Sea Otter Classic Marathon MTB Race Tactics and Power Analysis

The 2023 Life Time Gran Prix kicked off with the Sea Otter Classic and in this video I take you through my race including mistakes, tactics, equipment choice, power analysis and more!
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[@danielrussell9416]

"Bro, just follow Keegan." - BHD

[@nycbliss]

Haha

[@ivanezivanez5849]

He is right bro he is the benchmark

[@cycodre]

Not only are you progressing as a racer you're also progressing as a individual. The words at the end are not to be taken lightly and only accessible if you've also trained you self awareness muscles. Results should not be judged by your finishing place against others. Comparison in the thief of joy. Nice work Dylan!

[@steveridesxc]

What he said.

[@wibblemu9]

You might not always be the best, but you can always be the best that you can be!

[@Pshady]

Love these race recaps.

[@MrBig617]

Hole shot hero with regrets. The story of my racing career...

[@ezclimb1]

So appreciate this analysis. Just finished up my second Rasputitsa in Vermont, and compared to the leaders I didn’t do that well, but compared to my last years numbers I finished 23 minutes faster on the same course so I’ll take it.

[@Sr89hot]

Backwards hat was on 🔥 in this episode.

[@jrclark222]

I broke my femur on my mtb 1.5 years ago. I’ve been slowly clawing back my mobility and fitness and have definitely learned to embrace improvement, not absolute results. Not sure if I’ll race again, but your videos inspire me to keep working. Thanks!

[@matt.eggleton]

I really appreciate your point about being "grateful during this period of growth...and determined to be competitive." I know you know this, but I'll say it anyway. You continue to inspire many of out here to spread the same mindset, "grateful and determined." Thank you for that! I look forward to seeing you again soon.

[@CatManDoSocial]

Great perspective. I really appreciate that. Embracing the change rather than whining about it is an example that others need to follow. #spirtofgravel

[@laggypirates]

Always appreciate you videos and openness. Also, dayum Dylan getting tatted up.

[@johnwpotter]

The older I get the more realistic I have become about what I can do and can't. Thanks, Dylan. This was a great perspective, and I'll adapt it.

[@SkiRidesMTB]

Dammnnnnn DJ got some ink!

[@taeekim]

Totally agree with your closing thoughts in this video. Success means different things at different stages. Onward!

[@Veloworthy]

It was a gutsy move!

[@harryalberti-correa3525]

Lifetime Grand Prix KZbin series captured that start gloriously, and promptly ignored it 😂

[@josephrosentel4673]

Way to bring it around in the end with a focus on individual improvement vs competitive within the field. This is exactly how I feel racing against the small skinny climbers in CO. Cheers!

[@motorcyclesandguitars1892]

I watched season 1 of the LifeTime GP on YT and was a bit underwhelmed that there was very little (no?) footage of Dylan included - hopefully that changes for season 2.

[@Jeffrey.1961]

Great race review, and yes I hate breaking wind too…

[@JTMarlin8]

Keep up the good work, Dylan. These videos are invaluable. Results will be forgotten, but these videos that actually help normal people will be around for a very long time.

[@durwoodhill2798]

Dylan, your perspective and approach to racing should be a lesson for everyone who competes. It's more about the personal effort and improvement and less about "the win" and yet (as you've experienced) the wins often increase too. Your videos are awesome, thank you!!

[@johnwoodard8717]

I've had cramps all my life. My mother did too. Now so do my kids, who are both travel level athletes. We all also find that we cramp more when we're cold, which is something I've never seen discussed when discussing cramps.

[@Grunge_Cycling]

Same with the cold. Maybe bad circulation?

[@johnwoodard8717]

@@Grunge_Cycling Not sure. I'm a cyclist, so my lower body circulation should be pretty good. My son was a travel soccer player and after two games he jumped into a pool and both legs cramped up when they hit the cold water.

[@global_nomad.]

looking forward to more of theses types of video as you go through the series. Good reflection on how you measure success

[@robbogin482]

Bro BHD I’m turning on The Notebook 🤣🤣🤣👊👊💪💪 Great stuff!!

