As many of you have noticed, since the explosive introduction of the Tahoe 200 in late 2013 (we had almost 200 lottery applicants for 90 spots that first year!) https://trainright.com/gravel-racing-training-mental-preparation In fact, gravel events tend to focus on who is the most fun to ride with and place less emphasis on race winners. Gravel grinder races have seen a boost in popularity over the last few years. Training for a gravel race shares a lot in common with training for road or endurance mountain bike events, but there are some unique differences you need to prepare for. Choose between a basic, intermediate or advanced training plan based on the amount of time you have to train per week, your age and your ability level. 3. While this event is technically a timed event where winners are crowned, many participants are racing against the clock rather than the other riders in the event.Because of this, Gravel Races tend to require a more constant effort compared to a road race. This is the type of training where your better half tells their non-cycling friends that you are crazy. For a 200-mile race, you'll want to hit at least 130 to 150 miles for your longest training ride—you'll get through that last 25 to 30 percent through race-day energy management. Most gravel races are 100-200 miles long, and with lower average speeds than road events, many riders need to be prepared for many long hours on the bike. Two of the most popular events are the Dirty Kanza 200 and the Trans Iowa, which are both over 200 miles long. 2. Going into last year’s 200-mile Dirty Kanza, I felt reasonably prepared.I had numerous tubes, CO2, and a hand pump for the inevitable flat. If you’re not familiar with TrainerRoad, they have a plan for the 200+ mile Dirty Kanza that would work equally well for Coast to Coast. More: Crossing Over: Transitioning to Cyclocross Season. This means that gravel races tend to be all-day rides, which are self-supported and self-navigated. While self-sufficiency is central to a gravel grinder, riders often assist each other with navigation and supplies. The best extra-long long run is a 50-mile or 100K race six to 12 weeks before a 100 miler. 1. A Gravel Race is a long-distance, mass-start cycling event that can take place on a gravel or mixed-surface course. Doing a race that is 200 miles … I … Our Gravel Training Plan will help you prepare to go long & strong over every climb and gravel section the race can throw at you. 200s have been … Gravel grinders: Part of a new, booming category of bike racing, gravel races are a great place for beginners to start, says Nathan Wadsworth, owner and coach at Elite Training … You don’t need to run really far in training all the time to be ready to run really far on race day. Gravel-race simulation rides. As race director for the Tahoe 200 & Bigfoot 200 as well as someone who runs and fastpacks long distances, I've wanted to write a post on how to train for this new thing we call "2's" or 200 milers. How the heck do I train for a 210-mile or 100-mile ride? The distance usually ranges between 50 and 150 miles, but can be even longer.