OK, you're 2 weeks out from your BIG race! Congratulations on deciding to to take your taper seriously!

All the hard training is behind you; this taper will help you bring out the best in the fitness that you've gained over the last several weeks or months so that you can feel fresh and fast for your big race!


Today's training can be a race or--if there isn't one on--a practice race that you do yourself or with friends!

Think of your upcoming big race: what will the stages look like? What is the terrain like? How long are the transitions? The descents? What will you need to carry with you? What will you ride/wear? What will you eat/drink? Take these into account when planning you day.

To start the ride, practice a good warmup you can use for race day:
Start with a long climb at an easy to moderate pace, since we'll assume race day will look like this. Ride for 5 minutes at a moderate pace. After this, throw down one all-out effort for 6 seconds. Ride easy for 5 minutes before another all-out effort for 6 seconds. Immediately after this effort bunny hop six times as quickly in succession as you can, then turn hard left and turn hard right. Spin easy for 5 minutes, practicing wheelies and manuals to get a good feel for the bike.

Now, it's time to race! Practice your race strategy, and ride smooth. Shoot for the approximate duration and number of stages as your race (unless it's super hugely epic, then cut it in alf!).

Be safe. Be respectful.
Skids are for squids.