I'm getting more enthusiastic about mtb and improving in fitness, so I've thought about doing an endurance event next year....either a long day event, or an over night team event.

I'd be interested to know what was your first long distance event and what the experience was like for a first timer? Any suggestions on what would be good as a introduction? How much training you did?

Cheers

Lou.

Hey Lou

I think my first one was the Selkirk 50km merida, I found it really hard work but really enjoyed it. The meridas are quite relaxed sociable events and are not races at all. You should think about entering one of these - there is one near you at Ruthin but I think that was a couple of weeks ago. They do courses of 25, 50, 75 and 100km.

Also there are lots of 12 hour or 24 hour team races - eg. Mountain Mayhem (this weekend), Sleepless in the Saddle, Dusk til Dawn, 24/12 etc. These tend to be more competitive although you can be as competitive or chilled out as you want to be. It depends on yours or your team's ethos. I really enjoyed 24/12 and SITS last year. The courses don't tend to be very technical but it is more about your fitness, endurance and mental attitude (ie. how motivated are you to get up for a lap at 3am when it is chucking it down!).

I would say try both types of event, you could definitely do one of the meridas this year - why don't you aim for a 50km merida in Sept? Also there are people on on She Cycles that are keen to get together beginners girls team for SITS etc so why don't you see if there are other people out there the same standard as you and put a team together?

 As for trainig I guess it depends on what level you are starting at and how competitive you want to be. I don't really do any specific training for events but tend to keep fairly fit anyway, riding 3 times a week.

Hi Ros - yeah I did think about the Penrith merida in sept but it clashes with a wedding of Mal's friend in New York so I have to go to that instead ... A shame 'cause some of the NW lads were talking about doing it and they would have looked after me!

I think SITS is a bit soon for this year - still need to work on fitness and I'm in the US for the whole of July so I don't think I have enough time for improving.  That's why I'm thinking about next year - and it gives me the winter to sort out night riding as well.

What you up to in august (is Gavin around?) - haven't seen you guys for ages so would be good to meet up.

How did the job interview go?

SITS 2002 at Trentham gardens...I miss Trentham...darn those monkeys taking over our land!

Only managed to get three in our mixed team so be the end I was half laughing half crying, a total emotional mess.

Couldnt lower my nether reagions into the bath.

Now several SITS, Mayhems, Enduro6's, Rough Rides, Meridas later I have the skin of a rhyno, how attractive.

Did very little trainnig, still dont, just keep riding events and it gets easier. Try the Rough Ride for a social long event...its very relaxed but with huge climbs (I love climbing).

Mayhem can be very competetive, SITS is more relaxed, find Enduro 6 harder than 24 racing. Meridas are cool too, bit like rough ride. Can do 25km routes at Meridas.