Elings Park (Santa Barbara) DH Race 9/9

[dhshuttlemonkey]

Team Big Bear has added a DH race in Santa Barbara at Elings Park on Saturday 9/9.

Practice 10:00am (The flyer says 12:30PM which is wrong)
Race 1:00pm (2 run format)

http://www.teambigbear.com

[roadkillross]

im definetly gonna try to get there frank

u gonna race

[dhshuttlemonkey]

I might head up there.

[Wrecker]

Does anyone have any idea on what the course is like...XC specifically. I know there were some details on the downhill, but I can't find much on the XC course (other than it's approx 5-6 miles).

[dhshuttlemonkey]

Originally Posted by Chelle

Does anyone have any idea on what the course is like...XC specifically. I know there were some details on the downhill, but I can't find much on the XC course (other than it's approx 5-6 miles).

Chelle, go to this link and click on the XC course map. http://www.santabarbarabikefest.com/##

[SScheetz]

Originally Posted by Chelle

Does anyone have any idea on what the course is like...XC specifically. I know there were some details on the downhill, but I can't find much on the XC course (other than it's approx 5-6 miles).

The whole course is laid out on a rather small hill. They milk this baby into 6 miles with tons of turns. The first climb to the top has several tight switchbacks. While you’re on the top it twists and turns like a snake. The descent on the back side (ocean side) is down more switchbacks. You head back up to the top on a fire road then descend on fast single track with some very fun banked corners. The final climb back up the start/finish is on a steep paved road. Overall it has a large backyard feel to it. It’s actually pretty fun.

[Wrecker]

Thanks guys. I think I'll try it. After all, I'm still a beginner, so what the hell.

The switchback don't look too tight, are they like San Juan switchbacks, or Holly Jim? Or like Dripping Cave (at Aliso) switchbacks?

Heehee, as though that will stop me from trying

[SScheetz]

Originally Posted by Chelle

The switchback don't look too tight, are they like San Juan switchbacks, or Holly Jim? Or like Dripping Cave (at Aliso) switchbacks?

They’re easy. Sort of like Holy Jim. I said “tight”, but now that I think about it, they’re not that tight.

Even thought it's next to the coast in SB, be prepared for heat. The last race I did there was 100 out on the course. This isn't the norm, it was just a freaky day. I almost DNF'd.