1st 12 hour coming up this weekend

[Andrea]

Well, I got my MTB a little more than 2 weeks ago, and, even though I exploded the rear derailleur on its 1 week birthday and wasn't able to ride it again until yesterday, I entered the Dirt, Sweat, and Gears 12 hour anyway.

I've got the base from road training, but my tech skills will be what slows me down. Oh yeah, and, since my bike was out of commission while the trails were reasonably dry and now we're in a monsoon weather pattern, I haven't ridden at night yet, either. So my plan is to rely on smart pacing, eating, and innate tenacity. It's a 10 mile loop, so I figure the worst that could happen is that I get tired and stop. I think I'll be aight, though.

I love trial by fire

[SheFly]

Good luck! And don't worry about the night riding - I ride better at night when I can't see the trails .

It's a long race, so pacing will be key for you. Don't go all out the first time around - learn where you can pick up speed and where you need to slow some. And watch out for those derailleur eating sticks!

Waiting for the report!

SheFly

[kacie tri-ing]

Good luck! Can't wait to hear about it! Seems like your legs have recovered from your long run! Enjoy!

[pinkbikes]

Way to go! Have a wonderful time today/tonight! (Hmm - I guess that's tomorrow your time?)

I like how your 12hours starts at 9am so it is mostly light and some dark. All the 12hours I've done seem to be 12hours of darkness! They run from Dusk til Dawn!

Eat up the night riding - it is great. You only see what you need to and sometimes that can actually be very liberating because you don't see what scares you in daylight!

Go well!

[crazycanuck]

Andrea..are you doing this solo? If so wow!

Good luck kiddo & have fun

[surgtech1956]

Good luck