In perfect timing after The Bonebell Crew has registered successfully for the Lumberjack 100 – we present this insightful interview with an endurance racing legend. All of The Bonebell Crew have experienced at least three 24 Hour Racing experiences, and only one of the crew, namely Nevada Dave, has completed an entire 24 Hour Race, solo. The last 24 Hour National Championship at Wassau, WI brought out the fiercest competition, including our very own Nevada Dave, who we supported alongisde Johnny Sprockets’ singlespeed soloist, Sean Reeder. Nevada Dave clinched a top 10 spot in the National Championship category, finishing 9th after 24 grueling hours of chasing the 24 Hour Legend, Chris Eatough.

Introduction by Nevada Dave:
Long distance mountain bike racing probably means different things to different people. For some it’s a beginner level XC race lasting about 10 miles or so. For others it’s a 6 hour, 12 hour, or a 100 miler (typically 7+ hours). And of course there is our beloved 24 hour solo mountain bike race. Building up to and maintaining what it takes physically and mentally, to complete one of these monster races, is what we at ‘The Bonebell’ are all about. Taking very brief occasional pit stops for the longer races, probably isn’t too remote of an idea to most racers. However, the thought of essentially not stopping for an entire 24 hour period can be a bit of a stretch for mere mortal beings. But that’s what has happened to this sport. Leisurely “ride” through the woods? Forget about it! The starts and first few laps are fast. Very fast; and the rest of time the pace remains fast, with minimal pit stops during the ensuing hours of racing. Lights, chain lube, grab some food, a pep talk; what more could one possibly ask for during a 12 or 24 hour period (except maybe a hospital bed)?

The Bonebell has done it again folks. We were able to interview professional mountain bike champion Chris Eatough, the alpha dog of this type of racing. Chris has raced professionally for 10 years, and has a list of mountain bike racing accomplishments one full 14 mile lap long. Here are a few:

6 time 24 Hour Solo World Champion
5 time 24 Hour Solo National Champion
2007 National Ultra Endurance Champion (100 mile race series)

And there’s plenty more where that came from.

So you might be asking yourself; how does one do this sort of thing? Well, Chris was gracious enough to give us his insight into many details of Ultra Endurance Racing during our interview. We’re very excited to share them with y‘all. So hang onto your handlebars, your about to take a look into this world of racing through the lens of a true master. Take note grasshoppers.

Photo: Trek Bikes

Encouraging people to use bicycles for transportation…It’s something I feel strongly about for the health of the individual, the liveability of communities, and the protection of the environment. – Chris Eatough

1. In order to be successful at 24 hour and endurance racing in general, one has to pay attention to many aspects of training – what are the main items you recognize as important?
Number one is the training. Spending enough time in the saddle to develop enough aerobic fitness, tendon strength, pedaling technique, and an iron backside! Core and upper body strength are also important. If you ride many hours on rough trails, you can develop this on the bike, but otherwise some core training and gym
work is recommended. Nutrition is important, and you need to train your body to be able to constantly take in and process calories when riding. This can be “trained” like most things by practice and repetition. Something else that takes years of training is trail riding efficiency. I think this is one of my best asetts, that I am able to ride a trail quickly, but not using much effort and energy. This can only come from thousands of hours of time on technical trails.

2. Some of us on The Bonebell crew eat a total of 4 or 5 bites of banana during an endurance race with no other solid food, only liquid form. However, we have friends that eat Spaghetti O’s out of a can (and possibly the can too!) during races and do very well. Are there any foods you eat during races that you swear by?
Have you ever had a moment of desperation and ate something really wacky?
I’m somewhere in between. I like a combination of “real” foods and “race” food. Finding a sports drink that works for you is very important. I’ve tried a lot of
sports drinks, and Infinit is by far my favorite. That provides all my hydration, and most of my calories. Then I like to top off the tank with some real foods that keep me feeling human. I like pancakes with syrup (all in a dixie cup in my back pocket) I also eat yogurt with small chunks of fruit in it (I drink it from the dixie cup)
Bananas are easy on the stomach. Simple, salted potato chips are another favorite. If I need a lift, a Coke or sweet ice tea gets me going. If my stomach is okay late in the race, I’ll eat cake or cookies. And the best thing in the middle of the night: cheese pizza!

3. What is going through your head just minutes before the gun goes off for a 24 hour race?
The starts are hectic, so I’m a bit nervous about getting tripped or trampled during the run. Or someone stepping on my wheel or taking out my derailler during the
scramble to get on the bikes. So mostly I’m thinking about the first 5 minutes. It’s a strange time, because after months of training, preparation, and the final
taper, I’m there at the start with maximum fitness and freshness. But I know after the first few hours all the freshness will be gone, and after 14 hours, I will be
feeling crushed. You go from one extreme to the other in a short time.

4. How do you maintain your mental acuity during the intense effort in endurance racing? Do you meditate, yoga, pray, do rain dances or
sacrifice bicycles into volcanoes in order to meet the psychological demands during long races?
I go from one technique to the next. I might get through an hour or two by being calculating. Thinking about perfect riding technique, split times, and projecting how many total laps I will finish. Then I might have a couple of hours of letting my mind stray away from the race, to a house project, a puzzle, or something else completely removed. Then I might find someone to ride and chat with and keep my mind occupied that way for a while.

