Hydration

Course Director, Daniel Matheny finally makes his debut on the podcast. If you’ve been waiting for a peek into the 2022 APEX, this is for you. The special episode features John doing a deep dive into the courses. Listen in as he talks through the stages with Daniel and Brian Peck, who is returning for his second APEX and recently rode these courses at APEX Endurance Camp. Watch and learn what to expect in each stage and how to conquer them. They cover nutrition planning, pack vs. bottles, bikes and more.

When you coach and crew for a lot of endurance athletes, you spend a lot of time discussing the choice between bottles and a hydration pack. The reason is because both are perfect; they’re just not perfect for every situation.

Read more about The Racer’s Dilemma: Water Bottles or a Hydration Pack?

In long endurance races and supported stage races like Pikes Peak APEX, time gained and lost in aid stations can make a big difference. At events with time cuts or prizes for sub-whatever finish times, riders often miss out by wasting too much time idling at aid stations. The 2022 Pikes Peak APEX presented by RockShox features well stocked and staffed aid stations. We’re looking forward to greeting you, getting your refueled, and sending you on your way. Here’s how to make the best use of aid stations.

Read more about Aid Station Strategy Guide

To thrive during a 4-day race like The APEX, you must gauge your efforts wisely in the early miles to have something left for the finale. Here's a guide to help you achieve your pacing and performance goals.

Pikes Peak APEX

Presented by RockShox

Read more about Pacing for The APEX & Other Mountain Bike Stage Races

Staying at the top of your game for four days requires a little knowledge and some thoughtful planning. What you do - and don’t do - between stages of the Pikes Peak APEX will make a big difference on how you feel and fast you can go the following day.

Pikes Peak APEX

Presented by RockShox

Read more about How to Stay at the Top of Your Game for 4 Days of The APEX

Riders tell us nutrition is one of the biggest factors that determines their success at The APEX. Do you have a nutrition plan? If not, Emily Werner can help you plan for success. Emily is a registered dietician, pro racer and past participant of The APEX.

Read more about Nutrition for The APEX with Emily Werner

What should you bring to The APEX in September? Whether you are coming to Colorado Springs, Colorado to race for one day or ride all four, you’re in for a treat. September typically has some of the best weather of the year: crisp and cool mornings, warm afternoons but not too hot, low probability of afternoon thunderstorms, and bright yellow leaves on the aspens. That said, The Pikes Peak APEX presented by RockShox is also at altitudes between 6,000 and 10,000 feet above sea level and Rocky Mountain weather can change very quickly.

Read more about Packing for The APEX

The Pikes Peak APEX presented by RockShox covers just over 125 miles over 4 stages, features more than 14,000 feet of climbing, and showcases four iconic Colorado Springs-area trail systems. Mountain bike stage races and multi-day adventures present unique nutrition and hydration challenges, so whether you are coming to Colorado for the Pikes Peak APEX or embarking on your own mountain bike trip, Chris Carmichael, CEO and Head Coach of CTS, has written a plan to help you fuel for success.

Pikes Peak APEX

Presented by RockShox

Read more about How to Eat and Drink for The APEX

With athletes coming to Colorado Springs, Colorado from far and wide to compete in the 4-day Pikes Peak APEX mountain bike stage race, everyone wants to know how to prepare for and race well at altitudes between 6,000 and 10,000 feet above sea level. Here is what you need to know about altitude, its effect on performance, and the steps you can take to perform at your best.

Read more about Altitude, Its Effect on Performance & Steps You Can Take to Perform at Your Best

Of course you recognize Sam as part of The APEX team, but she is also a certified athletic trainer who helps empower endurance athletes to prevent and overcome injury. Tune in to learn how to hydrate to ward off heat illness and enhance your performance. Did you know that even 2% water loss in your body leads to dehydration which can cause your performance to suffer? Sam reveals the optimal amount you should be drinking and explains electrolytes, and why they are so important for optimal hydration and performance.