Thank you for joining me on this journey. If you enjoyed this video and you want to see more content like this * *PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE SUBSCRIBE, LIKE & SHARE.*
i am 37 years old. I started riding xc races 2 years ago and it was a challenge. I ride a cheap aluminum hardtail with clipless pedals. I ride an indoor trainer during the winter. I consider it a success if I end up in the better half, but I usually end up in the middle or worse. 😅 your results are really great 👌🫡 greetings from Slovakia 😊
Does your hardtail have 26" or 29" diameter wheels? A 29er hardtail isn't bad at all for XC. I've a Salsa Timberjack 29er for XC and I'm happy with it. I do have a full squishy all-mountain and full-squisy slopestyle bike, both with 26" wheels.
I started my XC race journey a little over 10 years ago at 49. Now at 59 just finished an 8 race series. That change 10 years ago in retrospect was a fun adventure that will hopefully continue on a few more years. One skill I’ve found useful is a quick start enables you hang with the front group. Passing is critical and being able to pace then put the hammer down in passing zones helps a lot. I’m on a full sus..What I found is that save your greenbacks and buy a lightly used bike. You can get high end for half off. In 2013 I bought a 2012 Cannondale Scalpel 1 carbon for $4400 ( new $7900). This year picked up a 2022 epic pro that was virtually new for $5500 ( $10k new).
I just started racing last year at 54 years old. Love the short track races. I won the overall local 4 race cat 3 series on a hardtail. Just got a full sus bike. Never thought the sport was as tough as it actually is. I train every other day, all 4 seasons. Keeps me in great shape. Congrats on your success.
Thank you. Congrats on your win!! I'm a couple of years younger than you. The hardest part seems to be keeping up on training and diet. I gotta stay disciplined! Best of luck on your racing efforts!
I raced pretty hardcore in my 20s. Now that I’m 40+ I’m looking at getting back into it. Came across your video in the process to getting back. My heart was racing after your crash at the meltdown. I felt your pain as something similar has happened to me. About 100 yards from the finish after 18 miles of riding, I bonked. Legs completely cramped and locked up. I couldn’t pedal. 1 rider at a time I saw my effort go away. I eventually crawled across the finish line. Great riding and keep at it.
After having 7 years off biking I got my self a new XC bike, I'm 34 tomorrow and looking at getting into racing. This video gave me good inspiration to get training with what little time i have.
I gotta say that I'm impressed with how many people you were passing toward the end; I felt out of breath just watching. It's encouraging to see this from someone who is relatively new to XC racing, for someone like myself who has yet to even try it. Also, there seems to be merit in pacing one's self in the beginning and then making passes later on.
Thanks. There was a big field of racers. Pacing is definitely important. Knowing when to get on it and when to back off. Pacing with the lead group in particular. You'll know pretty quickly where you stand relative to your fellow competitors...and you'll adjust accordingly both on and off the race course. Best of luck in your racing efforts! 💪
You got a new subscriber. I love these xc races with commentary. I'm about to turn 50 and took back up mountain biking after nearly 20 years of back problems, 3 back surgeries, and other health issues that have kept me from it. I've completely changed my diet and way of living, lost 60 pounds, and am doing things I NEVER imagined I'd ever do again. I've never competed in a race before, but watching videos like this are inspiring to me. It's made me see that just simply entering and finishing is just as much of an accomplishment as being world class and coming in first. Maybe I'll make one of my goals at age 50 to compete in one of these. Again, thanks for the videos!
I'm glad to hear about your return to mtb after those health issues. They are hard to overcome! The most important challenge is against yourself. Keep at it. You're ahead of the game at this point.Thank you for watching and welcome 🙏
Love the video and content. Great job completing all these events and documenting/editing your efforts. Bravo. Some thoughts brain dump from a 20 year plus veteran mtb/cx/road rider and former cycling coach: I see you changed out your front fork to one with a lock out-hard to tell ( see your fork bouncing at 18:39 in the video = wasted effort), but use that lock out on your race starts and anyplace that is semi flat-get out of that saddle and sprint - practice those sprint starts 1-3x per week in a grass field months before race season, consider the Time ATAC 6/8 pedals as an option (also you must practice clipping in/out with both feet (don't look down). You need to spend more time training in whatever your zone 3, zone 4 and zone 5 are. Zwift has training plans to help with this, basically you are acclimating your body/heart/lungs to sit in those zones if that makes sense, if you want to hurt you need to train your body to accept the hurt so to speak. Same with the leg power and climbing - if you want to climb better, be faster, you must go climb hills (on a road bike/gravel bike). Go learn to be an efficient climber on your road and gravel bike, push pull all the way around the pedal stroke. Work on your core and flexibility (Yoga is excellent in winter, go to gym for circuit training). Increase your 20 min watt (power number). If it's 200 now, set a realistic goal to raise it over 4-6 months. 275-300 watts for 20 min would make you a competitive mtb/cx/road racer. Work on your lines (find a familiar trail, that isn't too hilly, try to ride it faster and faster without using your brakes, work on carving those turns like an F1 driver). If you are going to race those rocky races again - get the fatest-fastest tires on that HT of yours - it will help the rollover and cushion your body, learn to right lighter. Learn to let go of those brakes and commit to the trail and drive the bike where you want to go. Play with tire pressures, document what you use (keep a record) - use what works. RE: Clipless pedals - work on doing single leg drills on your bike or bike/trainer - full circle and fluid. And, not sure what your weight/height are, but any lbs you can lose will always convert over to faster times on any bike (generally). Nutrition while racing is also a whole other discussion, but very very important. Great job on your season. Lastly - smile, have fun and set realistic goals to keep cycling and racing fun - burnout is possible as a beginner or expert or pro. Holler if you have questions. 👍🚴♂🏋♂
Dude, at soon to be 59 (and a young one at that) haven’t rode MTB for 40 years, I’m throwing myself back on the mule and riding, hopefully adding some races in 2024 to my schedule. Keep you posted. You’re an inspiration!! Keep going!!!