[@josh33172]

With your race plan and the course with long gravel sections, the lower weight and slight aero advantage, I wonder if the HT would have made more sense. It might have been that little extra at the end. However, I feel like the addition of the gravel segment has brought a whole new level of competition, and the marginal gains are going to become far more critical. Here in Belgium, I have regretted every single gravel event I've showed up to on my gravel bike where gravel roads will be fist size rocks for KMs, and regretted every single MTB event I've showed up to on my FS where I might have a couple sections where its absolutely the right bike, but then long flowy sections and tarmac that make up the majority of the race. The HT MTB has just been the correct bike, and every time I'm on the other two, I have regrets that I'm not on the HT. Now all I have left to blame is that post-training Westmalle Tripel, but I have to also be realistic w/ myself....I'm not in my late 20s early 30s anymore and never to your level. I'm 44 and can't even train every day or race every week anymore. I believe you have an amazing mindset and blessed with a high level of introspection clarity and maturity. Keep it up!

[@PhilandErika]

As an MTB rider in my late 60's my event criteria are, in order: - finish the race (havent missed this so far) - without injury (getting better at this) - before prize-giving (doesn't always happen!) - having given it all I had (as Dylan does) Anything else is a bonus.

[@glennpettersson9002]

Thanks for sharing, great analysis 👍

[@JayRappa]

Overcoming a disappointing start is clearly evident with the output you put in over all. You’re a talented guy to be able to focus after that and I’m glad you psychologically found purpose in still giving it your all even after feeling your legs.

[@trajtemberg]

About time! Great analysis as always.

[@Nozes..]

Race with others,but against yourself. That's my way of keep enjoying racing after 30 years (MTB only). Your videos are super interesting,thanks for your work!

[@joshlloyd9698]

Good luck with the rest of the season and keep the recaps coming!

[@paulgibby6932]

14:24 great comment! Thanks Dylan. Good luck!

[@dandawson8128]

You rock!

[@RichChh]

Thanks for this Dylan!

[@kevinderung8524]

Great job DJ!

[@keithmorel2964]

Really looking forward to your videos this season. Content is fantastic please keep them coming DJ.

[@ultimatist]

We're rooting for you, bro! The mindset of competing against yourself - against increasingly strong competition - is good preparation for when our AI overlords start to race bikes. Ok, off to watch The Notebook.

[@matthewrepucci3564]

Great stuff, thanks for sharing!

[@dankurtz791]

Great job Dylan!

[@jamtoz]

So excited when i see that you post a vid! Love your content Dylan 👏✌️🙂

[@narisevansangynriivaama9903]

Nice analysis. Keep on rockin'!

[@chuckfrizzell8668]

Great attitude Dylan. Thank you for sharing the action and your perspective.

[@winbrendan]

I like the way you think about outcomes

[@spencererickson3722]

Thanks for that. Great article on cramping. I thought I was dehydrated but it turns out I’m just out of shape.

[@towhee7472]

I love these race recaps!

[@BikeLifewithRob]

Keep at it!

[@TrojanWrestling1]

Great video…total pro!!

[@Jinedan]

Just wanted to say that I love your analyses and honesty. Keep it coming!

[@dustyhoods]

Keep it up! It's super important to be in good mental shape and you're doing it well. Excited to see how the rest of the season will go.

[@paulronan2103]

well done Dylan, what a balanced view.

[@ekimviewmaster5010]

Another good, honest video. Thanks. 👍

[@neilveitch5761]

Great video Dylan, love how you bring out the positives and lessons to be learned 😀

[@threeinoneoil]

New kit is fire.

[@alolympic]

Really respect enjoy how authentic you always are Dylan, in the name of us all learning from you. I think you had a great race pulling back up the field. Next race…..😉

[@shalaskaja452]

No matter if a good race or a bad race - it will always be a great video

[@Aviewerbychance]

Thanks for the video! Sea otter was my first MTB cross country race 18 years ago. My buddy said get up front before it hits the singletrack. Good advice. I got 4th place! Raced there many times amateur and pro. Also 24 hr solo races. Thanks for the footage! I know most of the trails there.

[@srant]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Awesome!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥You are in crazy great shape! The field is still incredibly deep. IMHO you are racing at an elite level and able to hold fitness from season to season. Great video! 🤘😆🤘

[@ZenEndurance]

On cramping, I have a lot of knowledge on this. If you are cramping all over (hands, feet, back, arms), that's electrolyte loss. If you are cramping in your actual muscles using to propel the bike, that's from going too hard.

[@kchall5]

Why did no one else just send it at the start? Well, no one else has BHD as their sporting director.

