I’m planning to add this race to my schedule (it’s on the same course as Xterra Tahoe/Natl Champs, run the day before for those who don’t know), and am basically just planning to enjoy the experience. I’ll be coming from low, flat land many many miles away, and am hoping to get some advice. Is a pre-race course ride mandatory? I generally do this, but time constraints will make it difficult to fit in. Swim- searching here finds several references to ‘cold’ water. How cold is cold? Do I need a neoprene cap in addition to my wetsuit? Bike- I’m running fairly knobby tires with cantilevered brakes on an Epic- any thoughts on tires/pressures/concerns on the descent(s)? Run- the least of my problems. Altitude- can’t be helped, oh well. I’ll appreciate any thoughts/advice about this race.
I’m planning to add this race to my schedule (it’s on the same course as Xterra Tahoe/Natl Champs, run the day before for those who don’t know), and am basically just planning to enjoy the experience. I’ll be coming from low, flat land many many miles away, and am hoping to get some advice. Is a pre-race course ride mandatory? I generally do this, but time constraints will make it difficult to fit in. Swim- searching here finds several references to ‘cold’ water. How cold is cold? Do I need a neoprene cap in addition to my wetsuit? Bike- I’m running fairly knobby tires with cantilevered brakes on an Epic- any thoughts on tires/pressures/concerns on the descent(s)? Run- the least of my problems. Altitude- can’t be helped, oh well. I’ll appreciate any thoughts/advice about this race.
Ken
Ken
I just did Xterra Milwaukee. Probably a lot different than Xterra Tahoe. I thought that pre riding the course was very helpful and would definately do it if I did another Xterra. But Im not an experienced mountain biker. Have fun!
I’m planning to add this race to my schedule (it’s on the same course as Xterra Tahoe/Natl Champs, run the day before for those who don’t know), and am basically just planning to enjoy the experience. I’ll be coming from low, flat land many many miles away, and am hoping to get some advice. Is a pre-race course ride mandatory? I generally do this, but time constraints will make it difficult to fit in. Swim- searching here finds several references to ‘cold’ water. How cold is cold? Do I need a neoprene cap in addition to my wetsuit? Bike- I’m running fairly knobby tires with cantilevered brakes on an Epic- any thoughts on tires/pressures/concerns on the descent(s)? Run- the least of my problems. Altitude- can’t be helped, oh well. I’ll appreciate any thoughts/advice about this race.
Ken
I missed qualifying for Tahoe by 1 point, so I’ll be doing Xterra Nevada if I don’t get a roll-down entry.
Pre-riding is a really good idea. I’d say it’s really important if your MTB skills are below average, and still pretty important if you’re pro. At Keystone, some of the pros were pre-riding the course (at least the downhill part) 7 or more times. So if you can do it, great. If not, don’t stress about it, though.
You will probably suck. I know every tri/ride/run I have ever done at that place I sure did. Base altitude is right around a mile high, then goes up from there. The lake is very deep so there is really cold water in there somewhere. 60 is probably abought right for the first foot and a half of surface water, but it is cold cold below about 3 feet deep. I would wear the neoprene hat if you have one, I probably wouldn’t buy one if you didn’t. Pre riding and or running Xterra courses is always a good idea. The downhills are probably as important or more so than the up hills. I think that to see how much speed you can carry or need to scrub in some sections. Also note where the single track log jams may stack up. That way you can maybe pass someone just before that and be the guy slowing down others instead of having to wait on others.
Be sure to hydrate and wear chapstick up there as the air is dry compared to the Midwest.
Most of all have fun and tell how bad you sucked for air at the Big T when you get back.
I have qualified and raced tahoe the last 3 years (new baby, no race for 2005).
No pre-ride necessary, the course is a big climb, big descent, not to technical. You need to get a good swim as the climb is jeep road but really only one good line.
swim is cool, but not neo hat temps. it is awesome btw, so clear! I always do the stay low and shoot up at the last min approach.
I’m planning to add this race to my schedule (it’s on the same course as Xterra Tahoe/Natl Champs, run the day before for those who don’t know. I’ll appreciate any thoughts/advice about this race.
By the way, if you haven’t seen it yet, check out the video from last year at www.pedalmasher.com.
is the point series over?? I better check if I qualified. Was planning on going to Tahoe but then a DNF last month and a bad bike technical last week might have screwed my chances:( crossing my fingers…
is the point series over?? I better check if I qualified. Was planning on going to Tahoe but then a DNF last month and a bad bike technical last week might have screwed my chances:( crossing my fingers…
Bummer about the DNF and bike probs. There are just a few races left in the point series. Hopefully there is one near you! If not, you could have a chance at a roll-down entry like I’m hoping to get.
“By the way, if you haven’t seen it yet, check out the video from last year at www.pedalmasher.com.”
I hadn’t seen that, or even seen the site before. Very cool, and informative in ways that words can never be- many thanks. And G-man- while I’m certainly not planning to perform much better than ‘suck’ at the race, the very best part about the whole deal is that I’m not coming back to the flat lands…