I've been on a mountain bike since 2016 but recently started riding again more seriously. I have watched ALOT of mtb videos and this was by far one of the more interesting and entertaining videos I have watched. Thanks for sharing the story!
Awesome compilation of your racing season. XC racing is tougher than it looks. I’ve raced a few within the last couple years and it was an eye opening experience. I found out it was easier to get out front early and maintain a cadence than it was to sit middle pack and over work to get around slower riders. Best of luck to you in your training. Look forward to seeing your progress.
I decided XC was harder than I expected as well. Back in 94 - 95 during the Hawaii NORBA Series I tried to treat it like a fast pace trail ride and was grossly mistaken. After 2 races I ditched my XC aspirations for DH/Free ride and never looked back. Now 55 and still enjoy a nice DH rides and weekends at local SoCal parks. Spotted you a sub because of your devotion. 🤘🏾
Crazy awesome video! Thanks for bringing us along on your journey and for letting me be a part of it. Great story telling in this video. You definitely improved a ton over the season!
So inspiring. 4 years ago I was an avid rider and competing well. I moved to an area that doesn't offer much in the way of cycling much less xc or single-track. This year I'm putting in miles and looking forward to hearing the moots bells and the burning legs and lungs that means an on time finish with fist bumps and hi fives at the finish line. Pedal on!
Man. the footage of the final climb up the grassy hill was VISCERAL. My legs were burning and I was breathing hard. It felt like a dream in which I had to run through thick pudding and couldn't quite get through it. Of ALL of the p.o.v bike videos I've watched, not one has had such an effect as your struggle up the hill. Wow. Thanks for capturing and sharing your journey. It was vulnerable and authentic. Nice work.
Hey Howley!!!! You one bad shredder!!!! Valiant effort!!!! As they say champions are made in the off season. There’s plenty of winter left to fine tune and tweak!!! Next season will be the best season!!!!
Thanks for sharing this video! You need: core workouts, leg workouts, more downhill riding, walk/run that bike at difficult climbs, and be more explosive when riding. Please keep posting videos. Thanks again.
Really great story and man what a crazy adventure you went on! Way to stick thru all that hell climbing while under the clock and super impressive fitness level. Top 10 after all that is awesome 💪
This video is just what i needed ,im 47 very fit and hope my 25 years of running and 10 years of training as hard as an amateur boxer will hold me in good sted , im no stranger to mtb i was an avid mtb rider in the early 90s entering several cross country races i still have my Gt bikes from back in the day, i like your prep and thats exactly what im doing now preparing to enter some xc races, taking me a while to get used to new components and setups etc Im from england and enjoyed your videos mate its making e want to do it even more
You're first place in my book! 😘 I'm proud of all your hard work and dedication. I'm blown away by what you accomplish. This was a great video. You're a talented storyteller and gifted filmmaker. I cried when your seat got messed up and people started passing you. 😭
Great effort, buddy! While your races might not have gone exactly as planned, remember, it's all about the journey. I rocked Yankee Springs this year in 1:04 on my fat bike - how'd you do? I even tackled it blind. Pre-riding could be a game-changer for your next race; it worked wonders for me. In terms of training, gravel races intertwined with mountain biking really boosted my endurance. Those short punchy climbs become a breeze after hitting the hilly gravel paths. I suggest gearing up for Iceman in 2024 - yes, it's a bit gravel-heavy, but the mix of two tracks and single track makes it a blast. Considering your 2023 experience, I'd say give racing another shot in 2024. Grab a fat bike for winter training - it worked wonders for me. Armed with the knowledge of 2023, I'm confident you'll crush it in 2024. Keep that determination alive and pedal on! 🚵♂️💪
Thanks! Great job on your performance! 🙌 I was about 1:20 or so. Not good. Having ridden the trail and having Gopro footage of it should help. I think I would do the Time Trial again. Really enjoyed it despite the result. Until then, I need to get back to training. Im definitely looking into some other forms of racing for preparation. Thanks for watching and the encouragement.🙏Have a great riding season!
That race series looks fun! My local race scene is intimidating; every the beginner class is fully kitted out; most racers are sponsored or at least on teams....this is beginner class! I wish there was a truly entry level class to get more people into the sport in my area.
