Traverse Training

[Bergsteiger]

I am planning on timing myself this weekend to see how long it takes to ride the first section of the Traverse.
From the start on Blackstar to the First Aid Station at Four Corners the cutoff time is 11AM. How long is this?
I have not ridden that section and could not find Four Corners exactly on Geoladders.
I know some people finish the whole race in 5 hours, but I will not be one of them. Just want to see how tough that cutoff time is.

[allison]

Blackstar to Motorway I believe is around 18-19 miles? The whole loop is around 24 (including road ride from Maple Springs to Blackstar).

I am pretty sure that from the bottom of Motorway up to 4 Corners is 7 miles? It's basically all climbing, though.

Is that what you were asking, basically?

Not sure how much help it is, but I *think* Justin and I got to 4 corners around 9:30? during VQ? I'm going by memory only, not looking anything up.

[Bergsteiger]

Originally Posted by allison

Blackstar to Motorway I believe is around 18-19 miles? The whole loop is around 24 (including road ride from Maple Springs to Blackstar).

I am pretty sure that from the bottom of Motorway up to 4 Corners is 7 miles? It's basically all climbing, though.

Is that what you were asking, basically?

Not sure how much help it is, but I *think* Justin and I got to 4 corners around 9:30? during VQ? I'm going by memory only, not looking anything up.

Hmm.. Since I haven't been to that area, I am not sure. Check out the Traverse web page and see if you can tell where the first Aid Station is.
It says Four Corners, which is the intersection of Maple Springs and Main Divide Road.
Start time is 7AM and the cutoff is 11 for that checkpoint, that seems like plenty of time, I am just curious about mileage and gain. Thanks

[ericfoltz]

Main Divide is still closed from Eagle Road all the way to Santiago Peak. Riding out Maple Springs at the closed gate might be kind of a bust.

[allison]

Ohhh. It is slight different. You won't be descending Motorway or climbing back up Maple Springs.

You can probably do a search on Geoladders for like Motorway 2x to see if you can determine the distance of Main Divide in between the top of Motorway and Four Corners.

I've never ridden that, so no idea on distance. I'm sure someone here knows, though.

I'd imagine it's 5-6 miles?

Originally Posted by ericfoltz

Main Divide is still closed from Eagle Road all the way to Santiago Peak. Riding out Maple Springs at the closed gate might be kind of a bust.

Good point. You won't be able to preride anything except for Blackstar to Eagle Rd, and then the peak down Holy Jim.

[Bergsteiger]

Sorry if I am slow in getting this, but can I not ride from the bottom of Blackstar to Four Corners without breaking closure rules?
Seems like the closures are not in that area but I could be wrong.

[KonaDupee]

I am starting to step up my Traverse training also. Given my general lack of knowledge of the area & all of the closures, I've simply been doing Blackstar to Eagle & back. Gene says that this is about a 1/4 of the course; I'd really like to ride other open areas with someone that's more familiar with them!

If you plan on riding Sunday, please post something in the TrailHead section or PM me, please. I'd love to join ya...if'n you're up for company!

Either way, good luck with the training! I'm right there with you in terms of having the goal of simply finishing.

[Bergsteiger]

Not sure if it will be Saturday or Sunday, but I'll post it for sure by tomorrow. The more the merrier.

[KonaDupee]

One way or another, I'll be out there on Sunday. Don't have the time for a long Saturday ride.

But if we can set something up for Sunday...that'd be perfect.

[Pilas]

Unless you have mechanical or other major issues, you should have no problem making the cutoff.
That section is the hardest part of the race, but I think 5 hours should be sufficient for anybody with an acceptable level of endurance.
You'll be climbing steadily up Black Star, and then roller coasting on Main Divide with a few pretty steep climbs thrown in.
There is a particularly steep and loose section a couple of miles before 4 corners. It is rideable, as long as your pedaling is smooth and you pick a good line. I was able to stay on my bike, both during the pre-ride and on race day, but I really had to concentrate on smooth pedaling.
My advice is to make sure that you stay on top of your fluid and food intake. There is no Aid station until you hit 4 corners, and it could get pretty hot on Main Divide on race day.
Good luck!

[Sebastian]

I would love to join you guys but I have no Car! I think my first pre ride will be on May 10 when I pick up my packet. Good luck everyone.

[ericfoltz]

Originally Posted by Bergsteiger

Sorry if I am slow in getting this, but can I not ride from the bottom of Blackstar to Four Corners without breaking closure rules?

You can ride Blackstar to Main Divide and Main Divide to Eagle Road.

Main Divide is then closed all the way to Santiago Peak. This includes Four Corners.

http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/cleveland/co...e-santiago.pdf

[genusmtbkr5]

4 hours is lots of time the get to 4 corners although like the VQ, there will be riders that will not make it. I made it to 4 corners in just under 3 hrs last year with mechanicals, but I also know of riders that took 5 to get there.

As others have stated, you cannot pre-ride the course as most of it is in the closed section of the Forest.

[NO GO]

Eric - Plan this ride within the next month and I'll go. Let me know.

[Mtnbkrdr98]

I am in and need to start training if I want to not be hurtin.
Anybody plan on training on road or mtn bikes (the course) next 4 or 5 weekends?

dk in Huntington Beach

[xhuskr]

Riding to work a couple days a week..getting 20-25+ mile rides in on weekends. No major training this weekend...fun at the Irvine Open day (Wilderness Access Day). Hit me up for the next weekend. Did 25 miles and 4500ft at Turnbull last weekend....good place to train! Hope this helps

[Bergsteiger]

Originally Posted by ericfoltz

You can ride Blackstar to Main Divide and Main Divide to Eagle Road.

Main Divide is then closed all the way to Santiago Peak. This includes Four Corners.

http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/cleveland/co...e-santiago.pdf

So I can ride from Blackstar to Eagle Road essentially?
How long is that? I am assuming that is before Four Corners, do you know the rough distance between Eagle and Four Corners?
Thanks for the help

[Bergsteiger]

This Sunday I plan on doing a training ride in the Santa Anas. I am still trying to figure out what would be a good solid 20 mile ride. I would prefer doing Blackstar and go as far as legally possible and descend. This would give us a taste for the Traverse. I am flexible and open to suggestions.
Start time 0800 on Sunday the 20th.

[tbowren]

Originally Posted by Bergsteiger

So I can ride from Blackstar to Eagle Road essentially?
How long is that? I am assuming that is before Four Corners, do you know the rough distance between Eagle and Four Corners?
Thanks for the help

That is probably around 14 miles. I believe it's just over 15 miles from Blackstar to the top of Motorway.

According to my GPS data from last years traverse 4 corners looks like its around 7 miles from Eagle peak.

I say "Around" because I'm not sure which peak is eagle peak. I could be off my a quarter mile in either direction.

It takes me about 2:15 to 2:30 to get to Eagle Peak, and 1:20 to 1:30 to get from there to 4 Corners.

[tbowren]

Blackstar - Eagle Peak and back should be around 28 or 29 miles and over 4000ft of climbing.

That should be a good taste of the Traverse. Take extra water and be especially mindful how much water you have left when you turn around.