 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
BIKING
The discipline of biking in adventure racing usually accounts for the most actual miles traveled in a race. Almost always, mountain bikes are used (or mandated) and racers should be prepared for any biking surface… single track, two track, dirt, gravel, pavement and/or no trail at all (hike-a-bike).
The biggest debate about equipment is whether to use front suspension only (known as a hardtail) or full suspension (softtail). At a minimum for AR you should have a bike with good front suspension. This gives you more control in technical terrain and significantly reduces fatigue. Beyond that it’s typically an individual racers preference on a weight vs. comfort level that determine having a hard tail or full as well as the surfaces a racer rides for races and training. Typically, a hardtail bike will be plenty sufficient if you plan to do a majority of your riding out of the actual mountains, i.e. the Midwest. However, many racers like the comfort of full suspension. Your best bet is to do your research and demo as many bikes as possible.
There are many things to consider and practice with biking before a race…
Riding with a back pack: Many times this is over looked in training and provides challenges for racers after long sections and affects a riders comfort and control. Riding with a pack adds a whole new dimension to biking. It can be much more cumbersome and put more strain on the lower back, not to mention make you about 10-30 lbs heavier. Do as much of your riding as possible with at least some sort of pack. Practice riding with your race pack loaded with different weight to be comfortable come race day.
Navigation: Being able to navigate while biking is critical. Just because you are in a biking stage doesn’t mean the navigation stops. You must still constantly monitor your map. However, taking your eye off the road to read a map is a skill and can be very hazardous in tough terrain. Having easy access to your map case and or by using a bar map case or homemade map holder can help make reading the map and navigating on the bike easier. Also having a properly working bike computer can assist with navigation by being able to track your distance traveled.
Towing: Towing is just what it sounds like: hooking one bike to another and having the lead bike pulling the trail bike. The bikes are attached using some sort of dynamic cord, like shock cord, bungees, surgical tubing, or even a spare tube in a worst-case scenario. (Pay attention at your next race for great ideas with a towing system.) Towing is a great way to keep a slower or injured teammate with the pack. It allows a team to equalize each team member’s speed and can also provide assistance if a team member has a mechanical failure or bonks. There are many different options with towing set ups, but having a tow system and being able to use it can sometimes be critical in finishing a race. You will want a system that allows for quick hook-ups and can be disconnected easily. Practice is important to staying safe in a towing situation, and only on open, safe ground.
Clipless pedals vs. standard pedals or cages: For most races clipless pedals are better because they give you the most energy transfer. The trade off is the extra weight of possibly of having to carry trekking shoes for a section later in the race. Ultimately it is a personal preference, but be sure you’re comfortable with clipless pedals before you race or it can be a disaster.
Bike lights: In longer races both front and rear lights are important for safety and navigation. Having lights with long burn time that give ample light is key. Rear lights are relatively inexpensive. Unfortunately, front lights can be very expensive so the choice between an expensive rechargeable light versus a cheap “C” battery powered light needs to be determined and is usually based on personal preference and experience. Often times you can get away with a regular headlamp mounted to your helmet or the lesser expensive, battery powered, handlebar mounted bike lights. However, the expensive rechargeables can make a world of difference depending on the terrain.
Other gear to have includes a comprehensive maintenance kit that includes spare tubes, a pump, multi tool and patch kit. Also have the appropriate protection such as a properly fitting helmet, eye protection (for both day and night), and gloves are critical for safe races. For more information on suggested biking gear visit the Gear section of the web site.
For product questions, support and gear contact Fraser Bicycles, the premiere bike sponsor for Infiterra Sports. Fraser has a great selection of mountain bikes, road bikes and accessories, for adventure races, plus extremely knowledgeable salespeople and technicians who are also hard-core mountain bike and road bike racers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