The CAMBR series has a class called novice, which is between beginner and sport. That is what you saw in the video. It's more challenging than beginner but not as serious as sport. A lot of locals will do that class as their one race a year. Most of the other series in the area don't have that and are heavily sand bagged. Regardless, I wouldn't worry about sandbaggers. Their greatest weakness is fear of real competition. Go out and race, and don't worry about how you finish. Build the experience and adapt. Eventually, you'll surpass them if you work hard and keep at it. 💪
@@AdrenalineIsLife Oh, I'm not worried at all! I'm super excited about these races. But I'm sure there are some people who come away intimidated or discouraged when they can't maintain 4w/kg for 1 hour in the "beginner" class :) Thanks for the reply, that sounds like a fun series!
Great video, trail familiarity is massive, good going for your first season!! At 53 years young, I'm about to trade my hybrid in for a hardtail again (did a lot of BMX and HT MTB riding in my youth). Also, I love your attitude!! 👌
Been there. Some of us just dont have the top athlete genetics that others have. I fall into this category. Training hard meant improvements but I wasnt going to win any races. Learned to start in back of pack and pick my way forward because getting passed a ton had negative psychological impact. A lot of these races came down to just trying to finish or setting a PR for a particular trail. For most of us middle of pack riders or less, its about competing with ourselves.
That race with the tunnel had trails that are like those that all my local XC races have, minus the tunnel :) Full suspension XC bike is the right way to go!
Have been watching this bit by bit over the past few months, have really enjoyed it! I had my first gravel event in August which I really enjoyed but now moving to the XC side of life as it gives me the challenge I’m after. First “fun” event next month and excited. Hopefully do some races next year.
Great video, technically and creatively. This video comes at a great time as I’m planning to return to xc racing in 2025. You’ve got a new subscriber here.
Great true personal account of your season - inspiring for a returning XC after 20+ years away from the discipline over here in the UK. Your video was just the motivation needed! Cheers!
Hey man looking forward to season 2, maybe better nutrition plan would unlock more gains 💪💪💪💪🔥🔥🔥 some technical training.. you got this!!! podium spot 🙏😀
Thanks so much for sharing your journey and your experience! At 44 years old, I now feel inspired and more curious to perhaps join a race or 2 next year.
Enjoyed your video. Your voice and editing/narration were what kept me watching. Your riding... well the spirit is strong in this one. Did you race in 2024? I would have enjoyed knowing more on how you prepared with your training. I have years of experience riding and your mud race brought back some memories on how tough it is to race. Make more training and racing videos. You are good at it.
@IthacaDon Thank you! 🙏I did one race this year that didn't go well, and it highlighted some health issues that I've been ignoring. So I've been dealing with that, among other things. I'm hoping to race more next year and to tell more stories. 🤞
Ths was a really good videoo! I've often wondered about trying racing out and this was really a great glimpse of somebody just starting out racing and progressing! Your narration was awesome I love the way you really did this whole video!
Amazing.. I just want to say that hill at the end of palos and feeling all your pain with that seat and muddy situation had my heart pounding lol hoping you didn't wipe on that last hill!! So glad you finished, and this is an awesome change to the pro jump this and pro berm that. Feels like a win for us bramblers!!
Its crazy raceway is becoming something. We’d goof off in those woods during our high school days. Round 2018 the place started to gain traction. I used to run crystal lake ski and bike, we would perform free bike maintenance at the trail Head during the Tuesday night group rides. Some of the best memories I have are at that trail system
I enjoyed ur video. I’m glad u straightened out that Garmin, it makes the processing of everything better when the Garmin is in line with tire. Also u got third! That guy in wrong field was his fault or the promoters. It wasn’t a time trial so time is irrelevant. U can only race who is there. U weren’t doing a Strava segment! Nice work!
Thanks. I thought about complaining but decided to let it go. I won't in the future. In all fairness to that guy, he did finish ahead of me in every race after that. So Idk if the result would've been different. I'll have to get better and leave no doubts.
Fantastic i had a blast you are awesome. I have my first XC race this march and your video gave me a complete different perspective. Learned a lot from your video thanks so much. Greetings from San Pedro de Atacama a very dry place in northern Chile.
Great vid and journey! Yeah clipless is the way to go. Like your light hardtail setup. Maybe consider a specific training program leading up to next season. As much as I hate it. Indoor programs work. Also, highly suggest taking some skills courses under a BCIP or other instructor. It makes a difference. Learning to corner, riding drops, techy stuff helps. Great vid!
Great video I used to do about 40 competitive events/season (for about 20 years) across XC marathon, xc short track, road crits, road races, velodrome/track, bmx, and finish the season off with cyclocross. My favorite was always XC mtb and it really boils down to fitness, course knowledge - with multiple seasons you learn where bottlenecks happen and manage them better. Those spd are what I've used on all my off-road bikes and work best - even in deep cyclocross mud - when run with the tension fairly loose. Loosen all the way and then add back 3 or 4 clicks and give that a try. Check your cleats every so often to make sure they have not wiggled loose as that will cause difficult release. We have family in the Chicago area so I need to check these trails out on a visit instead of just forest preserve greenways!
Thanks for sharing your experiences! You built up quite a bit of it. 💪 Definitely hit up our local trails. They each have their own unique charm. Add Saw Wee Kee to your list as well it's fun and technical.
A nice review! I thought 2023 would be the year I finished Miner's Revenge, but I had to cancel because it was just gonna cost me too much money to trek up there by myself. It'd be fun if we can get a Chicago-area rider's group to carpool up there for 2024.