[@canmtb4676]

Thanks for very good advice for an age group rider like myself.

[@martinbogadomartinesi5135]

Keep up the hard work Dylan! You have nothing to prove, you keep getting better and that's what really matters, I hope you get to win one of these races one day. My country has nowhere near the level of competition you have, but I have a lot of friends who have been racing at our highest level for years and haven't won a single race at that category, but they keep grinding and hopefully they get it one day. I also know a dude who has been racing since he was 15 or so, he's like a 34yo family man now and is still winning races against 24-27yo dudes lol, so don't let these results get the worst of you!

[@imprezaaudi]

Hero move 👍

[@jnatiw]

Strong work, Dylan! And thanks for another great video. Us mid-packers have to be continually reminded to look for little victories as opposed to place results. Appreciate the stark honesty about your mistake at the start. Looking forward to watching the rest of your LGP journey! 👍👊

[@Magoo71]

Hey Dylan....you seem like a good dude to me....I really appreciate your dedication to racing and always trying to improve! I raced XC back in the mid 80's to mid 90's (started racing Rigid bikes), but at 72 my best racing is behind me ...I was out of Mt Biking and into RC airplanes for 20 years now with the latest goodies like Batteries and Wireless shifting, I'm back into Mt Biking again seeing what new trails I can find...I'll be looking forward to more of your posts! Cheers! Thanks for sharing!

[@quest5581]

2014 Dirty Kanza i was with the lead group while we were just rounding one of the bigger, steeper descents (don't remember the name) I was on a 2011 sub 20lb Cannondale Scalpel with larger 650B wheels. The descent was fairly steep, rough and rutted. Everybody was on their brakes except me. I engaged both front and rear suspension and just let it roll. At the bottom I was leading by about 100 yards or so. I also remember looking around for a cameraman thinking...."without a pic, none of my buddies are gonna believe me". Of course.....no cameraman in sight!😕

[@meatmotorendurance]

That's what we call the "activating the crap outta the race" strategy. Good job!

[@robtruscott2433]

Way to go! I raced my first mtb race at vultures knob in Ohio thanks to you! I race a 2 lap novice race and was pushed to my limits mainly due to one day practicing at an easy mtb venue. Thanks for all your advice especially the weight training!

[@jcervelli]

sure bro!

[@igaroot]

"breaking all the wind" - silver lining of the start is getting all the drafts and pacing in the meat of the race - interesting take - thanks for the insight and experienced mindset sure to help alot of younger riders. Thats me on the last climb with my arms crossed after the guy standing with cramps

[@davidsbelden]

If you're not sprinting off the line like a Cat 2 mountain biker trying to win the race from the start, are you even racing? 😂 Love the recap congrats on a really strong race even if it wasn't the placing you were looking for. Looking forward to following the rest of your season!

[@siyz250]

Really enjoyed this video Dylan. I have been training in mtb for about 3 years and very heavily over last 6 months. Did my latest ramp test last night and went backwards by 5 watts. Gutted initially but it has actually given me more drive and a want to be consistent and smart with my training going fwd. I feel you will be growing this season regardless of SO and its misplaced start blowout(ish). Si, Christchurch, NZ

[@sidehustleshortfilms6704]

I’ve recently (last couple of years), moved to marathon/gravel races. The start is still a big question mark, my XC brain says get to the single track first, my long endurance brain says settle down and negative split the laps. Good analysis here Dylan, I’m about six weeks into one of your TP build plans, you’re really helping me a lot.

[@nycbliss]

Dylan, I am not a racer but I am a Patron. I support you. I always appreciate viewing your evolution and how you share your knowledge. You are awesome.

[@JibbaJabber]

Love it. Can't wait for the installments. DJ+ trumps GCN+

[@whizler]

Don't be so hard on yourself, Dylan! You did very well, imo. This video was definitely more enjoyable than The Notebook 😂

[@kennethelliot8164]

It would be really cool to see a technical stage or 2 in the series to shake things up

[@Bench_mark_113]

I think there's another side to the coin. I had a race last week where I got first, but I was discounting my results b/c I was 3 min off my previous year's time. I realized I need to set a goal, and my goal was to get first at the race, not to beat my PR. and when I do achieve it, be happy with the outcome and move forward to the next race!

[@ezramullen4551]

Keegen Swenson is like the USA MTB version of Tadej Pogacar 😂

[@arthurmulhern]

C white is a certified bad ass. I was at that national championship he won watching.

