TransRockies.com

[Stedenko]

I'm in pretty reasonable shape and as of right now there's around 3 months to get ready for the TR3. I've read as much as I can about the full 7 day race, and I believe that 3 months of training should be enough to do the 3 day. Is this true? I've been lazy most of the winter although I'm still at a good weight starting off this year's season.



This would be my first endurance mountain bike race, but I'm a good technical mountain biker and would dedicate myself to training for it.



Opinions?

[Simon]

It all depends on your goal. If your hoping for the podium, you have probably left it too late. But if you hoping to finish and have fun, then three months is probably enough to do the 3-day, and maybe even the 7-day. (Depends on your current shape and overall condition.)



I'd concentrate on long rides and climbing. By the end of May you should do a few back-to-back 2-3 hour rides on the weekend, by the end of June get up to 3-4 hour rides, and by the end of July you should be able to pull off a couple of 5-6 hour rides.



If you local geography permits, you also need to try and put in some long climbs. (30 minutes +)



And offroad/mountain bike training will give you a better idea of your progress. 3 hours on flat terrain on your road bike is not really a good indicator of how you'll do on a TR stage.



Also, if you are planning to do the 3-day I'd include some hike-a-bike as well, as there are some unavoidable hike-a-bike sections on days 1 and 2. (Or at least they were last year.)

[Stedenko]

Thanks for taking the time to share that. I'm definitely in the "finish and have fun" category.

[shaunis]

Hey I agree with Simon. Even if you are in the finish and have fun you won't have fun if you are not prepared. I am currently doing 2-3 hour back to back rides on the weekends and then concentrating on climbing during the week. I also do an intense tuesday night ride on the road just to kick it up a bit.



See you in 6 weeks at the start. TR3 is going to be blast.