Nice work . Thanks for posting. I did something similar out here in the North West. After hip replacement surgery, decided to make some changes. I race a carbon stumpjumper. Been doing for 6 years now. Very rewarding! Ps. Crank brothers clipless peddles work better in mud. 🤘
Amazing progress to be seen in this video! Keep going. Keep riding the spd’s its worth learning. I noticed ur a really nice guy and stop on single track to let slightly faster guys pass. Dont forget. Theyre behind you bcs they where slower for the entire ride so far. I dont see them moving aside for you. You lose a lot of time there. Try just following them when they pass you by themselves. Its racing after all. Keep going tho you’re killing it.
just entered the lottery for Leadville last night! ive done 3 full ironman races but have never done a mountain bike race. nervous. this video helps motivate me. Thanks
Great video, I haven't done an XC race in 20 years and am now feeling motived to start training and give it a go next year. I've also been using clipless for 20+ years and might prefer flats in those mud conditions, that race looked tough!
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Thank you for joining me on this journey. If you enjoyed this video and you want to see more content like this * *PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE SUBSCRIBE, LIKE & SHARE.*
I’m a 47yo dad and did my first year of XC racing. It was a super rewarding experience on so many levels. Congrats on your season
It's very rewarding. Congrats on your season as well!
Way to go!!
Congrats. I’m about to turn 50 and trying to decide if I want to switch to road from mtb. Time for new bike.
I'm 42 and overweight. But I'd like to give it a go. Thanks for sharing your journey. Awesome work.
i am 37 years old. I started riding xc races 2 years ago and it was a challenge. I ride a cheap aluminum hardtail with clipless pedals. I ride an indoor trainer during the winter. I consider it a success if I end up in the better half, but I usually end up in the middle or worse. 😅 your results are really great 👌🫡 greetings from Slovakia 😊
Does your hardtail have 26" or 29" diameter wheels? A 29er hardtail isn't bad at all for XC. I've a Salsa Timberjack 29er for XC and I'm happy with it. I do have a full squishy all-mountain and full-squisy slopestyle bike, both with 26" wheels.
@@VBMichael_D of course 29 🙂 and frame size XL. It’s fine.
I started my XC race journey a little over 10 years ago at 49. Now at 59 just finished an 8 race series. That change 10 years ago in retrospect was a fun adventure that will hopefully continue on a few more years. One skill I’ve found useful is a quick start enables you hang with the front group. Passing is critical and being able to pace then put the hammer down in passing zones helps a lot. I’m on a full sus..What I found is that save your greenbacks and buy a lightly used bike. You can get high end for half off. In 2013 I bought a 2012 Cannondale Scalpel 1 carbon for $4400 ( new $7900). This year picked up a 2022 epic pro that was virtually new for $5500 ( $10k new).
I just started racing last year at 54 years old. Love the short track races. I won the overall local 4 race cat 3 series on a hardtail. Just got a full sus bike. Never thought the sport was as tough as it actually is. I train every other day, all 4 seasons. Keeps me in great shape. Congrats on your success.
Thank you. Congrats on your win!! I'm a couple of years younger than you. The hardest part seems to be keeping up on training and diet. I gotta stay disciplined! Best of luck on your racing efforts!
I raced pretty hardcore in my 20s. Now that I’m 40+ I’m looking at getting back into it. Came across your video in the process to getting back. My heart was racing after your crash at the meltdown. I felt your pain as something similar has happened to me. About 100 yards from the finish after 18 miles of riding, I bonked. Legs completely cramped and locked up. I couldn’t pedal. 1 rider at a time I saw my effort go away. I eventually crawled across the finish line. Great riding and keep at it.
Thanks! That's the drama of racing. A good effort can fall apart in an instant. Best of luck with your return to racing!
After having 7 years off biking I got my self a new XC bike, I'm 34 tomorrow and looking at getting into racing. This video gave me good inspiration to get training with what little time i have.
I gotta say that I'm impressed with how many people you were passing toward the end; I felt out of breath just watching. It's encouraging to see this from someone who is relatively new to XC racing, for someone like myself who has yet to even try it. Also, there seems to be merit in pacing one's self in the beginning and then making passes later on.
Thanks. There was a big field of racers. Pacing is definitely important. Knowing when to get on it and when to back off. Pacing with the lead group in particular. You'll know pretty quickly where you stand relative to your fellow competitors...and you'll adjust accordingly both on and off the race course. Best of luck in your racing efforts! 💪
You got a new subscriber. I love these xc races with commentary. I'm about to turn 50 and took back up mountain biking after nearly 20 years of back problems, 3 back surgeries, and other health issues that have kept me from it.
I've completely changed my diet and way of living, lost 60 pounds, and am doing things I NEVER imagined I'd ever do again.
I've never competed in a race before, but watching videos like this are inspiring to me. It's made me see that just simply entering and finishing is just as much of an accomplishment as being world class and coming in first.
Maybe I'll make one of my goals at age 50 to compete in one of these.
Again, thanks for the videos!
I'm glad to hear about your return to mtb after those health issues. They are hard to overcome! The most important challenge is against yourself. Keep at it. You're ahead of the game at this point.Thank you for watching and welcome 🙏
"Exhibit Humility While Learning" wow..I like that part dude..nice message in the last part.
