Mountain biking is a great sport that will have you hooked in no time. Stage racing is even better with many benefits. When it comes to choosing the type of race you want to enter as your first foray into the sport, there are pros and considerations to all of them.

In the interest of shortness and sweetness, we’ll stick to the two most popular – one-day events and multi-day stage races.

One-day event

A one-day event is exactly as the name implies, a race that takes place over one day with one start and end point.

Pros

• It won’t take that much endurance to complete (although that’s relative). Even if the race is particularly grueling it will be over in a few hours, after which you can celebrate with a beer and go home.
• It’s a good choice for first timers as a one-and-done type of experience.
• In terms of training, you’ll need to get fit, but you won’t need to incorporate multiple days of intense exercise to simulate a multi-day event.
• Your bike won’t take a hammering for multiple days in a row, so you could make do with a standard bike not yet equipped with all the expensive bells and whistles.
• You won’t need to stay over multiple days so the cost of entering, and food/accommodation will be less. It’s a relatively inexpensive way to experience mountain biking events. You can then decide if it’s something you’re keen on.

Cons

There’s never a con to entering an event that gets you out into nature and exercising on your bike!

You might have so much fun and be bummed that it has come to end so soon.

Multi-day stage race

A stage race is one set in stages, with different starting and ending points, or one starting point and different ending points etc.

Riders can compete in teams or solo, these events take place over multiple days, most often two or three but some famous events are over a week or more!

Pros

• If you have a tough day you can make up for it tomorrow. Slow and steady is a good mantra for beginners in a multi-day event.
• It’s a good test of your endurance and allows you to experience all the emotions and locations that come with mountain biking.
• The social aspect of a multi-day event is awesome to experience. You have enough time to meet like-minded people and make life-long friends.
• You get to experience a new place over a few days. When you bring your family along you can turn it into a mini holiday for everyone.

Cons

Again, these are more like considerations.

• Start training months in advance, with a focus on endurance. You’ll need to perform over multiple days and incorporate that into your training. You don’t want to over-exert yourself on the first day and be unable to finish.
• Your bike will take a beating over multiple days and on rough terrain, so you’ll need to prep it just as much as you prep yourself. Make sure it’s equipped with quality, durable components, and parts.
• Spending multiple days out on the trails increases the chances of something breaking or going wrong, be prepared for that.
• Stage races are generally more expensive in terms of entry fees, accommodation, food, depending on what’s covered in the price. Like mentioned before, it’s better to view them as a short holiday where you get to meet new people and see new places.

For any event, and especially if it’s your first, remember that you’re only competing against yourself! Go at a steady pace and enjoy the process.

What type of training should you do?

Whether you’re training for a one-day or ten-day race, you’ll need to incorporate a good mix of strength training and cardio into your routine.

Strength training helps to prevent injuries and improve your power over long climbs, while cardio is beneficial for endurance, which is what you’ll need to finish the race in the first place. Speed will get you nowhere if you run out of fuel halfway through.

Mountain biking itself is a great form of both, and a great way to improve your stamina and heart health.

Full suspension or hardtail bike?

Suspension is what gives your bike more control over the terrain you’re riding on.

Full suspension bikes have shocks on the front and rear, while hardtails only have on the front.

The type of suspension you choose depends on the terrain.

• Smoother terrain without any major rocks and slippery gravel would be okay with a hardtail. These are generally easier to control and are quicker and lighter on smooth tracks.
• For trails that have steep, rocky climbs and descents, as well as loose gravel and uneven terrain, a full suspension bike would be a better choice. This will help make the ride feel smoother and give you more control.
• If you’re unsure about what to choose, we’d recommend a full suspension to cover all bases & give you a more versatile bike.

There are many events to choose from to get your cleats wet (and muddy!) Experience the thrill of mountain biking.

If you’re worried you might not be able to finish a multi-day race, stick to one-day events until you feel confident enough.

Mountain biking is a very inclusive sport, and you’ll have no lack of support and encouragement from fellow riders.

The Sabie Xperience is a multi-day stage race that accommodates all riders. Every level of experience and any type of bike (even e-bikes!) are considered. It’s set in Sabie, Mpumalanga, which makes it the perfect destination to turn the weekend into a fun escape for the entire family.