10 TIPS on the 24HOUR MTB Race  

Tip 1 - Get to Know Your Teammates

It’s always nice to sit together before the event and get to know your teammates, since you may be allocated to a team.  If you are serious and want to compete, then meet for coffee beforehand.

Tip 2 - Communicate Your Expectations

If you are out to kick butt, try to find a team that has the same goals. If you just want to have a good time, make sure your teammates know that too.

Tip 3 - Bring Your Own Lights

It sounds logical but bring your own lights. Bike lights have come a long way. It works best if everyone brings their own lights and you won’t have to worry about a) using one you are not familiar with or b) having one of your teammates break it before you get the chance to use it. c) bring 2 sets, one for your helmet and one for your handlebar, every bit helps. d) take spare batteries !

Tip 4 - Communicate During the Race

Tip 5 - Eat Real Food (a Six-pack does not fall into this category ;-)

Nutrition bars and Gu--or, beer and cigarettes--might help you on the course but when you are sitting around the campfire, fuel with real food. Pre-made pasta can easily be reheated over the campfire. If you time things right, the riders at camp can start dinner for the person coming in from the course. That person can cook for the next rider, and so on. Eat right when you finish your lap to allow time for the food to settle.  Alternatively, bring your partner / wife / husband / boyfriend / girlfriend along and let them help with campduties.

Tip 6 - Don’t Be a Hero

Pre-ride the course if you can. There will probably be sections that you won’t want to ride or that require you to hike your bike. Get to know where these are on the course so you are not surprised—especially on the night laps. Know your limits and make sure you feel comfortable before taking risks.

Tip 7 - Wear the Right Clothes

Bring at least 4-5 sets of cycling kit.  There is nothing worse than getting into your sweaty kit when your next lap is up.!  Also, riding in wet clothes at night can be uncomfortable and cold.  Be prepared for every weather condition – heat, rain, shine, so take a light-weight waterproof jacket or a breathable rain shell.  Remember where there’s rain, there’s mud !

Tip 8 - Bring Friends / Family

Bring your Family along and make it a camping / fun weekend.  It’s great to have a friendly face of a loved one when you come back to camp, and even better to have someone take care of your bike when you’re not riding it.   

If you are not friends with people who think sleeping on dirt and not showering for two days is fun, beg them, bribe them, or buy them beer. Do what you can to convince them that being your team’s personal chef or technician is a great idea.

Tip 9 - Remember You Are Part of a Team

Don’t let your team down, if you have a mechanical, try and finish the lap.  There is nothing worse than a whinging teammate, so remember this IS a Team event and you need to give it 100%.

Tip 9.5 - Decide How You Will Handle the Final Lap

It’s not likely your team will finish right at the designated time. Learn the rules and decide beforehand if someone will ride an extra lap, or if your team will do the proverbial riding together of the final lap. This can be accompanied by beer….. and is usually a lot of fun…..

Tip 10 - Have Fun  

Something will always go wrong. It’s hard to predict what will happen in 24 hours of racing. If things start to go wrong, take a breath and check your attitude. After all, the best part about a 24-hour mountain bike race is that you get to ride mountain bikes all day long.