Warrior Creek - what not to do.

If you are new to Warrior Creek or new to 6-hour endurance races, there are a few things that make this race unique.

1.  As in all of mountain biking, for every uphill there is a downhill and vice versa.  At Warrior Creek the payback comes fast and frequent.  You are perpetually going up and down, left and right.  The trail is mostly smooth and the corners bermed.  This keeps the pace high.  Don't make the mistake of being impatient and trying to always keep the pace high.  The 2 biggest climbs come in the last 3rd of the lap and feel extra slow because the first part of the lap is fast.  Don't make the mistake of going over lactate threshold early in the race.

2.  The laps are long.  13 miles long.  Be sure to carry enough food and hydration to complete a lap.  Last year it was kinda warm and I witnessed a lot of folks who bonked, cramped or were dehydrated.  Make the time to eat and drink during the lap.  Don't wait for the pit each lap.

3.  The start is important, but not important enough to burn yourself up and spend the rest of the first lap trying to recover.  There is a long paved section you only ride during the start.  It's easy to go too hard.  The smooth pavement makes it easy to push past your endurance pace.  Get a reasonable start so you are with folks about your speed on the single track.  The pack will spread out quickly and most riders are courteous about moving over or announcing their intent to pass.

4.  The trail is a blast to ride.  Don't forget to enjoy it!