Razorback riders must be equipped

Going through a checklist of mountain-biking supplies is an important part of racing tactics.

So say the coaches whose teams are preparing for the 12 Hours Of Razorback, Central Florida's offroad endurance competition. It is scheduled for Feb. 8. The list of supplies might include halogen headlights, blinking rear taillights, extra food and batteries.

Lately, riders have been rushing into shops from the bay area to Ocala, loading up on spare Camelbak drinking backpacks and protein bars. Some cyclists have been stocking up on the latest energy drinks, which claim they contain only the legal limit of caffeine, as specified by the National Offroad Bicycling Association rulebook.

The annual 12 Hours Of Razorback is a mountain-biking test of true endurance, because riders not only have to stay awake but pedal hard each lap.

The cyclists try to stay up for 12 hours of riding through the woods. Pausing to nap in your sleeping bag might keep you off the podium, out of the top five in your category.

"I'm going up to camp out during Super Bowl weekend, tear it up, riding in the woods," St. Petersburg racer Ed O'Dea said.

"My equipment is going to be all dialed in, and I'll have some fun mountain biking for a couple of days, getting used to the ... course," he said.

Practice and overnight camping will beginFeb. 7, continuing throughout the race weekend at Razorback MTB Park.

The event will feature team competition (as many as four riders) and solo categories for the various NORBA levels. Teams may consist of experts (men or women), sport (men or women), beginners (men or women), coed and juniors. Organizers say 500 riders are expected.

After a mass start, the cyclists will pass through the scoring area each lap. The rider with the most laps for the 12-hour period wins.

Last year, Olympian Tinker Juarez (Team Volvo/Cannondale) won by outriding all solo cyclists and squads, with a total of 14 laps. Top Floridians in 2002 included Ocala's Linda Murphy (Trek Team), Largo sport rider Susie Marsten (Specialized/Chainwheel Drive), Lance Riddile of Largo (Batman On Beans Team) and Mike Hall (Army Of One), St. Petersburg's solo cyclist on a custom Surley single-speed bike.

The event is a qualifier for the World Solo Championships, also known as the 12 Hours Of Adrenalin. A final race is set for Oct. 25-26 on the 1996 Olympic mountain venue in Conyers, Ga.

Directions to Razorback MTB Park in Reddick: Take Interstate 75 to Exit 71. Proceed east a half mile, 5 miles to County Road 25A. Go north 7 miles to four-way stop. Turn right on County Road 316, then look for race-course signs. For information, call (352) 873-9279. CROOM SINGLETRACK CHALLENGE: Mountain bikers have another challenging but more low-key event to enjoy -- Feb. 22 at Withlacoochee State Forest in Brooksville.

Members of North Tampa's Southwest Mountain Bike Pedallers Club will play host to the Croom 35 Singletrack Challenge, a 35-mile offroad event that includes climbs, tight technical trails and thrilling descents.

SWAMP Club's fun-loving group is planning a guided, two-hour night ride Friday, starting at dusk. Headlights and cycling helmets are required. Protective clothing and bikes in good working order are recommended. Saturday's Croom 35 will begin at 9:30 a.m. along the well-marked offroad course. Many cyclists will stay overnight at the nearby Silver Lake Campground, or at hotels.

Several meals, tech support, the Friday evening ride and a T-shirt are included in the $35 registration fee. SWAMP Club is a non-profit organization, and the members are dedicated to trail access issues. All proceeds from the Croom 35 Singletrack Challenge will go to area trail development. Directions to Croom: Take Interstate 75 to Exit 61, or State Road 50. Proceed east on SR 50. Go west 2 miles to Croom Road, past U.S. 301 and past the pedestrian overpass. Go north on Croom Road, past Silver Lake Campground. It's about 7 miles to Croom Road. The pavement ends, and you may continue on the rock road for 2 miles. Look for event signs. For information, call (813) 689-5109. THOMPSON TEAM CHANGE: USA Cycling racer Brett Thompson of St. Petersburg has chosen to leave Team American Classic after being upgraded to Category 3. He says the switch to Dunedin's growing Gearlink squad is tough but necessary.

"The group is composed of quite a few former members of Outspokin/Team MAJIC," Thompson said. "The whole reason for me switching teams is to be able to train more easily with my racing teammates. This is more important than in the past since I've upgraded to Category 3."

Thompson's coach, former Guiltless Gourmet Team professional Tony Prioli of Clearwater, says Thompson is among Florida's top riders.

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