I've entered my first event today

[WildCards]

Although it's not until June

I entered the Marin Rough Ride event this morning (http://www.roughride.co.uk/). I've never done an event and wanted to wet my toes with something non-competitive but still quite daunting (75km/7000ft). I feel quite good about it though actually, i've now got something I 'need' to train for instead of me deciding I want to be fitter.

Anyone on here do many events/races? Got any tips for me?

[neil_bolton]

Don't go off like a nutter at the start; otherwise

You. Will. Die. *

Simple as that really - pace yourself, enjoy it, and don't get too pissed off at the super serious lot

* I may or may not have done this in the past

[.Adam.]

WildCards said:

Although it's not until June

I entered the Marin Rough Ride event this morning (http://www.roughride.co.uk/). I've never done an event and wanted to wet my toes with something non-competitive but still quite daunting (75km/7000ft). I feel quite good about it though actually, i've now got something I 'need' to train for instead of me deciding I want to be fitter.

Anyone on here do many events/races? Got any tips for me?

My mate has talked me into doing Mountain Mayhem this year, which will be my first event, not sure whether to be scared or excited!

[WildCards]

neil_bolton said:

Don't go off like a nutter at the start; otherwise

You. Will. Die. *

Simple as that really - pace yourself, enjoy it, and don't get too pissed off at the super serious lot

* I may or may not have done this in the past

Cheers, simple advice but I suspect its harder in practice.


Strangely enough, i'm already looking at other, smaller events inbetween now and then. If anything it'd be a good chance to gain some fitness and get used these things.

[atom111]

I did a couple of Gorrick's last year and pace at the begin as Neil said is so important. I decided that racing wasn't for me I loved the tracks but wasn't keen on the competitive element preferring to ride social, I am glad i've done a few but steering clear this season and because I didn't pace my self at the start I was trashed early on which wasn't very good but it's hard not to bolt off at the start

Good luck with it.

[Fourmotion]

I'm doing the Gorrick Spring Race Series this year. Not really endurance events, but trust me they're hard enough!

Good luck with your race.

[JPJ]

It's great to have a target to aim for, and it should mean you go out and ride over the coming months even when sometimes the sofa looks like a better option. I think there are a few people on here with goals for this year taking in multiple events throughout the months, and they'll all be personal challenges.

I'm a big fan of the organised rides, particularly if they time the event, so it can be as competitive or relaxed as you want. Some days you just aren't 'feeling it' and that is why these distance events are so good. At the end of the day you're out there riding, often something new, and it doesn't matter if you aren't doing it flat out. Compare that to an XC or downhill race where everything is reliant on a few seconds or minutes, and if you aren't 'on it' then you tend to feel a bit disappointed with having spent entry fees and not performed to the level you want.

Atom111 and Fourmotion, if you're at some of the remaining spring Gorricks then let me know, would be good to say hello. I'll be at the next one and also the Enduro in May.

Mountain Mayhem is a great MTB'ing weekend. The atmosphere is brilliant and there are lots of similarly minded souls competing and enjoying the event. The difficulty is not the trail itself (although there are often some nasty climbs) but in keeping going when you're tired, particularly in the middle of the night. Even as part of a team, getting up to do your stint can be tough, particularly if it's as wet and muddy as last year.

Good luck to all of you in your races, rides and challenges this year, and keep at it with the training, it's bound to be worth it in the end.

[Fourmotion]

JPJ said:

Atom111 and Fourmotion, if you're at some of the remaining spring Gorricks then let me know, would be good to say hello. I'll be at the next one and also the Enduro in May.

I'll be there, but you might not see me when you're miles ahead! To be honest, I'm undecided about whether to do the Open or Fun category. The did the open last time, but the fun sounds, well, more fun, and i'd have the relative glory of finishing in the top half!

[atom111]

I've hung up my racing numbers I loved the courses just not the racing I wasn't fit enough and burnt myself out at the starts!! Maybe if I keep my current training up through the summer then maybe I might be tempted to do the Oct or Nov race and see if I've improved at all.

[JPJ]

I'm still in 'fun' although I'm sure those at the top end of it are just ringers and should be in the other categories ;-)

I had my best result ever at the last one, so perhaps this training stuff does pay off, although for all the effort I'm putting in I think I should be lapping in about 15 minutes (well, it seems like it!) If you're around at the Crowthorne one then let me know and I'll try and say hello.

[atom111]

If I do one again it would be the November one in Crowthorne, I'll post up if it looks like I am much much nearer the time

[PomBstard]

neil_bolton said:

Don't go off like a nutter at the start; otherwise

You. Will. Die. *

Simple as that really - pace yourself, enjoy it, and don't get too pissed off at the super serious lot

* I may or may not have done this in the past

Er, yep - that's about it. I'va managed a few in the 50-100km (anywhere from 2-7 hours) category and it is definitely the start that gets people knackered. Also, take enough food for the course and remember to drink - reckon on a litre an hour if its warm.

As for training, I usually try to work up to a five-hour/80km ride about 2 weeks before a 100km race. Not sure how long your race will take you, but you should be able to finish any ride under about 2.5 hours with decent basic fitness - its the longer stuff that takes some specific training.

And, the most important thing, enjoy it - look around, enjoy the view, have a light-hearted race with someone if you want, and take in the sense of achievement at the end.

[pawsmcgraw]

Go flat out from the horn, max effort max heartrate.It makes it far more entertaining for everyone watching as your bike looks like its riding through treacle with flat tyres, vomit dribling from your chin after ten minutes
Known as going blocks and riding on the rivit!
This method can also be good for putting everyone else in the hurt box if you have some real gas in your legs for the first ten minutes.Do it!Youtube it!
GO LEGS

[WildCards]

I've now joined a mixed team of 5 for the WildBoar 24 in May, so i'll be stepping up my training fom this week and only sleeping for 4 hours at a time followed by excersizing for an hour. Any tips for a 24 hour race?

[rhinochopig]

.Adam. said:

WildCards said:

Although it's not until June

I entered the Marin Rough Ride event this morning (http://www.roughride.co.uk/). I've never done an event and wanted to wet my toes with something non-competitive but still quite daunting (75km/7000ft). I feel quite good about it though actually, i've now got something I 'need' to train for instead of me deciding I want to be fitter.

Anyone on here do many events/races? Got any tips for me?

My mate has talked me into doing Mountain Mayhem this year, which will be my first event, not sure whether to be scared or excited!

Oh you poor bd.

When I did it the weather was absolutely horrible. After the first lap the course was just a mix of liquid, sticky and even stickier mud types. There were people literally sobbing out on the course because the mud had destroyed their pride and joy. The following year I declined the offer and the weather was virtually the same.

My big tip for you would be to sort out your meals and sleep schedule before you get there and if you can get hold of a camper van they are a huuuuge benefit. It's also worth taking a cheap walkie talky thing with you so you can radio in when your about 10- mins from the finish to stop your mate having to wait at the start in the rain. Due to the weather our lap times varied by as much as 30mins!!!!!

[Zippee]

I've not raced for about 12 years or so now but one thing I can say (race or fun ride) is DO NOT hammer off at the start. People will and lots of sheep will follow for fear of getting left behind & unless you are stupendously fit you will die!
Start off easy and you'll soon catch up those who burned off at the start - normally whilst they're puking up at the side of the track.

I used to love racing but as Downhill became more popular then XC (my speciality) began to die out and with it the massive festivals such as the Malvern Classic and Plymouth etc...