Here's a 27-day mountain bike training plan tailored to help you crush your 35-mile race. This plan balances endurance, strength, skills, and recovery—perfect for intermediate riders aiming to finish strong and feel confident on race day.
🗓️ Overview
Duration: 27 days
Goal: Build endurance, climbing power, technical skills, and race-day readiness
Weekly Structure:
3–4 ride days
1–2 strength or skills days
1–2 rest or active recovery days
🏁 Week 1: Base Building & Skills
| Day | Focus | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Endurance Ride | 90 min Zone 2 on trails or road |
| 2 | Strength | Bodyweight circuit + core |
| 3 | Skills | Cornering, braking drills |
| 4 | Endurance Ride | 60 min Zone 2–3 with short climbs |
| 5 | Rest | Stretch or yoga |
| 6 | Long Ride | 2 hrs trail ride, steady pace |
| 7 | Recovery | Easy spin 45 min or rest |
🚵 Week 2: Power & Climbing
| Day | Focus | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | Climbing Intervals | 5 x 5 min climbs, Zone 4 |
| 9 | Strength | Dumbbell or resistance band workout |
| 10 | Skills | Rock gardens, line choice |
| 11 | Endurance Ride | 75 min Zone 2 |
| 12 | Rest | Foam roll + mobility |
| 13 | Long Ride | 2.5 hrs with 3 climbs |
| 14 | Recovery | 45 min easy spin or hike |
🔥 Week 3: Race Simulation & Intensity
| Day | Focus | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 15 | Intervals | 6 x 3 min Zone 5 efforts |
| 16 | Strength | Plyometrics + core |
| 17 | Skills | Descending, switchbacks |
| 18 | Endurance Ride | 90 min Zone 2–3 |
| 19 | Rest | Full rest day |
| 20 | Race Simulation | 20–25 mile trail ride at race pace |
| 21 | Recovery | Easy spin or walk, hydration focus |
🧠 Week 4: Taper & Prep
| Day | Focus | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 22 | Short Intervals | 4 x 2 min Zone 4 |
| 23 | Skills | Light drills, gear check |
| 24 | Endurance Ride | 60 min Zone 2 |
| 25 | Rest | Carb load begins, hydrate well |
| 26 | Pre-Ride | 45 min with 2 race-pace efforts |
| 27 | Race Day! | Warm-up, fuel, and go crush it! 🚴♂️💨 |
🧠 Tips for Success
Fueling: Practice race-day nutrition during long rides.
Recovery: Prioritize sleep and hydration.
Gear: Make sure your bike is tuned and trail-ready.
Mindset: Visualize the course and your pacing strategy.
Want help customizing this plan to your terrain or schedule? I can tweak it for elevation, technical difficulty, or time constraints. Just say the word!