- Joined
- Jan 1, 2005
- Messages
- 4,465
- Reaction score
- 1,228
- Location
- Buda, TX
- First Name
- Rich
- Last Name
- Gibbens
Good idea on the bike. I would train more on the ST and hare scramble type tracks if you can. The TCCRA lets you practice on sat all day if you want for a small fee.
I am aiming for a mix of both. I find the motocross riding to be much more strenuous and fatiguing than single track so I think it will have a greater and faster impact on my overall fitness.
The nice thing about Cycle Ranch is they have three different tracks I will be training on - a vet track with no real jumps, a sand track with no jumps, and a traditional outdoor motocross track. The sand track, in particular, seems like it is going to be excellent training (I'm expecting a lot of sand in Baja). I do not have extensive sand experience so this track should help me with technique. I have also figured out that, for me, the sand track is easily the most strenuous and difficult of the three tracks. It is a heck of a workout and wears me out very quickly, especially if I'm trying to ride it fast.
That being said, I will likely spend more total hours riding single track than motocross since I already know I can ride at least two hours of single track and I'm not even close to being able to do two hours on a motocross track. When my fitness is to the point where I can ride motocross for 2-3 hours I'm thinking I will be in shape to ride single track for something like 6 hours. Time will tell.
I had issues with arm pump and grip when I raced enduro. I learned to push through it and after the 25 mile mark I was much faster. What helped me most is seat time and pushing during off days (ride without stopping).
I'm with you - more seat time is likely the most important training I can do.
Also, do you have elbow pads or one of those armor jackets. I learned to just barely close the wrist strap on my gloves and ditched the elbow pads as they crossed my forarm to tight to keep them in place. Also, I found that under armor type compression shirts hurt my grip as well. I used to wear some of the cold gear on colder days and I always had arm pump.
I just got an armor jacket. I've never used one before so this weekend was my first time wearing one. I used it both days but did not notice that it made any difference in the rate of fatigue in my arms/grip or in arm pump. I'll be sure to be more observant about it since you mentioned it. Thanks.
Last edited: