Breck Epic - Gear Check!

Being prepared for an endurance HIGH Altitude mountain bike race is VITAL to performance as well as survival. You need to have the right equipment (e.g. bike) for the job with suspension, gearing, brakes. You need to have the right clothing - not too hot, not too cold. You need to have to the right fuel and water. As a mountain biker, you get this and you fine tune your strategy each race, each year to fine tune it to you, the elements, and your goals.

CAPTURING THE VIEWS FROM GOPRO HERO 7

Three pieces of gear I’m glad I had for the Breck Epic 2021

This is stuff I didn’t need, but was so stoked to have, and used it everyday of the 3 days I participated in the Breck Epic.

100% Speedcraft SL - Photochromic

Eyewear

I am a big squinter and don’t like fighting the full glare of the sun. What’s even more challenging is riding in a forest and trying to get your depth perception with the ruts, rocks, roots to pick the right line. These are new glasses for me and I tried them a few times before this race. I knew that this particular day would have afternoon rain clouds as well as forest lined single track. My vision was NEVER impaired in all these conditions. I used these glasses in each of the stages and was glad I did.

I recommend these glasses if you find yourself in various cloud conditions, riding at the end of the day where you get dark shadows, or you ride under trees where it can get pretty dark and hard to choose lines.

RACE FACE - 100% Speedcraft glasses doing their thing in the forest

fox transfer (factory) Seat Dropper

Having Sexy Beast, my Specialized Epic, as my weapon of choice for this race was key - with 29” wheels, light frame, and eagle drive train she can handle anything. Adding the Seat Dropper is like SWEET HONEY!!! It allowed me to be aggressive and confident on the descents and critical for the technical rock and root descents. It was also great for carving the berms at the end of Stage 1 and 3!!

GoPro Hero 7

I got my GoPro originally because I loved all the places I rode but could get my camera out in time, it wasn’t safe for me to get my camera, orrrrr I was having too much fun and didn’t want to stop to get my camera out. I love the Hero 7 because when it’s on, it takes a video or photo on my command (e.g. “GoPro take a photo”)..bam! I was a little unsure if I should take it on this race because I didn’t want it to take away from my experience or my focus. I’m SO GLAD I had it!!! I have great footage of some awesome flow trails and breath taking views. When you are racing you can only get a glimpse here and there but with the view you can ‘stop and look’.