6 Hour Race questions

So, after doing my first mountain bike race last month, the first place girl asked if I wanted to do a 6 hour with her. I've never ridden the course as it's more than an hour away and my road riding schedule is pretty tight. I plan to preride it on Saturday (the race is THIS Sunday).

Neither one of us have done a 6 hour, in fact, our first race at all was the one she came in first and me second! :D

What to bring, how to do the transition area, etc. Weather looks like it will be nice ~ 85 compared to the 95 we've expereinced most of this month.

Any help would be appreciated.

I've looked at the 24 hour race suggestions and think they are great, but obviously we have different needs doing just 6 hours versus 24. A 24 hour woul dbe AWESOME. Maybe next year.

Thanks all,
Jeni

A six hour is similar to the 24 except that usually they use a smaller race course...

your pre-ride will determine how long each of your lap will take...

since its a shorter race transitions should be quicker, ie be ready for when your partner comes in.

as for eating, its really more like snacking lots - eat what makes the tummy happy, my recommendation is NO FRUIT! but thats just my own opinion.

6 hours are fun, they tend to be more relaxed.

i did my first solo at an 8 hour. our transition area was through a barn, it was pretty fun.

ride safe
H

Also, if the course isn't too long/demanding, you might consider doing double laps - lops of a bit of time in the transition area. Really, it doesn't matter how you do it as long as you and your team-mate know who's doing what when and when the next rider should be in the transition area ready to go.

I'm thinking about doing a six-hour solo in October... I should just go for it really.

Speaking from adventure racing experience...

I would try to eat a little protein, however you can stomach it. Hammer and Accelerade both make good products. 85 degrees is really warm for racing. You'll definitely want some sort of electrolyte product to replace what you sweat out. Maybe an extra set of clothing...riding in sweat-soaked shorts is no fun.

We usually lay our stuff out on a tarp in the TA. If you everything in one bin you'll spend a lot of time rummaging through it.

Good luck!

Definitely bring the spare clothes - just because it looks like the weather should be nice doesn't mean it will be. And have fun - there's a much more social atmosphere to these longer team races than ordinary XC racing.

I think I mentioned this one in the 24 hour suggestions thread: support people!

The atmosphere should be relaxed at the 6 hour event, but, if you and your partner are feeling competitive, then in some ways it will be more intense. With only 2 of you, the time between laps is quite short. The support people you have will make this so much easier for you - a little tweak on the bike, someone to remind you to eat something, maybe a bit of massage, etc.....they can help have your food organized, your clothes organized, and if you're doing two laps at a time, they can be there to cheer you through the transition area while your partner is resting / recovering, etc. Support people are also great for figuring out how you are placed during the race (if the timing is easy to access), and for taking pictures. I love doing support at races - it lets all my mom instincts run the show. Of course, I'd rather be on my bike.

Have a super time!! Sending happy fast relaxed organized good weather butterflies your way,
~T~