Races›Gran Fondo

York 38 Special

Race-specific weather data and nutrition strategy for York 38 Special in Helena, MT, US.

CyclingGran FondoRegistration Open
LocationHelena, MT, US
Date
June 1, 2026
Register on RunSignUpBuild Your Fueling PlanOfficial website
Race Location46.59°, -112.04°
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Race-Day Conditions

High Heat Risk
Temperature
69°F

58–85°F range

Humidity
50%

40–75% range

5-year average via Open-Meteo. 80% of race days fall within the range shown. Updated Mar 30, 2026.

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High heat risk

Race-day temperatures can reach 85°F. Expect 15-25% higher sweat rates. Increase sodium to 800-1200 mg/hr and plan for more frequent fluid intake. Pre-cool with ice and cold fluids.

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Consistent intake on the bike

Cycling allows for higher fueling rates than running since there is less GI jostling. Set a timer for every 15-20 minutes and aim for steady intake. Bottles are easier to manage than gels at high speeds.

Sample Gran Fondo Nutrition Plan

Based on a 165 lb cyclist finishing in ~5 hours. Your plan will differ based on body weight, experience, and conditions.

HourCarbsFluidSodiumExample
Hour 160g24oz400mgDrink mix + bar
Hour 280g29oz500mgDrink mix + gel
Hour 380g29oz500mgDrink mix + chews
Hour 470g26oz500mgGel + banana
Hour 560g22oz400mgGel + sports drink
Total350g130oz2300mg

These are general estimates. Get your personalized plan for this race →

What to Expect at York 38 Special

York 38 Special is a Gran Fondo gran fondo held in Helena, MT, US. Based on 5 years of historical weather data, athletes can expect median race-day temperatures around 69°F.

Temperatures at York 38 Special typically range from 58°F to 85°F. This puts the race squarely in high heat risk territory. Sweat rates can increase 15–25% in these conditions, meaning both fluid and sodium demands rise significantly. Athletes should plan for increased hydration, consider pre-cooling strategies, and expect pace adjustments — even well-trained runners slow 1–3% per 10°F above 60°F. Humidity is also a factor here, with levels reaching 75% on warmer days. High humidity impairs sweat evaporation — your body's primary cooling mechanism — so perceived effort rises even when temperatures look manageable on paper.

Cycling events allow for higher fueling rates than running since there's less GI jostling. Most riders can comfortably handle 80–100g of carbs per hour, delivered through a mix of bottles, bars, and on-bike snacks. Set a recurring 15–20 minute timer as a fueling reminder — it's easy to forget when you're focused on the road.

We do our best to keep race details accurate and up to date, but things can change and occasionally we simply get something wrong.

Always check the official website for the most complete and current information.

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Fueling and hydration suggestions are based on published sports science research including ACSM position stands, ISSN guidelines, and peer-reviewed work by Jeukendrup, Sawka, and others. This is not medical or dietary advice — individual needs vary. Always test your nutrition strategy in training before race day.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I eat during the race?
Your nutrition plan depends on your body weight, experience level, and race-day conditions. Use our free calculator to get a personalized, hour-by-hour fueling plan with specific carb, fluid, and sodium targets for this Gran Fondo.
What is the typical race-day weather?
Based on 5 years of historical data, race-day temperatures at Helena, MT typically range from 58°F to 85°F (median 69°F). Humidity ranges from 40% to 75%.
How much water should I drink?
Fluid needs vary based on your sweat rate, body weight, and race-day temperature. A typical range is 400-800 mL per hour, but hotter conditions at Helena, MT may require more. Our calculator provides personalized fluid targets adjusted for the expected weather.
How many calories do I need?
Rather than replacing all calories burned, focus on carbohydrate intake — the primary fuel for endurance performance. Target 30-50% of caloric expenditure through carbs. Our calculator computes the exact hourly targets based on your Gran Fondo pace and body weight.
When should I start fueling?
Begin fueling within the first 30-45 minutes. Start at about 70% of your target intake and ramp up to full by hour 2. This gives your gut time to adjust. Starting too late makes it nearly impossible to catch up on carbs and fluids.
Source: runsignup_apiView sourceVerified: Mar 30, 2026Confidence: 95%