated on your progress!

- Eric

[ibisman]

I have done 12 hours at Pando twice...the laps are about 1/2 mile shorter than Ithica but much more climbing...as for lights, you can still get lights like niterider setups for $100, to $150 to start off with and later spring for the more expensive lights if you find you like the night riding stuff. I would still go for Ithica for your first 12 hour race or just do the 6 hour part there and work your way up. Or, do it with a 4 person team just to see what its like.I found that after about 9 hours I get a little loopy and you get confused from going around and around. It was fun.

[mrjmo]

Thanks again to both you of guys for all of the great comments/advice..........I think I may look into the 6hr at Ithaca and then some of the races closer to the westside. I have been putting a lot of miles on my bike in the last few weeks and I feel really good. Thanks again for everything and if you happen to think of anything more feel free to drop me a line!

-Jeff

[jlsnaptown]

I am signed up for the Ithaca12 hr race ...decided to do it for a 40th birthday present to myself ...was wondering how the course was

[ibisman]

Flat, tight, roots, 1 hill, and round, and around, and around.

[jlsnaptown]

thanks ..looking forward to doing my 1st endurance race

[ibisman]

You do get kinda loopy...so I was doing 4 laps and stopping for a couple minutes doing another 4 . its fun with a 4 person team too.