to race? to train? or both?

this sunday is the EFTA season opener, the Glocester Grind. from what i understand it's a typical coastal new england xc race. technical rocky singletrack, minor climbs, sandy fireroads, 4 short laps, 22-23 total miles. what i'm geeking-out about is whether i should continue to focus on the base miles with a 5-6 hour road ride on saturday, then an eaasy 2-3hrs on sunday? or train right through this race - something i usually don't do. i'm all about going into events in the best form i can muster (which isn't always much), but with the Mohican 100 4 weeks away, then the mont sainte anne marathon 2 wks later, need to go into that 2 week stretch carrying immense base fitness so i can taper for both events. have asked a few folks whose opinions in these matters is most excellent. across the board the answer has been to rock the EFTA - and train right through it. ouch. as thom mentioned, "you just can't fake efforts like this" and he's right.

i hope everyone else has a great wknd of rides! and good luck at Lodi jm.