Tour of the White Mountains MTB Event in October
Posted: Aug 22 2008 4:48 am
I've signed up for Tour of the White Mountains mountain biking event again this year. Date is Sat. Oct 4. There has been a change of venue this year, and the event will be at Show Low Bluff, a new development. I'm told there is a huge area set up for camping, and that there will be a Grateful Dead cover band called Extra Ticket and and a reggae band, too, on Sat. evening. They also have lots of food available, and free beer for registered riders. (Presumably one drinks the beer AFTER the race.)
For information and registration, google Epic Rides Tour of the White Mountains.
I'm riding the 30-mile event, but there is a longer event and a shorter one you can choose from. There is some single track and some dirt road along the routes. Last year, the event I rode in didn't have anything very technical (I rode a 35-mile event). This year each race route has been changed a lot, so I don't know if there will be some technical spots--they say we will be riding Timber Mesa Trail at the end and I've heard it's pretty rocky. I'm going to go over there and ride it sometime soon, I think.
Although it's a race, many people just ride in order to finish. That's what I did last year. This year I am training a lot more, though, so maybe I will finish better than 10th in my division, as I did last year! Since my division, Women's Masters, starts at age 45, and I am 55, I am at somewhat of a disadvantage. Last year they said I was the second-oldest female rider.
Usually the weather is great in early October, although last year it was very windy, but that's unusual. The wind didn't pose a huge problem anyway, as most of the routes go through thick woods.
It's a pretty big event, maybe a thousand riders, and it's a fundraiser for the hospital in Show Low. Anyway, I thought it was fun, and so I thought I'd let you all know about it.
One thing about having signed up for an event like this one is that it's a bit like having a GC permit in your hand: You have something out there in front that you need to train for. You are not just training for general fitness or weight loss or health, you have an actual event you are looking forward to. I find this psychology really keeps me motivated.
If anyone from here signs up please let me know! I may stay for the whole thing this year--last year I just showed up for the ride and didn't camp overnight or listen to the music or eat the BBQ.
Elizabeth
For information and registration, google Epic Rides Tour of the White Mountains.
I'm riding the 30-mile event, but there is a longer event and a shorter one you can choose from. There is some single track and some dirt road along the routes. Last year, the event I rode in didn't have anything very technical (I rode a 35-mile event). This year each race route has been changed a lot, so I don't know if there will be some technical spots--they say we will be riding Timber Mesa Trail at the end and I've heard it's pretty rocky. I'm going to go over there and ride it sometime soon, I think.
Although it's a race, many people just ride in order to finish. That's what I did last year. This year I am training a lot more, though, so maybe I will finish better than 10th in my division, as I did last year! Since my division, Women's Masters, starts at age 45, and I am 55, I am at somewhat of a disadvantage. Last year they said I was the second-oldest female rider.
Usually the weather is great in early October, although last year it was very windy, but that's unusual. The wind didn't pose a huge problem anyway, as most of the routes go through thick woods.
It's a pretty big event, maybe a thousand riders, and it's a fundraiser for the hospital in Show Low. Anyway, I thought it was fun, and so I thought I'd let you all know about it.
One thing about having signed up for an event like this one is that it's a bit like having a GC permit in your hand: You have something out there in front that you need to train for. You are not just training for general fitness or weight loss or health, you have an actual event you are looking forward to. I find this psychology really keeps me motivated.
If anyone from here signs up please let me know! I may stay for the whole thing this year--last year I just showed up for the ride and didn't camp overnight or listen to the music or eat the BBQ.
Elizabeth