The Iceman is only 1.5 weeks away! “Are you ready” you ask?
Well, the answer to that question is really complicated. At least it feels that way…
You see, this is my first mtb race. I signed up for it thinking all this time I’ve been putting in on my road bike must count for something. Nevertheless, the second I climbed aboard my mountain bike for the first time, I knew I was going to need some training. I realized that mountain biking is A LOT less efficient than road biking. It is HARD WORK! Although this realization made me shake in my boots thinking about my upcoming race, it has also made me LOVE the sport. I love the technical aspect of it. dodging trees, climbing hills, skidding around tight turns, and flying over logs. It’s like a high-speed obstacle course, or a pedi-powered roller coaster. I also love that it gets me out of sight of hostile drivers and into the beautiful and peaceful woods of West Michigan, a place we could all stand to spend a little more time.
My very first mountain biking experience
Despite my new-found enthusiasm for the sport, I’ve found that getting to the trails requires a little more effort than hopping on my road bike and heading for the country. The closest mounain biking trail to where I live is Bass River Recreational Area, one of the smaller, less technical trails in the area. And STILL it takes me 30 minutes to get there. With the dwindling hours of sunlight and a full time job, my trail riding has been limited to the weekends. Most of my training has been done on my road bike, or braving the grassy shoulder of the road on my mountain bike, or (my least favorite) riding with high resistance on my trainer (ouch).
SO in light of all of that. I HAVE NO CLUE if I’m ready for the Iceman. I don’t know what 30 miles feels like on a mountain bike. I don’t know what to wear for a november race. And I don’t know what to do if I want to pass someone, or if someone wants to pass me… What I DO know, is that I am REALLY excited for my first mountain biking race and I CAN’T WAIT to give XTERRA a try next!
Hip Hip Hooray for trying new things!
3 Comments
I would guess 30 miles on a mountain bike feels like 60 on a road bike!
If it were me, I would focus more on completing the course safely than the time it will take, and of course having a ton of fun! Good luck!
I think that anyone who mountain bikes is very brave since it scares me to deather. The scenery is definitely better though. Best of luck to you! I’m sure you will do great!
Love your adventurous spirit, Bethany. Good luck, and enjoy the experience!