A Chat with Nat

Nat Ross is one of the most likeable guys on the Solo race tour. Super easy going and seemingly unflappable, you quickly understand why he has completed 34 solo races at or near the top.

We caught up with Nat at Interbike, right after the World Championship where he placed 3rd and again right after Moab where he placed 2nd after winning in 2004.

Tell us about the World’s.
I thought this was my year after placing 3rd each of the last two years, but there’s always next year. Six time winner Chris Eatough is so strong. He has really elevated the sport.

How has Eatough influenced race strategy?
He did two things that made everybody else adapt. First, he goes out really fast, puts time on the field, and then holds everybody off. You have to match him lap for lap because you’ll never catch him in the morning. Second, he makes 30 second pit stops the whole race! He’s always on his bike cranking.

Were you surprised to see Ernesto Marenchin in 2nd?
Yeah. He’s ridden some laps with the elite riders before, but now he has the confidence to ride the whole race. So much of this endurance game is psychological. Ernesto really stepped up at the World’s and now has the confidence to win.

What’s coming up next?
My focus is on Moab in two weeks. Right now I’m just taking it easy so I will be well rested and ready to defend my title.

(Fast forward two weeks to after Moab…)

Tell us about Moab.
Physically, I was ready, but I didn’t take care of all the organizational issues.

What do you mean?
This is supposedly a “solo” race, but the organization at the pits is so key to success. It really takes a crew that knows you inside and out. My crew put in the hours for me and was very dedicated, but they were new and we could have communicated better.

Can you give us an example?
I generally race 6 laps and then switch to my night helmet and bike that are pre-rigged with Light & Motion lights. When I arrived at the tent, lights weren’t ready so I had to rummage around to look for them.

That must have been frustrating.
After I got the lights set-up, I didn’t take the extra time to eat so then my nutrition was hurting. I pitted after lap 9 and got some food in me, but the damage was already done. I continued to race pretty well, but by the end I was seeing things.

Do you eat on your bike?
Oh yeah. It’s important to scout the course and plan where to eat. I munch down sandwiches, ravioli, and fruit all on the bike. But I still need to pit and eat. I try to keep eating in the pits at a minimum. Remember Eatough is only pitting for 30 seconds.

Did you pit too much?
I definitely pitted too much, maybe since Eatough wasn’t in this race. Usually my girlfriend, Janis Sandlin, kicks me right out of the tent and back in the race. But she was racing on a women’s expert team.

What next on your horizon?
Rest and racing, some fun local cyclo-cross races. This winter I'm returning to my roots. I signed a contract with Rossignol to cross country ski race. I plan on racing classic and skate races across the nation this winter to maintain my fitness. I'm going backcountry skiing with my bros this week on Vail Pass. I like to get a few ski days in before Halloween. Also, Widespread Panic is playing in Denver in a couple of weeks. My girl, Janis, loves them so I'll be enjoying the shows with her. Once I rest a lot I will resume training on my road bike in Arizona. For now--It's time to fully enjoy the down time.