Thanks! It's always been the right formula for anything that I've done successfully over the years.
Love the video and content. Great job completing all these events and documenting/editing your efforts. Bravo.
Some thoughts brain dump from a 20 year plus veteran mtb/cx/road rider and former cycling coach: I see you changed out your front fork to one with a lock out-hard to tell ( see your fork bouncing at 18:39 in the video = wasted effort), but use that lock out on your race starts and anyplace that is semi flat-get out of that saddle and sprint - practice those sprint starts 1-3x per week in a grass field months before race season, consider the Time ATAC 6/8 pedals as an option (also you must practice clipping in/out with both feet (don't look down). You need to spend more time training in whatever your zone 3, zone 4 and zone 5 are. Zwift has training plans to help with this, basically you are acclimating your body/heart/lungs to sit in those zones if that makes sense, if you want to hurt you need to train your body to accept the hurt so to speak. Same with the leg power and climbing - if you want to climb better, be faster, you must go climb hills (on a road bike/gravel bike). Go learn to be an efficient climber on your road and gravel bike, push pull all the way around the pedal stroke. Work on your core and flexibility (Yoga is excellent in winter, go to gym for circuit training). Increase your 20 min watt (power number). If it's 200 now, set a realistic goal to raise it over 4-6 months. 275-300 watts for 20 min would make you a competitive mtb/cx/road racer. Work on your lines (find a familiar trail, that isn't too hilly, try to ride it faster and faster without using your brakes, work on carving those turns like an F1 driver). If you are going to race those rocky races again - get the fatest-fastest tires on that HT of yours - it will help the rollover and cushion your body, learn to right lighter. Learn to let go of those brakes and commit to the trail and drive the bike where you want to go. Play with tire pressures, document what you use (keep a record) - use what works. RE: Clipless pedals - work on doing single leg drills on your bike or bike/trainer - full circle and fluid. And, not sure what your weight/height are, but any lbs you can lose will always convert over to faster times on any bike (generally). Nutrition while racing is also a whole other discussion, but very very important. Great job on your season. Lastly - smile, have fun and set realistic goals to keep cycling and racing fun - burnout is possible as a beginner or expert or pro. Holler if you have questions. 👍🚴♂🏋♂
Great stuff! Thank you. I'm going to save all this.
Dude, at soon to be 59 (and a young one at that) haven’t rode MTB for 40 years, I’m throwing myself back on the mule and riding, hopefully adding some races in 2024 to my schedule.
Keep you posted.
You’re an inspiration!!
Keep going!!!
Thanks and welcome back to mountain biking! Enjoy!
I've been on a mountain bike since 2016 but recently started riding again more seriously. I have watched ALOT of mtb videos and this was by far one of the more interesting and entertaining videos I have watched. Thanks for sharing the story!
Thank you! 🙏 So glad you enjoyed it! 😁
Nice one Homie!💪
Thanks! 🙌
Awesome compilation of your racing season. XC racing is tougher than it looks. I’ve raced a few within the last couple years and it was an eye opening experience. I found out it was easier to get out front early and maintain a cadence than it was to sit middle pack and over work to get around slower riders. Best of luck to you in your training. Look forward to seeing your progress.
Absolutely. XC is no joke. Takes a lot of effort to do well. Thanks for watching! 🙏
We love this video! Oh, and nice ride! 😉
Love you guys! Love the bike! Thanks!
I decided XC was harder than I expected as well. Back in 94 - 95 during the Hawaii NORBA Series I tried to treat it like a fast pace trail ride and was grossly mistaken. After 2 races I ditched my XC aspirations for DH/Free ride and never looked back. Now 55 and still enjoy a nice DH rides and weekends at local SoCal parks. Spotted you a sub because of your devotion. 🤘🏾
Thank you! 🙏 I love riding DH. Just wish I was closer to some real mountains, lol.
Interesting. My main lesson from this year was that mistakes are costly and fatigue leads to mistakes.
Truth!
Excellent story with some great drama that had me rooting for you! What fun.
Thank you! 🙏
You are right. Never under estimate yourself and never sell yourself short.
Great job sticking with it.
You an inspiration👍
Thank you! 🙏
Those pedals killed you bro 👊🏽, you did amazing, the conditions and the mud were crazy sketchy af , you did good bro 🙌🏼🙌🏼👍🏾
Crazy awesome video! Thanks for bringing us along on your journey and for letting me be a part of it. Great story telling in this video. You definitely improved a ton over the season!
Thanks Rico. The video wouldn't have been the same without you!
So inspiring. 4 years ago I was an avid rider and competing well. I moved to an area that doesn't offer much in the way of cycling much less xc or single-track. This year I'm putting in miles and looking forward to hearing the moots bells and the burning legs and lungs that means an on time finish with fist bumps and hi fives at the finish line. Pedal on!
Glad you enjoyed the video! 🙂 Good luck with your return to racing!
Man. the footage of the final climb up the grassy hill was VISCERAL.
My legs were burning and I was breathing hard. It felt like a dream in which I had to run through thick pudding and couldn't quite get through it. Of ALL of the p.o.v
bike videos I've watched, not one has had such an effect as your struggle up the hill.
Wow.
Thanks for capturing and sharing your journey. It was vulnerable and authentic.
