Cyclist balances life, competition

Pro mountain biker Clint Muhlfeld has put together an impressive season on the dirt while managing to balance family, work and an intensive training regimen. The Whitefish cyclist has been at the front of the pack at a number of major national endurance races, and has racked up two top-10 finishes in the U.S. National Ultra Endurance Mountain Bike Series.

Muhlfeld, who races for Sportsman and Ski Haus, placed seventh in the Pierre’s Hole 100-mile race this month at Grand Targhee, Wyo. The dirt and paved route featured 16,000 feet of vertical climbing and fast sections of singletrack. Muhlfeld finished the course in 9 hours, 31 minutes.

In July, he took ninth in the High Cascades 100-miler near Bend, Ore. He finished that course in 7 hours, 56 minutes.

When he’s not on the bike, Muhlfeld works with the U.S. Geological Survey Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center. He holds a Ph.D. in fish and wildlife biology from Montana State University. His wife, Amy, works with the Whitefish school district in special education.

The Pilot caught up with Muhlfeld for a quick interview before he heads off to the 24-hour Mountain Bike National Championships in Colorado, which he won last season with teammate and local racer Ben Parsons.

Q. When did you first get into these 100-mile endurance races?

I first got into endurance racing competing in the marathon cross country races at the national and world cup levels. The marathons are a bit shorter — 100 km — but I built up a solid endurance base and had some rewarding results, which positioned me well to bump it up a few more miles in the hundo series. Plus, now that I have a demanding job and kids, I don’t get a chance to ride as much as I used to, so the more hours the better during race day.    

Q. What’s the key to preparing for a 100-miler? Where do you train around Whitefish?

The key is time in the saddle. Races usually take 8-10 hours, with up to 20,000 feet of vertical climbing. I typically go for 4-8 hour rides either solo or with my training buddies, Tim Noonan and Ben Parsons. I choose rides with a lot of climbing and single-track to simulate race day efforts.  

My favorite training areas around Whitefish include Big Mountain, the Whitefish Trail, Spencer Mountain, the Pig Farm and the Alpine Trail. I usually try to link a couple of these rides together to make it an epic day.  

Q. How do you stay focused for so many hours on the saddle?

My thoughts usually involve how much it hurts and when the race is going to be over. Seriously, racing for so long not only requires physical stamina, but mental strength more than anything. Focusing on long, hard rides is the best way to train, but nothing really can prepare me for the internal battles that I endure during the last 30-50 miles.

Q. Do you have a pit crew to help with flat tires, food and water, or are you solo for the entire race?

Usually the races are point-to-point, so I send my feeds out to various feed zones strategically positioned throughout the course. Water, food, and supplements are key to staying hydrated and keeping the pace high and steady.  

Hammer Nutrition has been a long-term sponsor of mine, and their products and support have been key to achieving my goals on the bike. My favorite products for racing are Heed, Perpetuem, and electrolytes.  

My bikes are always dialed prior to the race, thanks to Pete at Sportsman & Ski Haus in Whitefish, and as long as I stay upright and ride smooth I usually can get through the races with minimal or no mechanical issues.

Q. What do you love most about endurance racing?

I love the old-school nature of endurance races, going point-to-point up and over mountains with amazing single-track and technical descents. Cross-country mountain biking has changed to a short lap and race format, which is great if you are 20 years old and love to go anaerobic the entire race. I prefer to have an epic day in the saddle riding with the boys.  

Q. What else is on the racing agenda for this year?

I think Ben Parsons and I are aiming to go for another 24-hour national title in Colorado at the end of September. I’m hoping that he’s up for it, though. I’m in — are you, Benny?