MTB: An enduring love for the mountains

EPIC: Rotorua rider John White at last year's WEMBO 24-hour Solo World Mountain Bike Championships.

When 61-year-old Rotorua rider, John White, got into endurance mountain biking he didn't start the easy way.

The first race he competed in was six years ago. That was the Simpson Desert Challenge - 600 kilometres across the Australian backcountry.

After a brief excursion into triathlon and Ironman he's focussed on 24 hour Solo Mountain biking - with a lot of success. John is the reigning 60 plus world champion, taking the title when the World Endurance Mountain Bike Organisation (WEMBO) World Championships were in Canberra, last year.

He's travelling a lot further to defend his title, this year. The 2014 WEMBO World Championships are in Fort William, in Scotland on October 11 and 12.

"I'm often asked why I do this," says John. "It's because of the people involved, generally much younger, with a positive attitude. There's a great deal of camaraderie during the race and teamwork involved with your support crew.

John loves the challenge: "Developing the plan and then implementing it under extreme pressure. It's great when it all falls into place. Also developing my own fitness and technical skills. There's plenty of opportunity to do that here in Rotorua."

He also feels it keeps him young.

"It's good for soul and there's nothing better than a ride in the forest to clear the head," he continues. "I woke up on my 61st birthday, a week ago, with the heart rate chugging away at 46. It's got to be good for you."

John started training in January with gym work for core and upper body strength. For the last six months he's followed a comprehensive programme devised by local coaches, Sam Thomson and Olly Shaw, and is up to 20 hours a week.

When it comes to race day, he will also follow a clear plan. Pacing himself is very important, especially during the first six hours.

"It comes down to the old adage that you can't win the race during that time, but you can certainly lose it," he says. "I tend to stick to a heart rate range as best I can and try to ignore what other competitors are doing. Although, in saying that, you have to stay in the mix."

Staying positive is also crucial to success in this demanding event.

"At midnight you've been on the bike for twelve hours and the body is telling you it's time for a cuppa tea and bed," he adds.

This is when the top two inches come into play and it's all about concentrating on staying upright and moving forward.

"Easier said than done as, more often than not, everything is turning pear-shaped," he continues. "Mountain biking at night is somewhat two dimensional for me with trees and rocks jumping out at me from all directions."

The location for the 2015 WEMBO World Championships will only be half a world away in Northern California.

Then, in 2016, local riders like John may be able to ride to the race start. The venue will be decided in Fort William at this year's championships. Tim and Belinda Farmer from Nduro Events are bidding to bring the event to Rotorua. They are up against Brazil and Italy.

"Fingers crosses we're successful," says John.