Cyclocross and Mountain biking winter prep for Xterra

Triathlon Forum
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Hi all,

Got to get out with the wife a few weeks back for one of our local series Cross races. She races each weekend, and I get out when Im not working. Posted a little blip on my blog for those that care, mrdanwatson.blogspot.com
It was awesome to be able to cheer her on as we usually race at the same time. Bonus was a great mountain bike ride before her Sunday race.

Ive found that by racing cross Ive been able to get back some of that snap that I lost when training for my longer distance A race (Leadmantri) in the latter part of the season. If feels like a natural transition into winter weight type work, and Im curious how you all have found it to be beneficial. For those that race Xterra, have you found that your cyclocross races in the fall translate to benefits in fitness/handling for the next season.

As with most athletes that live in places where winter occurs, the rain has finally set in here in the PNW and the reality of snow at the places that I ride has also set in.
As far as mountain bike specific; what are your favorite mountain bike skill sharpening workouts for winter where you may not have the option of getting in a ride at your regular spots?

Thanks for the info!

Dan

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I use cross in the same way, to help train the snap in my legs. It also draws out my race fitness longer into the season making my “off” season effectively shorter. As far as mtn biking in the winter, where I live there is too much snow, although snowbikes are exploding in popularity so there must be something going on there? I use the winter to train for pure fitness, when Im able to get back on the mtn bike, i start the skills back up

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Thanks for the response. It was amazing how fast the snap came back, seemed like two weeks and then I had the best of both worlds, endurance and power.

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For winter mountain bike skill sharpening, I like to find the most technical, rocky trails on the steepest slopes nearby, as they tend to dry out the fastest. Winter is the perfect time to put on some pads and ride on the edge of your abilities. This is how I develop the confidence to clean previously unrideable sections, corner faster, and stay loose and calm in the most demanding times. The bonus is that it’s pure joy. To build an aerobic base for the next season, I also ride on the hilliest gravel/dirt fire roads I can find, as these trails are open in all weather conditions and are much more fun and safe to ride than the road.