Active Expert: Bruce Hildenbrand: 24 Hour Mountain Bike Racing

Want to race a mountain bike for 24 hours? Not into such a huge solo effort? How about roping three or four of your favorite riding mates into entering as a team? Do the math. Five riders over 24 hours means about five hours of total riding. Factor in the potential four hour break between efforts and maybe now it seems somewhere in the realm of possibility. Of course it does.

A lot of people are figuring out that 24 hour racing is not only possible, but a lot of fun. You don't have to have a pedigree in World Cup competition or be an Olympic hopeful. All you have to do is be prepared to ride and enjoy it. Then there are the always exciting night laps when mountain biking takes on an entirely new dimension under the stars and in the thin beam of a halogen light.

Preparation for a 24 hour race depends on your goals. If you are out to win your class, and there are a lot of classes, then being in top notch physical condition is obviously essential. If you are in a less-than-competitive mood and are just trying to have some good old physical bonding with your friends than the most important pre-race preparation is to make sure your bike is in good working order. Most of us can deal with our body starting to tire, but a broken bike may mean the end of your race.

There are 24 hour races throughout the United States. Granny Gear Productions organizes six races throughout the US while Twenty4 Sports holds four yearly events. Numerous smaller promoters also organize races. Check the local bike shops in your area for upcoming events.

Bruce

Tags: bruce_hildenbrand, granny_gear_productions, twenty4_sports

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May 1, 2008 7:48 AM Reply

jspitzberg

You can find an extensive list of 24-hour mountain bike races, and more information about mountain biking right here at Active.com

May 1, 2008 9:53 AM Reply

marc v

Bruce is right - I, an average joe MTB rider, have done several 24 hours - anyone can do it and still have a blast. A couple of things that I would suggest to make the event more enjoyable. First, get on a team with similar goals...it's no fun to have your overly competitive team captain yelling at you to go faster when you just want to enjoy the ride. Next, make sure you know some basic bike maintenance. You'll be pushing your bike harder than you usually do and things can and will break. Also, a good set of lights will make the night riding less intimidating - I know some races have light sets you can rent if you don't feel like plunking down the money to buy one. Last, but not least, eat eat eat drink drink drink repeat. You'll need the energy!

May 1, 2008 11:02 PM Reply