We had a great ride this Saturday around the Sherando trails in central VA. 6 hours of mountain biking in all, but not at a break-neck pace as we stopped periodically to make sure everyone was still together. An excellent workout for the 10 bikers who did it. I think this Sherando ride is the best mountain biking for adventure racing within 3 hours of Hampton Roads because:
- Serious elevation gain (about 4,100 feet of climbing for the entire route -- see the elevation profile for our route below)
- Miles 6 through 10 are relentlessly up a set of switchbacks. Not as technical as "the" switchbacks at Sherando, but the jeep trail is a combination of rocks, sand, and scree that makes for a major climbing workout. Most "big" adventure races will include significant elevation gain and it's hard to train for it in the coastal areas of Hampton Roads.
- Several miles on gravel and a few on asphalt roads let you work your paceline tactics
- Combine the above with a little singletrack, a dash of navigation, and the duration of the workout (6 hours on the bike) ensure that all aspects of biking for adventure racing are included.
Elevation Profile for our route:
A few of us planned to mix in some trail running while we were out there, but once we finished everything we were starving and opted for a late Mexican lunch in Waynesboro instead. Saving something for next time . . .