So, you want to give endurance racing a shot....

Now what? Endurance mountain bike events (6 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, 100 milers, and more) are popping up all over the place. There are way more endurance mountain bike events to choose from now than there were a few years ago when I started racing them. The reason for this is simple...they are super fun. So maybe you race XC now, and want to make the jump to something longer...or maybe you've never raced mountain bikes at all and want to see what you are capable of doing. People will tell you to ramp up your training miles, do long rides, more endurance riding and less intensity, buy a training plan, drink expensive goop, etc. etc. etc. I'm going to try to give you some different advice, from my own personal experience. I do not, by any means, consider myself an expert. But, hopefully some of you find even a little bit of this to be of help.

1. If you don't already have a willingness to suffer, you should try something other than endurance racing. If you do already have this, read on.

2. Increase your tolerance for pain. You can do this by going on long epic rides with fast people, doing group rides on the road, removing gears, and even removing all suspension if you are that crazy.

3. If you have an elitist attitude, you should get rid of it. Enduro nuts are cool people. They are not clicky, don't gossip, and we all share one thing--the joy of being in the woods with our bike, for long periods of time--through mental breakdowns, mechanical breakdowns, extreme weather. We find joy in pain and suffering and the stories that come from it.

4. You must look good. This should have been #1 on the list because it is that important. Thankfully, there are companies like Twin Six out there that will make sure that you look hot on (and off) the bike.

5. If you don't have a sense of humor, you need to get one. This sport is about laughing at yourself, laughing at your friends, and having a good time. Oh, and riding bikes too.

6. Develop a taste for beer, if you haven't already. Beer is a staple in the endurance racer's diet. Wine is good too.

7. Sleep. Sleep is your friend. If you can quit your job and become a student, do that. It (usually) allows for more sleeping time, which is important for recovery.

8. Eat a lot and eat often. It may seem counterintuitive, but simply put--the more you eat, the leaner you will get, and the stronger you will ride. But, make healthy choices. No, oatmeal creme pies are not healthy choices...I know they have oats in them...but sorry.

9. Be realistic. Set realistic goals. You're not going to be Sue Haywood or Chis Eatough overnight. Probably not even in the next year. But, stick with it, and believe that you are capable of something big...really big.

10. Ah...the great debate 26" vs 29". I see this question all the time: "What bike should I use for endurance racing?" My answer: Go with the big wheels. Why? Because they are superior. And, all the cool people are doing it. And, then you can wear the Twin Six “Roll T”. Isn't that enough reasons?

11. Be patient. This is a sport that rewards experience and tenacity. You will want to give up at some point, I guarantee it. But, don't. You'll thank yourself a million times over down the road.

Good luck, and race hard!

Namrita O'Dea

http://namrita.blogspot.com