Sunday, March 21, 2010

RWR race preview

Today was to be the bad day, the really cold and wet ride that we would suffer through just cause. Trish, Rob, Dave, Anna and I all met at Walmart in Rockland. We thought this would be a good place to save time as some of us needed to buy toothpaste, food and pickles anyways.
We were rolling by 12pm. Glorious sunshine and dry roads, Surprise! I had downloaded the route onto my 705 so following the course was really easy. For the first time in my life I was telling people where to turn and I didn't feel lost. It was a life changing experience.
Anyways, there were 2 steep climbs in the first 5 km, not long but steep enough to break things up right away. Overall the course was pretty damn tough. 86 km in about 3.5 hrs. One flat for Anna as usual. We waited for her.
I'd guess it was at least 80% gravel/dirt roads. There were only a couple of paved road stretches that lasted more than 5km. Seemed like we were always turning and always getting beat up by pot holes big sinky gravel or washboards. Awesome! It also felt pretty hilly, I was pretty tired from a long ride the day before but I was still able to tell flat from hilly--it was hilly.
I highly recommend checking it out even if you don't plan on racing it, especially if you haven't ridden in the area before.
Can you believe it's March!!!
Neil

8 comments:

Andy said...

What info can you give about tire selection? What were you all running and what do you think would be optimal for the race day?

David Stachon said...

Good stuff Neil.

I feel that pickles are food however.

Andy, for tires ....I would go as durable and as wide as your bike will allow (assuming you're on a road or cross bike) ...and try to keep the pressure as low as possible. There are endless washboard sections that shake the bones.

Matt Surch said...

I cuncur David, pickles are indeed food. I googled 'pickles' and the internet told me they are transformed cucumbers, and cucumbers are definitely food. During D2R2 last year, I found the combination of pickles and watermelon at the top of the longest, hardest climb late in the ride was perfect. I suggested they provide pickles at earlier stops too, as they are so darn salty good when you are sweating a lot. "Hey, is that a pickle in yourt pocket?"

rob.parniak said...

I think a lightweight and fast rolling 28 or 30mm tire would be ideal. I rode the 28mm Grand Bois and they were great on my 'cross bike. If I were racing I'd ride a road bike with 28mm tires, a comfy saddle and padded gloves. There's certainly no need for knobby 'cross tires as traction will not be an issue. Most of the race is nasty gravel though so I see no point in running regular road tires. As Dave said it's bumpy as hell... Likely windy and sloppy too.. bring a good attitude. Should be a great race.

Rodd Heino said...

Andy, great suggestions from all
But as you said you schwinn is lacking in clearance and can't fit the 28s
I do have, as mentioned, a pair of Michelin Pro race 2's in 25c that actually measure more like a 26
You should bring the bike by and we'll try em
you're welcome to use them for the race

Matt Surch said...

Also count on conditions varying from week to week out there. The dirt roads we are used to riding can be drastically different from one week to the next. Gravel gets pushed off to the sides and you've got a smooth surface...or fresh is laid down. Best to count on it being rough.

Andy said...

After re-reading the course description I've got half a mind to just ride it on my Tweed with the 30mm grand bois treads. However, on a hilly course I'd be much faster on the Schwinn. I wonder if the Challenge parigi-roubaix tires might just fit...

Thanks for the tire offer Rodd, I just need to get my bike off the trainer and find a time to drop by. Matt, would it also be possible for me to test clearance with your Challenge 27c tires? The other option is pick up some 25c Continentals. Choices, choices, choices...

Matt Surch said...

Hey Andy, I don't have any Roubaixs on bike at the moment, just Grand Bois (a 30 and 28) and some Specialized units. Pascal has both 28s on his bike right now. The Roubaix in 27 and Grand Bois in 28 are identical in size. I've measured them and their roll-out is identical, also had them both on the same bike with same clearance. So you can go either way if you have room. Check out Vittoria's classics tire, the Pave EVO CX, if you don't have the room. It comes in 24 and 27. Also, Shwalbe's Ultremo is now out in larger sizes, including 25 and 28. Whether the 27 Pave or 28 Ultremo are true to their size I cannot say.