Nice work.
Thank you! 🙏
XC racing is just a battle of pride...and that makes it hard...
Hey Howley!!!! You one bad shredder!!!! Valiant effort!!!! As they say champions are made in the off season. There’s plenty of winter left to fine tune and tweak!!! Next season will be the best season!!!!
I bust my stick. I shred so bad. 😄 Thanks. I got some work ahead of me for sure.
Thanks for sharing this video! You need: core workouts, leg workouts, more downhill riding, walk/run that bike at difficult climbs, and be more explosive when riding. Please keep posting videos. Thanks again.
Thanks for the tips! Much more to work on to get better. Thank you for watching! Glad you enjoyed the video. 😁
Dude, such a fun video. Well done!
Enjoyed learning from your experience. Thank you for making this video
There aint nothing in this world for free right? Good effort dude! Keep pushing! You will get there!
@@BockaufBiken Thanks. You always have to work for it!
this videos inspires me. sad we do not have local free mtb/crosscountry races here in bavaria
I hear Bavaria is a beautiful place to mtb!
Really great story and man what a crazy adventure you went on! Way to stick thru all that hell climbing while under the clock and super impressive fitness level. Top 10 after all that is awesome 💪
Thanks, Jason! This one came together nicely. Thanks for watching. 🙏
Nicely done...you stayed in the race! Ill bet you will on the podium in 2024
🤞🤞
This was awesome. I ride all 3 but have avoided meltdowns. Next year will be my first. Thanks for creating this!
The Meltdown is a fun race. You'll enjoy it! Thanks for watching! 🙏
This video is just what i needed ,im 47 very fit and hope my 25 years of running and 10 years of training as hard as an amateur boxer will hold me in good sted , im no stranger to mtb i was an avid mtb rider in the early 90s entering several cross country races i still have my Gt bikes from back in the day, i like your prep and thats exactly what im doing now preparing to enter some xc races, taking me a while to get used to new components and setups etc
Im from england and enjoyed your videos mate its making e want to do it even more
I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I'm sure you'll do great with your background. Best of luck! 🏅
You're first place in my book! 😘 I'm proud of all your hard work and dedication. I'm blown away by what you accomplish. This was a great video. You're a talented storyteller and gifted filmmaker. I cried when your seat got messed up and people started passing you. 😭
🤗🤗🤗
Great effort, buddy! While your races might not have gone exactly as planned, remember, it's all about the journey. I rocked Yankee Springs this year in 1:04 on my fat bike - how'd you do? I even tackled it blind. Pre-riding could be a game-changer for your next race; it worked wonders for me.
In terms of training, gravel races intertwined with mountain biking really boosted my endurance. Those short punchy climbs become a breeze after hitting the hilly gravel paths. I suggest gearing up for Iceman in 2024 - yes, it's a bit gravel-heavy, but the mix of two tracks and single track makes it a blast.
Considering your 2023 experience, I'd say give racing another shot in 2024. Grab a fat bike for winter training - it worked wonders for me. Armed with the knowledge of 2023, I'm confident you'll crush it in 2024. Keep that determination alive and pedal on! 🚵♂️💪
Thanks! Great job on your performance! 🙌 I was about 1:20 or so. Not good. Having ridden the trail and having Gopro footage of it should help. I think I would do the Time Trial again. Really enjoyed it despite the result. Until then, I need to get back to training. Im definitely looking into some other forms of racing for preparation. Thanks for watching and the encouragement.🙏Have a great riding season!
Thanks!
Much appreciated! 🙏
Nice work, man! What an eventful season! You’ve got some will power to get through all that.
Thanks. It was a lot of work. Especially off the course. I wanted to be lazy. LOL
That race series looks fun! My local race scene is intimidating; every the beginner class is fully kitted out; most racers are sponsored or at least on teams....this is beginner class! I wish there was a truly entry level class to get more people into the sport in my area.
The CAMBR series has a class called novice, which is between beginner and sport. That is what you saw in the video. It's more challenging than beginner but not as serious as sport. A lot of locals will do that class as their one race a year. Most of the other series in the area don't have that and are heavily sand bagged. Regardless, I wouldn't worry about sandbaggers. Their greatest weakness is fear of real competition. Go out and race, and don't worry about how you finish. Build the experience and adapt. Eventually, you'll surpass them if you work hard and keep at it. 💪
@@AdrenalineIsLife Oh, I'm not worried at all! I'm super excited about these races. But I'm sure there are some people who come away intimidated or discouraged when they can't maintain 4w/kg for 1 hour in the "beginner" class :) Thanks for the reply, that sounds like a fun series!
Im 49. Been shredding XC for 30 years! Love it. I mix my cycling up with enduro and dh.
@@stoneenforcer I love to mix it up between disciplines! It makes mtb so much more exciting.
Can't stop watching! Cool video
That was fun! Thanks for bringing us along!
Thanks Craig! Glad you enjoyed it!
That feeling of being on the start line knowing that you'll be suffering for the next two hours is so worth it :)
I love Sid and Mackie videos, they rock
that's awesome, I'm looking at trying xc racing in 2024 at age 46
It's worth it! I'm 52 and I'm glad I did it.
I’m 62 and you will be eating my dust….