5. How important is weight training to you?
Not very. I have never done much traditional gym work. It is boring to me. Instead I do a lot of different kinds of riding, and different kinds of training rides. I do like core training and functional exercises that require balance and skill.

6. A lot of energy can be lost fighting to keep the bike upright in the woods. You seem to have flow down to a science. Is honing bike handling skills the most effective way to conserve energy during a long race, or are there other secrets that you can share?
YES! I think it’s one of the main reasons for my success. It is somewhat natural – I could ride technical trails pretty much as soon as I started mountain biking, but
it’s also been developed. The trails in my area are quite technical, and I have spent MANY hours riding them, progressively faster and faster. I would ride small
loops (1 or 2 miles) over and over, each time using my brakes less on the turns and downhills, and being smoother and faster.

7. We’ve had a few gatherings centered around your film – 24 SOLO. Everyone always leaves totally pumped up to do a 24 hour race. Have you received any indication that the film has successfully inspired many would be 24 hour racers to give it a go?
Yes, all the time. People tell me they watch it all winter long on their trainer. Some people watch it before every race they do. Many people have told me they decided to do a 24 Hour Solo race for the first time after seeing the movie. I never thought it would have that kind of effect. Gripped Films did an amazing job
of capturing the committment of the training, the excitement of the riding, the difficulty of the race, and the drama of the competition. The lasting effect of the movie, and the enjoyment and motivation people get from it is one of the things I’m proudest about.

8. Where do you foresee the fate of 24 Hour Racing in the United States and the world?
In the U.S. I think the popularity of 100 mile races and multi-day MTB races has actually made 24 Hour races slightly less popular in the last few years. I think we
are moving towards having less of them, but the ones we do have are top quality races with good turnout. The Granny Gear series is a good example of this, as they
now have 3 great events that are in high demand, where a few years ago they had many more events, but some were not popular. 24 Hour racing is huge in Australia now. Tons of races, lots of interest, and the best competitors. It’s getting that way in the U.K. and South Africa also. It seems to be English speaking countries that are catching on. Maybe it’s the influence of the 24 Solo movie?

9. Word on the trails is that you are now retired from professional racing. Has it been difficult staying away from the camaraderie as well as the competitive vibe of racing? Will we see you at a few races just for fun?
I’ve been too busy to miss it! I might miss it at some point, but not so much yet. I’m enjoying the new directions. At the moment, as long as I get to ride in some capacity, I’m happy. I will definitely be at a few races, but just for fun, and probably not in top shape. I will pick the ones that have the best courses, like Shenandoah 100.

10. What have you been doing now that you’re not spending all the countless hours training, traveling and racing?
I started Chris Eatough Coaching to help people prepare
for and excel in mountain bike endurance races. It’s a naturally progression, and a way for me to give back. I give coaching advice, write training plans, provide race nutrition guidelines, bike handling tips, one on one riding clinics, etc. There is a lot to know about when preparing for a 24 Hour, 100 mile, or multi day stage race,
and my experience and knowledge helps people get the most of themselves, and actually enjoy the race!

I also have a new job in bicycle advocacy. Encouraging people to use bicycles for transportation. It’s something I feel strongly about for the health of the individual, the liveability of communities, and the protection of the environment.

I’m also doing some product testing for Trek. I have built some great relationships with Trek over the years, and this is a way to keep that. I also have 2 young children. They keep me very busy!

11. What are your favorite product recommendations? What is the one component you couldn’t live without?
Lightweight full suspension bike with the fork and shock set so that you are taking full advantage of the suspension. I love my Trek Top Fuel. Tubeless tires with fast rolling tread and sealant ran at fairly low pressures (I use 28 to 32psi) I couldn’t live without my Oakley Radars. Eye protection is important to me, and these are the only shades that I can wear comfortably all day (and night). For 24 Hour Solo racing, the one thing I can definitely not do without: chamois cream. I use A&D, which is for babies diapers.

12. If you had to pick ‘only one’ trail system in the US – which one is your favorite? What was your most challenging course you ever raced on?
Michaux State Forest, PA. I have done a lot of riding and racing there over the years. Hundreds of miles of amazing trails. Rocky, technical, and hilly. If you can ride all day there, you can ride anywhere.
Most challenging race course is the old Snowshoe 24 Hour course in WV. I never raced solo there, but even on a 4 person team, it was very challenging. Incredibly
rooty, and always wet and slick. I loved it!

13. Have you ridden in Chicago’s trail systems, or nearby areas?
No. How are your trails? [The Bonebell has responded to Chris on how to get in touch with us to set-up a trail ride next time he's in Chicago!]

14. What are your best words of wisdom for someone considering endurance
races longer than 100 miles or 24 Hours?
Longer than 24 Hours? Are you crazy?!

So there you have it folks. Hopefully Chris has inspired ALL of you to give it a go. Make sure you give us a holler here at The Bonebell, and let us know how it went ! Peace On Dirt – Nevada Dave