[@shmoejoe1]

Looking forward to your future races D! Best of luck in all of them. I wonder if the competition just has better 💉 nowadays and maybe it’s time you got on the better sauce as well! No shade just saying.

[@donaldmorrill1636]

Like your race debriefs! I would always blow up trying to have a good spot going into the singletrack so my downhill skills would not be hindered by slow downhill roadies. Handle bar bells were common in the 90’s. They drained no energy to flick them with your thumb and they induced stress until the slower downhill riders would let you pass.😂

[@jairusmartinez1209]

unrelated but your tattoos are sick!

[@kthesing]

Thanks for the details Dylan. Would you mind sharing your weight and tire pressure for this race?

[@ebhkkc1]

see you in Hico

[@PiercesPOV]

At my last endurance race, the true grit 100 I definitely went out too hard to try and funnel high into the singletrack, that was a mistake. I fought off cramps from like hour 1-4:30 . I was eating so much to try and re-amp my system but man…. The starting sprint definitely was not the move, without getting into specifics I think it definitely hurt my result! 11th) - great video Dylan. I was hoping to run into you at sea otter, maybe next year!

[@fultonlopez7846]

Was it the same start as last year? Great race!

[@brosefframper]

Positive perspective aside (which was cool, btw), whats the most optimistic result you feel you could have achieved had the start worked out better?

[@o9l9a9]

So awesome!!! Love the race recaps! Please keep posting them. It’s so much cooler to hear a race recap when a racer doesn’t do as well as they hoped. You really learn a lot. I’m a big fan and I’m rooting for you!!

[@danielwhitaker5445]

supportive comment here to bump the cogs!..

[@king_iz]

😂 I got a cameo!

[@JoshuaTootell]

I have never had cramps outside of from extreme fatigue. And I have raced XCO format races with zero fuel, no electolytes (in hot weather) with zero problem. As in, even my power and RPE aren't even affected. I'm genetically lucky there.

[@bodoknudsen5450]

Great recap Dylan. In fairness you probably had the right strategy in terms of getting to the singletrack early, but probably should have tucked in behind a couple of the expected leaders rather than taking the holeshot. Still I'm sure it created a few moment of confusion amongst the others when they saw you take off....

[@martin_3146]

Can someone fill me in on the Isabel King reference at 0:59?

[@juanitoblanco1133]

I think you did the right thing by going hard early. You are critical of yourself now, because the effort didn’t work to your plan- but it did. You avoided early crashes and trying to position around slower riders. It was also a chance to be with anyone else who wanted to hit it hard early on. You seem to regret your effort now but you shouldn’t. A race coach once told me: “races are won from the front”. Don’t waste time and energy navigating around riders who are slower than you are. Your numbers are incredible. Don’t discount that.

[@GMoneyLove]

One thought that comes to mind, given the nature of the course, would it have made sense to go with a gravel bike (as the one guy did) and run wider and meatier rubber? Sponsorship aside, even a bike like the Niner MCR 9 RDO? Get more aero on the course, and just add a bigger cassette for the climbs... hmmm.

[@buzzman4860]

The Notebook😂😂

[@acem82]

Dylan learning that if you gaze into the Backwards Hat Dylan, the Backwards Hat Dylan gazes also into you.

[@facediaper09]

Jack Rules

[@Forgot10]

I've only just started with the structured training, and I was recommended to check out your channel by a friend of mine. I've watched some of your videos, read a bunch of articles on the internet and I have a pretty clear picture of what I need to be doing. However with a typical 4 week training cycle the 4th week should be easy, but I didn't really find any clear information as to what that's supposed to mean. Less volume, less intensity, less of both, no high intensity, how much less volume? I'm frankly at a loss, and coming into this easy week I do feel noticeable fatigue in my legs.

[@sepg5084]

I don't think power is all that matters, how efficiently that power is used is what makes winners. In this particular race it seems that proper pacing, proper drafting, proper group rotation, smart sprint timing near the finish line just like what road racers do, also applies.

[@lazlo2511]

Oh yes .. the aero package guy from the wind tunnel for gravel. 😅 Mistakes are good, it helps later down the line… plus you have plenty of races ahead. Just don’t go on any more solo runs unless you take 2 riders with you on support. Keep going and stay out of the wind tunnel for Pete’s sake. See what I did there