From talking to people that have done both, the 100k option is “really all you want.”
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Lumberjack will feel like a joke compared to MG. It is by far one of the friendliest MTB 100s you can do. There is nothing technical and you get to resupply every lap (3 laps). Iceman is a gravel race and depending on conditions could be a muddy mess. People like it because its a party, a fun atmosphere and usually the last XC race of the season.
I race in these front range events and they are a lot of fun.
http://www.rattlerracing.com/rattler-series.html
https://www.warriorscycling.com/races/battle-the-bear/
This is a good compilation of Colorado and Wyoming XC races.
I am also racing in this series in California.
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Yes, agreed. Those Breck racers are good and have a 4000 foot advantage over us front rangers. Great races though and a ton of fun.
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Killer list of races. Thanks
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I have three goal races planned this year. First is Big Frog 65 put on by Mountain goat adventures, next Oramm, then Fools gold also put on by Mountain goat adventures. Possibly a epic rides event in Bentonville and few local XC races can be put in the mix.
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I just signed up for a 120k marathon. Need something different after all that triathlon stuff.
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That sounds great…I’d like to know how that Bentonville race goes…
I did Iceman for the first time this year. It was a muddy mess! Most of what would have been the more fun, singletrack sections were just 3 inches deep with sticky mud and we ended up having to walk/stand in line for about a mile in the middle because some people were totally not confident or able to ride in the mud. I’d say its about a 1:1 ratio of gravel/double track to single track (non of which is very technical). I’ve heard the first couple of times you do it is just to get a better starting wave so you don’t get stuck behind people. But all that aside, it was a ton of fun and the final hills were geared out, chin on your stem and spectators running with you and yelling at you. (I even had more than one offer me a beer!). And the after party is huge with food trucks, beer, and a party atmosphere.
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My ‘A’ race is a 100km race in Rotorua, New Zealand. Called the Whaka 100 with 83% single track and ~3100m climbing.
I’m really fizzing. I’ve been out of all endurance sports (mostly Ironman/Triathlon) for eight years and between entering this race and signing up to TrainerRoad I’ve really got the bug again.
I’ve got heaps to learn, pacing a mountain bike race, balancing my TrainerRoad plan with getting out on the trails, and fitting training around a busy young family and shift work.
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This is also my A race this year. now that the BC Bike Race has been ruled out for me until next year. I was out in the Redwoods last weekend and covered most of the course over 3 days. It is going to be brutal … but fun when I am a bit fitter.
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Are you based in Rotorua Jason? I might have to get some tips, pointers and advice if that were ok by you?
Hi Liam
I am based in Auckland but have a place at lake Tarawera so I am very familiar with the Whakarewarewa forest. I have just clicked to the big 5 and 0 so you will probably younger and fitter than I. I am 3.1 wkg but have good descending skills but still hoping to break the 8 hour mark. I am happy to give you any advice and if it helps we can arrange a group workout on here and a chat. Where are you based?
Thanks Jason.
I’m in Christchurch. That all sounds awesome, I’ll message you.
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I did the Whaka last year in 8:08 and my current w/kg is similar to yours at 3.2. I struggled with intermittent cramps from 30km in. With your good descending you should be good for 8 if not a little less. It’s tough on the body but the beer at the end is worth it!
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Thanks @jacobpescini that is good to know. Hopefully the course changes reflect this. Hey the results say you did under 8 so even better!
None. Or at least none until the end of the year. I consider 2020 being a lost season unfortunately.
The rescheduled October date for Wilmington Whiteface 100k MTB was cancelled yesterday. All eyes on June 5th, 2021 now.
I got an email this week from Lifetime saying they are still planning to do the Rattler MTB race outside Austin in early November.
They mentioned staggered starts, pre-packaged food at aid stations (whatever that means), and no food line after race. I’m not counting on any race happening this year, but I’m continuing to train as if they are happening. I’m trying some new things in my training, figuring it’s a good year to experiment.
I don’t see it happening but I hope I am wrong. They already have the 2021 Rattler scheduled in the spring, so the November version is really just redundant at this point. There are some local races set to roll in September and if those happen successfully then I am more optimistic about the Rattler. I just rode out there last weekend though, trails are looking pretty sweet.