Masters 40+ 100 Mile Mountain Bike Personal Record Training Plan VS Self-supported Bikepacking Race Training

[metalartgate]

Hi Lynda,

52yr young and getting back into endurance rides/races. In the 80's I competed in Road Ultra-marathons, John Marino Open, Venture to Vegas …. Mountain bike Idita Bike 88'.

Now getting back in to it only on the mountain bike, I have been riding 75 to 100 mile days this summer generally with a moving average of 8.5 mph over different routes in and around the Central Cascade mountains in Oregon.

I would like to gear up for a few self supported events in 2014. Bottom line I'm trying to figure out if the “100 Mile Mountain Bike Personal Record Training Plan” or one of the “Self-supported Bikepacking Race Training” be better for me?

 

Thanks

 

-gary

[Lynda]

Gary,

Which events are you considering?

Lynda

[metalartgate]

Lynda,

 

California  Stagecoach 400 – 4.26  March 14th

Oregon  Oregon Outback – Friday, May 23 360 mostly gravel roads

 

Oregon High Cascades Grand Loop. Late June early July 280 miles ITT Bend-Sisters- Mckenzy river- Oakridge – Waldo Lake – back to Bend. All but 15 miles on dirt. 50% of dirt is single track.

My main targets are Oregon Outback and HC_GL. If I feel that I am ready and can do both I'll do Stagecoach.

I feel that with the right mindset I could pull off OR Outback in 3 Days or less. My goal is to do these rides and not be wiped out for a month or more after. 😉

 

Thanks

 

-gary

[Lynda]

Gary,

Definitely follow a bike-pack racing training plan.

I recommend you follow the 12 week Arizona Trail Race 300 Training Plan. This is the best fit training plan to prep you for Stagecoach 400. 

Take your time after Stagecoach to properly recover then get back on the same plan for Oregon Outback and HCGL. 

Lynda.

[metalartgate]

Thanks.

I noticed above I said 8.5 mph moving avg should have said over all avg.

 

When training this winter how do you account for difference in ride time trail vs Fatbike on snow, Just go by heart rate?

 

How do I adjust recovery time for my age?

 

-gary

[Lynda]

Ride time is ride time and it doesn't matter what bike or surface you are pedaling on.

Do everything you can to optimize your recovery. Read my Tools to Speed Recovery article for a primer on everything you can do.

If you find you are not recovering quickly enough to keep up with the training plan, drop all of the recovery rides in favor of passive rest. If that doesn't do it then drop additional rides until you are at your sweet spot. 

Lynda

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