Date: June 10-11, 2000
Event: Toyota 24 Hours of Snowshoe 2000
Class: Pro/Am Team
Category: Pro
Length: 24 Hours
Time: 0:32:38 - 18 Laps
Bike: Trek FUEL Full-Suspension 2001 (Due out in October)
Tires: Bontrager

Why do you enjoy endurance events?

Physically they suit me, since I have very good endurance. To me, the pain is not as bad as a shorter race, and I can keep going almost indefinitely as long as I keep the effort below my threshold, and eat and drink properly. I also enjoy the different aspects that are more critical to endurance events. The longer races make you think ahead on things like equipment, clothing, and nutrition.

What is the longest distance or number of hours you have ever ridden in one day?

About 9 hours. I have done this a few times. Once was in the Wilderness 100 race (it was 90 miles of mtn bike orienteering). Another was in the Southern Traverse Adventure Race last year in New Zealand.

Did you do anything special to prepare for this race?

No. I train full time for mtn bike racing, and that is good preparation for a team 24 Hour race. I actually did quite a hard training week just before the race.

How many laps did you complete yourself?

I completed 5 "official" laps, then after my 5th, I went straight out again to back up my teammate, Paul Buschi, on his last lap.

How much actual riding time did you get in during the race?

My lap times were: 1:10, 1:09, 1:15, 1:17, 1:13, then about 1:23 with Paul. That makes about 7 1/2 hours.

In the last two months how many hours a week have you trained on average?

17 hours a week.

Were you strong from start to finish?

I felt very good at this race. This is the 5th time I have done this race, and my fitness has been better each time. The night laps were a bit trickier, but my times were only a few minutes slower at night.

Did you have a good support crew?

The best. Roger Bird, Sean Langheine, and my father, Mike, took care of the bikes, as well as being on course if we needed anything at the transitions, or in the pit area. My mother, Ann, as well as Dana and Matt worked at the condo, preparing our food, doing laundry, and cleaning up after us. Dr. Bill took care of our bodies with light massage, stretching, and back adjustments.

Did your Team work well together?

Yes. My teammates were very strong and consistent. There are lots of opportunities for arguments and disagreements in such a tough, stressful race, but our team got along very well.

10 & Final Michaux Ironmasters 2000



Chris Eatough at Big Bear
(photo courtesy Sue Haywood)

What did you eat during the race?

Mostly simple, regular, wholesome food. Oatmeal is one of my favorites. Also sometimes pasta, tuna, sweet potatoes, eggs, bread (not all at once!) In between laps, we have about 4 hours. I usually eat a small meal right away after my lap, then eat another about an hour before I ride again. I eat mostly carbs early on in the race, but in the night I usually start craving some protein and a bit of fat, so I'll eat some eggs, tuna, or spaghetti with meat sauce. I drink a lot of fluids, both on and off the bike. Water about half the time, and Powerbar Perform Plus the rest. I use a Camelbak to make it easy to drink a lot.

Did you change clothes, shower, or nap during the race?

Clean clothes every lap. Shower every lap. I laid in bed between laps every time, but could only fall asleep in between my night laps. I slept 30 minutes one time, and 1 1/2 hour the other. It's tough to make your body wind down enough to sleep, even though you are tired, but I think it's important to at least try, and I felt great when I woke up.

Did you have any unusual problems with the race?

Not really. It was very smooth. I had one crash, a huge flip over the bars, but I got up right away and wasn't hurt.

How would you rate the course?

Extremely technical and tricky. The most technical race course ever. 80% of the time you were on rooty, rocky, slippery singletrack. There was also some tough fireroad climbing. For our team this was perfect, since we are all good bike handlers. We also had the perfect bikes for the job; prototype Trek Fuel suspension bikes, which will be available to the public in October.

Were you happy with the way the race was run?

Yes. Granny Gear always puts on good races.

If you could do the race again, would you do anything differently?

I would like to set up radio communications for the riders, so they can talk to the support crew when out on the course. This gives peace of mind to the support staff and teammates, since you know exactly what is happening out there, and when to expect the rider to arrive at the transition.

Is there anything you would like to add?

Thanks to all of our sponsors including Trek, Volkswagen, JBL, Nightrider, Sram, Rock Shox, Hayes, Icon, Bontrager, Rolf, Chris King, Time, Powerbar, Zeal.

Thank you Chris Eatough for the interview!!