January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.

Riders to take on six hour challenge


Bicycle Works bike shop co-owners Neil de ste Croix and Grant Goudge will be taking on big challenge this weekend when they compete in the Dirty Spokes Productions Six Hour Mountain Bike Race at Heritage Park, Oconee, Georgia.

The race starts and 10-00am and will see the riders compete over a 7.2 mile off road loop. The aim of the race is simple, complete as many laps as you can in the allotted time, the completion of it is not so simple.

Goudge who has competed not only in last year's race but as part of a team in a 24 hour off road race has provided a useful insight into the challenges faced in order to make the cut. He said "it is all about pacing yourself in order to make the distance whilst taking in sufficient calories to have the body last the duration of the event". He added " last year was a steep learning curve in as much as I managed to ride for 5 hours and 20 minutes before the surprisingly the body said enough. I finished fifth and hope to better that this year."

The pair have continued to train for the event since the end of the mountain bike season in early February riding approximately five times a week with the rides getting longer to simulate the kind of distances they will cover during the event.

Both riders recently invested in new machines that they feel will assist them with the challenge with de ste Croix opting for a full suspension bicycle to reduce body fatigue as well as improve the ease of handling over the rough terrain. Goudge went for the more radical 29'er style of bike which although only has front suspension, the larger wheel provides benefits over the bumpier sections. Both riders will no doubt have their own views on how their equipment performed at the conclusion of the event.

De ste Croix commented "I have never undertaken a physical challenge of this magnitude and am relying on Grant's previous experience to guide me through the event. I would like to be still riding at the six hour mark but only time will tell".

The race can be followed on Saturday on the events website www.dirtyspokes.com[[In-content Ad]]

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