The Traverse - Warrior's Society

[grant]

Originally Posted by ericfoltz

I can't imagine you being over 1:30 to Beeks.

My goal for the day will be to make Four Corners before Tinker hits the Finish Line.

I am not too worried about getting to Beeks, since I will be fresh and raring to go, but once I start hurting after 3 hours or so, that's the crux for me. I feel fitter than I was in the CC.

Originally Posted by L8 APEKS

I'm going slow and steady if anyone wants to hang back with me. I don't want to burn out, cramp up in the heat and not be able to finish.

I'll probably see you. My plate is #180.

[Winger]

I'm getting nervous and excited about the ride.

I keep replaying the course in my mind, trying to come up with the best race day strategy. Do I try to keep a consistent effort? Do I start easy, then push hard at the end? Hardtail or Full Suspension? I *think* I settled on the Full Suspension because of Trabuco Creek Road, but does the climbing ability and lightweight wheelset of the hardtail offset the drawbacks?

[L8 APEKS]

Originally Posted by ericfoltz

I can't imagine you being over 1:30 to Beeks.

My goal for the day will be to make Four Corners before Tinker hits the Finish Line.

Haha...good goal!

[Von-Skipp]

My goal time is below sub 5:30. I plan on pacing off my heart rate by keeping it below my Anerobic Threshold. For the thats 140. Once I get past the wall on MD, its basically everything I got left!!


I'm still debating on whether to bring my 50OZ Camelback and a bottle or my 100oz Cameback....

[allison]

Originally Posted by Winger

I *think* I settled on the Full Suspension because of Trabuco Creek Road, but does the climbing ability and lightweight wheelset of the hardtail offset the drawbacks?

There is a lot more climbing than there is Trabuco Creek Rd.

FWIW, I went heavy and used the Canzo instead of the Dos at VQ. I am glad I did it, but at the same time.. not sure I'd do it again

There are definitely pro's and con's to both. Really just depends on whether you'd rather be faster over all, or more comfortable near the end.

[Pho'dUp]

Originally Posted by Winger

Hardtail or Full Suspension? I *think* I settled on the Full Suspension because of Trabuco Creek Road

Same problem here. Save a couple pounds and run the hardtail or feel better and have more control running the FS. It's nice to have choices I guess.

[L8 APEKS]

Originally Posted by Von-Skipp

I'm still debating on whether to bring my 50OZ Camelback and a bottle or my 100oz Cameback....

I might be double-bagging it...

100oz plus 50oz in the HAWG, and a 24oz bottle. It's gonna be 100 deg with 100% exposure...I'm gonna sweat like a mad man!

Originally Posted by allison

There is a lot more climbing than there is Trabuco Creek Rd.

FWIW, I went heavy and used the Canzo instead of the Dos at VQ. I am glad I did it, but at the same time.. not sure I'd do it again

There are definitely pro's and con's to both. Really just depends on whether you'd rather be faster over all, or more comfortable near the end.

Yeah, agreed...I bought a FS frame specifically with Traverse and 12 Hours in mind. I'd rather have a little more cush to fight off fatigue over the duration, and don't mind the extra ~4lbs it weighs over my soft tail (~27.5 lbs vs ~31.5 lbs).

As for the climbing prowess...most of the climbing on those fire roads is a mild grade, and I don't think there's any difference between FS and HT in that arena if you're just seated and spinning. If it gets steep and you have to hammer, then that's where the difference would become readily apparent.

[ThinkFast]

Last year I rode a hardtail. This year I'm going full suspension. There is only a couple pounds of difference between the two for me so I don't think it will make much of a difference.

[allison]

FWIW, if the wheel size is the same... use the light wheelset

[Sebastian]

All I have to choose from is a Heavy Hartail and, well thats it. Easy decision for me!

[Winger]

Good points from all.

Both bikes weigh the same. For me there are a couple major factors.
-The HT has a significantly lighter wheelset (Which isn't interchangeable with the FS)
-I prefer the HT 8 speed 11-32 cassette versus the FS 9 speed 11-34 cassette.
-Over 46 miles, the FS will cushion my body better.
-The FS will be more forgiving in the downhill if I make a mental mistake and pick a bad line.

The FS is probably the correct choice, but there's that sick part of me that wants to try the hardtail.

[ericfoltz]

I'll stick with the FS. If I feel like I'm not suffering enough, I may put the Propedal on "3" for a few miles to remind myself why I didn't ride the HT.

As far as I'm concerned, Trabuco Creek Road is one of the best arguments I've seen for FS.

100oz Camelback + 24oz bottle. Gatorade & ice in both. 12 GUs.

Pretty much the same thing I take on all my long rides.

[xhuskr]

Only have my FS or SS and no way I could climb even 1/2 of Blackstar on my SS without my back exploding. Like others, I'm a bit concerned about the heat (bad for my MS) and pacing. I'll be near the back (#160) on a Flux with a Team Crash jersey...look for me taking breaks in any shade I find......I just want to finish, but not kill myself in doing so! Good luck everyone!

btw...full 100oz Camelback + bottle of Perpetuem...may consider another 1/2 bladder, the but weight my outweigh the benefit (http://www.hammernutrition.com/za/HN...%20%26%20Fuels)
on the bike and a very small bottle of h2o to pour on my doo rag to stay cool!

[Pho'dUp]

I'll see you out there Xhusker. We can share the shade with the snakes. Yeah, I plan to be disciplined and monitor my HR and pace. I think I will pack the emergency ice water bottle in case of heat stroke too. No glory in going to the hospital.

100oz bladder, Endurolytes tablets, 2 24oz bottles with powerade endurance, hammer gel... fingers crossed.

[xhuskr]

Originally Posted by Pho'dUp

I'll see you out there Xhusker. We can share the shade with the snakes. I think I will pack the emergency ice water bottle in case of heat stroke too. No glory in going to the hospital.

see ya at the back...I'm #160...you?

[KeepsWhatHappens]

I will be working the event. I'll toast you as you ride by west Horsethief.

[Pho'dUp]

Originally Posted by xhuskr

see ya at the back...I'm #160...you?

I think I'm #148.

[L8 APEKS]

Originally Posted by KeepsWhatHappens

I will be working the event. I'll toast you as you ride by west Horsethief.

Boy, if you're up there with an ice cold beer I'm not sure if I'll roll by and kick you out of jealousy...or jump off the bike, pull one from your secret stash and relax for a few!

[davidB]

good luck guys!

i hope to do one of these things next year

[Von-Skipp]

Are iPods allowed? USA Cycling bans iPods, but this isnt USA Cycling sanctioned right??