for someone looking to supplement ironman with little mtb experience? Don't want to get killed in my first xterra

looking for recommendations in the points series North America

thx

I am guessing by your nickname that you are probably _base_d in Arizona.

I would suggest that the early season Arizona Xterra would not be overly technical. I have yet to find anything technical in California or Arizona, so that would probably be a good starter race. The advantage of one of these smaller races is the swim start should be more civilized with a few less competitors, lots of space for everyone on the trails for the bike and a good low key vibe to get started. Even the big Xterras with lots on the line still have a low key vibe, unless you are particulary neurotic, and in that case, no one can help you

As far as the champs races go, I find none of them are really that technical. Team Unlimited wants this to be a fun triathlon event, not a stop on the Red Bull Rampage tour. I believe that no one is going to find anything on the bike course they can't either walk down safely or ride down safely. You will have to work pretty hard to hurt yourself, but you can do that in a road triathlon too, so no points to Xterra being dangerous.

Xterra is a great way to work on your bike strength, which you are going to need for Ironman events. One thing to keep in mind is that you can't ride 180km any FASTER than your fastest 40km time trial. So improving your speed over a short distance with inevitably improve the comfortable speed for the very long distances. Xterra will require a lot of lactate threshold and anaerobic fitness, which will help push your speed to new levels.

All the best!