Fort Custer Stampede - Expert (XCO Race) 2023

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This race was held in Augusta, MI, at the Fort Custer Recreational Area on May 15th, 2023. The Expert/Elite categories rode three 8 mile laps for a total of about 26 miles. I started out with heavy legs and this was only the second time on my MTB in 8 months. So needless to say my bike handling skills were horrible and every time I tried to push it I'd loose grip and sketch myself out. I decided to not even try to stay with the front group and I just rode my own race, which was pretty consistent around 40 mins per lap. I was able to hold on to 3rd place and that's all I had on the day.
👉 Hey! SUBSCRIBE for free WATTS 👉 / @mi-xc

[@CoreyMartin83]

I had this on while working and found it surprisingly therapeutic.

[@mi-xc]

Lol, it had the same affect on me while I was doing it!

[@derrickwebb9182]

Had a friend of mine do this race for the first time this year, now I've got to get there! Thanks for sharing!

[@mi-xc]

👍

[@singletrackchronicles6454]

Nice work dude! Was a great day for sure!

[@mi-xc]

Thanks!

[@Beak639]

So Mikalicious

[@shwndh]

Thanx for sharing your race. Great work! I’m new to racing and Im learning that my cadence is too low

[@mi-xc]

Thanks. On single track cadence can be a bit tricky because of all the turns and undulations. Research has shown that one’s preferred cadence is generally the best, so I wouldn’t worry too much about it.
The general recommendation is between 85-95 rpm for most and I tend to average low 80s. The lower the cadence the more fatigue on your muscles. The higher cadence the more fatigue on your cardiovascular. So unless you’re averaging closer to 70s then it’s probably fine. Of course it never hurts to be capable at a range of cadences because some times you can’t pedal at your preferred rpm.

[@benjapolcycling]

Higher cadence can give a better "control" of terrain like riding through sand or rooty section. Also punchy climb you can start with higher cadence and still put decent power, and let the terrain provide resistance so you can pedal at your prefer cadence at the steep section and you will fly up the punchy hill that way.