Philadelphia MTB 50km

[potsandpedals]

So I entered and completed my first MTB event and really enjoyed it. I think I did fairly well coming in at 71st out of 318.

 

My question is to the more experienced riders. 

 

How does this event compare to others? I would think this was hopefully medium difficulty(apart from the mast climb) but would love to hear what I can expect from other funrides.

 

If you could please rate the following: (compared to other popular events)

 

Difficulty - (if all are at this level I will really enjoy, proper workout without having to get off the bike too often, yes I did get off on the climb)

Course condition (pretty good imo - sand wasn't as bad as expected)

Size of field (I thought the four groups, two long, two medium was perfect)

 or any other rating that are important and I don't know about.

 

Any thoughts much appreciated

[Skubarra]

Well done on completing your first mtb event. Hope it's the first of many

 

I think Philadelphia is pretty much on par for an average difficulty funride in the WC.

 

What I learned the hard way as I progressed is that the 80km or 100km events are not the same as the medium distances with 30km's of gravel roads added. Definitely a step up in the climbing and technical skills required from you.

 

Also you will find the other riders are also much stronger on the long route. You will have to work a bit harder to finish in the Top 100 .

 

Other than that not too much to add, I think you will now have a good feel what to expect from other races

[Mamil]

Well done on completing your first MTB event. They're addictive!!

 

I'm not sure if I'm alone in this?? but the Philly ride is pretty technically tame - the climb is a big one for sure but that's really the only part that asks something of the rider other than to keep pedaling. The trailseeker series for eg is generally a lot more technically demanding - the climbs can be as big and more technical and the descents too are more technical. 

 

A good progression from this 50 might be the Houw Hoek tour - two days of about 40-45 each with a little more tricky terrain to cover. 

 

I'd echo Skubarra's point about the longer rides - the pace is harder to keep up with and I've made friends with the sweeper once or twice on the longer ones because I ignored the good advice of those who knew better and signed up for marathon events before I was really ready. 

[mrcg]

As mentioned above by other hubbers, you need to differentiate between different types of courses, not only distance. The technical difficulty will make a massive difference added to distance. Better, fitter or progressed riders generally ride longer distances, unless they want to win the lesser one's. So you need to judge your fitness and technical ability.

Philly event is, due to landscape, not comparable to Jonkers (e.g. Origin of trails), Wellington etc. But it is a great "starter" event....so we'll done on your first ride.

Pushing up Koeberg is no shame, especially when it come's in 2nd part of course

[Mamil]

Origin of trails day 2 hurt me so badly 3 years ago. Pushing my bike up a 4 percent hill in 30 something stupid degrees on day 2 cos I had nothing left and cursing myself for having bitten up more than I could chew.

[potsandpedals]

Thanks for the advice. Really appreciate it!

 

Have also realised perhaps better to go back to the 32T chainring, nothing like a proper legburn haha

['Dale]

Origin of trails day 2 hurt me so badly 3 years ago. Pushing my bike up a 4 percent hill in 30 something stupid degrees on day 2 cos I had nothing left and cursing myself for having bitten up more than I could chew.

Biting off more than you can chew

Those are the legendary and unforgettable days in the saddle ????????‍♀️

[Mamil]

I suppose they give a reference point to measure improvement but when I'm in them I find it a bit harder to be philosophical.

 

 

 

Biting off more than you can chew

Those are the legendary and unforgettable days in the saddle ????????‍♀️