Great video, trail familiarity is massive, good going for your first season!! At 53 years young, I'm about to trade my hybrid in for a hardtail again (did a lot of BMX and HT MTB riding in my youth). Also, I love your attitude!! 👌
@SilverShamrock71 Thanks, and welcome back to the fun stuff!
Been there. Some of us just dont have the top athlete genetics that others have. I fall into this category. Training hard meant improvements but I wasnt going to win any races. Learned to start in back of pack and pick my way forward because getting passed a ton had negative psychological impact. A lot of these races came down to just trying to finish or setting a PR for a particular trail. For most of us middle of pack riders or less, its about competing with ourselves.
Definitely. We do it because we enjoy it and derive some personal benefit. That's all that matters in the end.
That race with the tunnel had trails that are like those that all my local XC races have, minus the tunnel :)
Full suspension XC bike is the right way to go!
An XC full suspension would have been a good idea for sure.
Have been watching this bit by bit over the past few months, have really enjoyed it! I had my first gravel event in August which I really enjoyed but now moving to the XC side of life as it gives me the challenge I’m after. First “fun” event next month and excited. Hopefully do some races next year.
That's awesome. Good luck with your racing efforts! Thanks for watching.
Great video, technically and creatively. This video comes at a great time as I’m planning to return to xc racing in 2025. You’ve got a new subscriber here.
@kkmusic607 Thank you. Good luck on your return to racing!
Great true personal account of your season - inspiring for a returning XC after 20+ years away from the discipline over here in the UK. Your video was just the motivation needed! Cheers!
Thanks! 🙏 Glad you enjoyed it! Best of luck on your return to racing.
Hey man looking forward to season 2, maybe better nutrition plan would unlock more gains 💪💪💪💪🔥🔥🔥 some technical training.. you got this!!! podium spot 🙏😀
Thanks for sharing this.. I really loved this. Well done also.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.
Great Video and very inspiring. Instantly recognized my home course in Palos. Looking forward to getting back there when I return to states next year.
Thanks for your videos, greetings from Spain.
Thank you for watching!
Where was the one in the cave? That looks sick!
That's the Miners Revenge race in Greenland, MI.
Greenland on Trailforks
www.trailforks.com/region/greenland-1560121256
Awesome challenge and killer progress! 🤙💯
Thanks! 😁
Awesome effort and amazing video champ. Keep going 👍🏽💪🏾
Thanks so much for sharing your journey and your experience! At 44 years old, I now feel inspired and more curious to perhaps join a race or 2 next year.
It's very rewarding. Thanks for watching!
Enjoyed your video. Your voice and editing/narration were what kept me watching. Your riding... well the spirit is strong in this one. Did you race in 2024? I would have enjoyed knowing more on how you prepared with your training. I have years of experience riding and your mud race brought back some memories on how tough it is to race. Make more training and racing videos. You are good at it.
@IthacaDon Thank you! 🙏I did one race this year that didn't go well, and it highlighted some health issues that I've been ignoring. So I've been dealing with that, among other things. I'm hoping to race more next year and to tell more stories. 🤞
That was AWESOME!!
Thank you! 😁
Inspiring, I’m 64 and racing xc. I struggle with stuff. My races are 30 miles in FL endurance series. Keep going. Subscribed
Thank you! Talk about inspiration. I hope I'll be able to race like that in my 60s. All the best to you! 💪.
Can't believe I'd never found your channel before! That was great to watch!
Thank you for sharing, looking forward to future adventures.
Thanks!🙏 Welcome!
Ths was a really good videoo! I've often wondered about trying racing out and this was really a great glimpse of somebody just starting out racing and progressing! Your narration was awesome I love the way you really did this whole video!
😁 I'm so glad everyone is enjoying this video and maybe getting some inspiration. Thank you for watching!
great storytelling mate! cant wait for more videos like this
Thanks!
Looking forward to watching this!!
You're gonna love this one!
Amazing.. I just want to say that hill at the end of palos and feeling all your pain with that seat and muddy situation had my heart pounding lol hoping you didn't wipe on that last hill!! So glad you finished, and this is an awesome change to the pro jump this and pro berm that. Feels like a win for us bramblers!!
Thanks. I almost passed out on that last climb. Lol. So glad you enjoyed it!
Great self documentary, gave a real good indication of what it takes to race XC.
Thanks!
Congratulations on your commitment and your results. well done.
Thanks!
Its crazy raceway is becoming something. We’d goof off in those woods during our high school days. Round 2018 the place started to gain traction. I used to run crystal lake ski and bike, we would perform free bike maintenance at the trail Head during the Tuesday night group rides. Some of the best memories I have are at that trail system
They've done some great work out there!
Nice story. Thank you for sharing
Thanks for watching! 🙏
Awesome video !! Love xc you capture what racing its !!
I enjoyed ur video. I’m glad u straightened out that Garmin, it makes the processing of everything better when the Garmin is in line with tire. Also u got third! That guy in wrong field was his fault or the promoters. It wasn’t a time trial so time is irrelevant. U can only race who is there. U weren’t doing a Strava segment! Nice work!
Thanks. I thought about complaining but decided to let it go. I won't in the future. In all fairness to that guy, he did finish ahead of me in every race after that. So Idk if the result would've been different. I'll have to get better and leave no doubts.
