Anyone on here raced this (or the 50 or 25 mile versions) or planning to do it this year? I saw they’re adjusting the 100 mile course this year to be multiple laps on the south side. The course map hasn’t been posted yet, but I’m guessing it will essentially be this x2 laps.
The result looks pretty brutal:
Distance: ~100 miles
Elevation gain: 17,000 feet (with the elevation ranging from 5600 to 8000 feet)
As Montana local, I’ve never done it because it scares the hell out of me. I know several locals who’ve done it in various forms (not to mention unintentional reroutes when locals removed signage in protest several times…) and it’s always hard. Any distance is a challenge with the elevation and sand sections, but the 100 is a legit monster IMO. IIRC, Tinker Juarez called it one of (if not THE) hardest ultra he did at one point. I hadn’t followed to hear about the new route, so that may change things but climbing is a guarantee.
When I was in Missoula for grad school in the early 2010’s I knew a few people that did it so it’s always been on the back of my mind to do. I figured this might be the year to finally check that box
Goal is to be doing 10-12 hours a week on the trainer (with a threshold session and a VO2 max session) through winter then hopefully find a way to increase volume a bit more once outdoor riding season hits.
Setup will be a (previous gen) Epic Evo with 120mm F // 110mm R travel. 32 front chainring and 10-52 out back. I could swap to a 30 ring up front though then I’d have to ditch the power meter.
I’m thinking hydration and nutrition will be the biggest thing. I’ll be praying for no smoke and not miserable temps…it can be such a crapshoot in Montana at the end of July
Yeah, heat is usually an issue so the fueling & nutrition focus are essential. Everyone is different, and your 32/52 may be fine, but with all that climbing I’d just be ready to do some serious grinding regardless. Plenty of low cadence & low inertia work would be a focus that should pay off.