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