Excellent videos and explanations. Beautifully edited. Bravo ! Look fwd to more
Nice work Frank, and great video. LMK if you ever wanna work on the skills. One of my favorite local tech trails is in yer backyard ;)
Thanks Randy! Hope to ride with you again soon. I'll take all the help I can get! 😃
Fantastic i had a blast you are awesome.
I have my first XC race this march and your video gave me a complete different perspective.
Learned a lot from your video thanks so much.
Greetings from San Pedro de Atacama a very dry place in northern Chile.
Thank you for watching! Good luck to you on your racing efforts in beautiful Chile.
Great video men 😊,I racer many years now have 3 full suspension bikes never go back to hardtail, think about that 👍my new Whiller have just 10,5 kg
Great video! Very interesting. Good job on the racing👍
Thank you! 🙏
Thanks for sharing your season! Getting me pump for next year.
Awesome video……I watched it while on the trainer and made me push even harder as it felt like I was in the race. Good job and thanks for sharing 👍
I'm so happy people are enjoying this one. Thanks for watching! 🙏
Great vid and journey! Yeah clipless is the way to go. Like your light hardtail setup. Maybe consider a specific training program leading up to next season. As much as I hate it. Indoor programs work. Also, highly suggest taking some skills courses under a BCIP or other instructor. It makes a difference. Learning to corner, riding drops, techy stuff helps. Great vid!
Thanks! A training program and some coaching are definitely needed.
That looks like a blast. I enjoyed this immensely. I think this is a goal for me.
It was a lot of work, but the gains were worth it!
You shoulda made podium on that one race, they shouldn’t have let that one guy take it since he started 2 mins early
Yeah, typically, something like that results in a DQ. More motivation for me to get faster. 🙂
Never thought XC would be for me but maybe maybe... It looks fun!
I'll try find a HT for both trail and XC.
Nice work. Cool to see courses elsewhere in the US. A lot different than what we have out here in the PNW.
Thanks. It's very different. I'd love to get back out to the PNW. It's been a while.
Great video
I used to do about 40 competitive events/season (for about 20 years) across XC marathon, xc short track, road crits, road races, velodrome/track, bmx, and finish the season off with cyclocross. My favorite was always XC mtb and it really boils down to fitness, course knowledge - with multiple seasons you learn where bottlenecks happen and manage them better.
Those spd are what I've used on all my off-road bikes and work best - even in deep cyclocross mud - when run with the tension fairly loose. Loosen all the way and then add back 3 or 4 clicks and give that a try. Check your cleats every so often to make sure they have not wiggled loose as that will cause difficult release.
We have family in the Chicago area so I need to check these trails out on a visit instead of just forest preserve greenways!
Thanks for sharing your experiences! You built up quite a bit of it. 💪 Definitely hit up our local trails. They each have their own unique charm. Add Saw Wee Kee to your list as well it's fun and technical.
Wow that was good to watch and inspirational.
A nice review! I thought 2023 would be the year I finished Miner's Revenge, but I had to cancel because it was just gonna cost me too much money to trek up there by myself. It'd be fun if we can get a Chicago-area rider's group to carpool up there for 2024.
It was an amazing trip up there. We spent a week exploring the UP. Getting a group trip from the Chi would be a great idea!
Nice work . Thanks for posting. I did something similar out here in the North West. After hip replacement surgery, decided to make some changes. I race a carbon stumpjumper. Been doing for 6 years now. Very rewarding! Ps. Crank brothers clipless peddles work better in mud. 🤘
Thanks. It's great having that sense of purpose that comes with racing.
Great watch on the trainer on this 36 degree rainy December day. Thanks!
💪💪 Thank you for watching!
Amazing progress to be seen in this video! Keep going. Keep riding the spd’s its worth learning.
I noticed ur a really nice guy and stop on single track to let slightly faster guys pass. Dont forget. Theyre behind you bcs they where slower for the entire ride so far. I dont see them moving aside for you. You lose a lot of time there. Try just following them when they pass you by themselves. Its racing after all.
Keep going tho you’re killing it.
Thank you! 🙏 Much more work to be done and still much to learn.
just entered the lottery for Leadville last night! ive done 3 full ironman races but have never done a mountain bike race. nervous. this video helps motivate me. Thanks
I hope to do Leadville one of these days. But I've got a lot of work to do before that! Best of luck💪💪. Thank you for watching! 🙏
Excellent journey! Thanks for sharing!
Yeah I can dig it
Great to watch. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
I'm on a similar journey, nice job! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks! Good luck on yours!
Great work man! Yankee is super sandy at times. You should do Iceman cometh challenge next year it’s a blast.
Thanks! Such a flowy trail even with the sand. I'll check out Iceman Cometh.
That was inspiring. I just bought an XC hardtail last week, now I have to go ride today. Thanks
Thank you! 🙏 Have fun!
Great video, I haven't done an XC race in 20 years and am now feeling motived to start training and give it a go next year. I've also been using clipless for 20+ years and might prefer flats in those mud conditions, that race looked tough!
Thanks for watching! Racing is a great motivation to get/stay fit.
I like your mindset. Have you heard about the Marji Gesick in the UP.
I have! I rode RAMBA shortly after Miners. There's much work to be done before I'm ready for that one. 😬