Cat 1 base recommended but I am not at cat 1 level

[ben]

Lynda,

I went through the plan finder to see what the recommendations are for an event in the fall. Its the Trans North California 400 bikepacking race. Starts October 6. It will be my first event of this length. The plan finder stacked the cat1 cross country base plan with the 2-5 day bikepacking plan. I am riding 2-3 days a week right now and it seems like a big jump from now to the middle of a cat 1 plan. Would you recommend I stick with that combo, or maybe go with something a little different?

Thanks, Ben

[Lynda]

Hi Ben,

Agreed, that is a big jump!

Tell me a little more about yourself so I can recommend the best plan for you:

1) Age?
2) Gears or single-speed?
3) How many days do you estimate the California 400 will take you?
4) How long have you been consistently riding and training?

Coach Lynda

[ben]

Sounds good,
1) Im 27
2) Gears
3) Three is my thought, less would be cool too!
4) I have been riding mountain bikes for 10 years, weekends, a couple races, things like that. I also raced cyclocross in the B class for 4 seasons, that was a couple years ago. My last event that I worked up to was last years Lost and Found 100 Gravel Grinder. I haven’t ever followed a formal training plan. Currently I have been riding when I can but i’m not what I would call myself “in shape” compared to the past.

[Lynda]

Hi Ben,

I still recommend following the Category 1 Cross Country Mountain Bike Base Mountain Bike Training Plan
followed by the 2 – 5 day Bikepacking Race Mountain Bike Training Plan but with a few modifications.

– 5/21 – Start the Cat 1 Base plan at week #1 (rather than the middle of the plan) and follow it to week 8. During these 8 weeks, miss out all the optional rides and choose passive rest instead. This will set you up nicely for the next plan and your race.

– 7/16 – Progress on to the 2-5 day bikepacking plan and follow all 12 weeks to peak for Trans North California 400 bikepacking race on October 6.

Coach Lynda

[ben]

Hi Lynda,

Thanks for looking into that and recommending the adjustment to the plan. I will get started on it Monday.

Ben

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