If you are here to read a blog about an average athlete's journey through (3) 6 Hour Mountain Bike races, you are at the right place!
This summer was packed with great trail events throughout the CORA network, and I took some time to participate in a few races myself. This is my 4th season racing in 6 hour MTB races. Months leading up to the races, I had been training for my first triathlon, so I was focused on proper nutrition and hydration to boost my endurance. My MTB friend Mary Owensby has influenced me to focus on nutrition and hydration around these races, so all the voices were telling me to refine this.
The night before a race is one of my favorite rituals. I lay out all of my race day essentials and do an audit on the mountain bike. I stage everything to pack up the next morning. I rest, hydrate, and fuel to prepare my body.
Cincitucky 6
I went into the Cincitucky 6 totally relaxed. I decided to hang in the back of the pack as the race started to enjoy my own pace, stay injury free for the triathlon the following weekend, and focus on fueling every 30-60 minutes. This perspective kept the race fun for me. My main goal of the day was to focus on fueling and endurance. The first lap went quicker than I thought. The trails were in perfect condition, despite having a massive storm just days before. I kept my pace even. I kept my breathing even. I fueled every hour. I soaked in the beautiful views and landscape. It became less about the physical activity and more about the zen.
I came out of Lap 1 feeling REALLY GOOD. Better than I ever had in a first lap of a 6 hour race. I replenished my fuel and went out for Lap 2. I came out of Lap 2 feeling REALLY GOOD as well, so I went out for Lap 3. I let riders pass me that approached me, and everyone was so nice and encouraging. It was contagious, so I gave that same energy to everyone I encountered. I came out of Lap 3 with some cramps in my legs, feeling a bit fatigued. Did I underfuel? Did I have enough electrolytes? I had a little over 21 miles in by this point. I ate a banana, rested for a few minutes, and went out for another lap. I had plenty of time to finish Lap 4 within the 6 hour time frame. So, I took my time. I took more rests. I kept my pace even. I completed that lap, having ridden for 4 hours and 39 minutes. I could’ve gone out for Lap 5, but I decided I was satisfied with my results.
The next race was the John Bryan 6 up at John Bryan State Park. MVMBA (Miami Valley Mountain Bike Association) does a great job keeping John Bryan a fun place to ride. This was my first time riding this trail system, so I went into with the same mindset as the Cincitucky 6. I rode with my friend Jen Vannest, who is an incredibly strong rider and such an encouraging friend. She did over 50 miles and placed 1st in her category. I did a little over 40 miles and placed 3rd in my category. Next year, I want to take my gravel bike and race it on this course. It was mostly flat and lots of pedaling. The only hiccup I had was fatigue from sitting so long. I fueled properly, and with each stop I fueled, I made new friends along the way. This was a fun race. It ended with me having a flat tire as I left John Bryan. Friends from the Dirt Donkey team stopped by and helped me change my flat. I drove home on a spare, taking the back roads back to Cincinnati driving at 35 mph. It took me a while to get back home from Yellow Springs, but it gave me alot of time to reflect on the race and the adrenaline of the day.
Hueston Woods 6
The last race of the season ended with the Hueston Woods 6. This is a tough race course compared to the other two. Right out the gate, you have a gradual climb that feels like torture, right into the Race Loop that ends coming out of Lincoln Logs and Monkey Tail. The weather was much different and the humidity was uncomfortable, so I decided to take a different approach to the race. I rode with my friends and we were able to make lasting memories just having fun riding bikes for the day. I only did 2 laps, but I was able to appreciate the views of the trail system and the hard work the volunteers put into getting the race course ready. I was satisfied with just showing up and supporting trails by bringing my bike and riding a little bit.
Why I Do 6 Hour MTB Races
I have plenty of goals to work toward for next year. I want to do 1 more lap per course. I want to adjust my fueling to work for me a bit better. I want to refine my sodium intake. I want to develop more strength and endurance around the climbs. I want to make more lasting memories. I want to make a custom tent with a friend group team name. I want to take more photos. I want to do another race.
I love refinement. This gives me the opportunity to progress in the sport. These are hard races, but they don’t have to be dreadful. I was also able to enjoy the races with friends I’ve met through group rides and races.
Each 6 hour race helps fund trail work and maintenance at each trail system, so if you are up for the challenge, join one of the 6 hour races next year. They are electrifying, inspiring, and full of grit and determination. If you haven’t participated in one, you have a year to train! All you have to do is 1 lap. I guarantee, you will find the races fun, even though you have to work for it.
I don’t expect to be the best rider at these races. I set personal goals and race against myself. Come join us at our new custom tent next year, we would love to have you join us!
If you want to race like me...
Fuel:
30-60g of carbs 30-60 minutes before race time
60-90g of carbs every 60 minutes of race time
Hydrate:
16 oz of water 30-60 minutes before race time
16-32 oz of water with electrolytes every 60 minutes
Sodium:
I am still working this out; everyone is different and I am sensitive to high sodium intake
Feel free to send me advice. This was based on my assessment with my personal trainer and nutritionist.
I know there are a lot of strong athletes who do these races. It inspires me every year to progress and get stronger. Thank you to those who inspire me to keep moving and enjoying the sport of mountain biking. A special thanks to all of the volunteers who put in hours of work to prepare for these races. You bring so much joy to every race participant and trail user. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I hope through this blog post that I have inspired someone to either try mountain biking, try a 6 hour race for the first time, and find community. You’re welcome to ride with me anytime!