I am an off-road triathlon and MTC XC racer. I and am ready to fill in the season with some regular triathlon races. I have a TT bike but don’t ride it much given the need to train specific to the Xterra and Adventure racing events. I currently ride the TT and road bike once or twice a week tops. The other 3 rides are on the trails.
I plan to race the Grand Columbian HIM in Washington State in September. I only have one other off-road tri event before the GC and it is in August.
If I’m riding 4-5 times per week, how many of these do you recommend be on the TT bike? Can I expect my MTB strength/endurance to carry me through just nicely and continue to just ride the TT 1-2 times per week?
1-2 times a week should be fine…IF one is your long ride which includes 2-3 “main sets” at, or slightly above race pace. The other should at least be a moderate distance done in the TT position, rather than an easy spin…better yet, make the other one a threshold intervals (4x10/2x20/1x40)…other than that, your MTB fitness should carry you through…I don’t imagine you want your MTB skills to atrophy either…
You nailed it in terms of my concern that I not lose “the feel” and skills associated with XC MTB riding. I will definately mix in the long bike as you suggested and play with the second ride relative to the intensity, etc. Thank you again for your advice. Take care.