Southridge Winter Series Race #1

[Jman]

I agree with Allison I could probably do two laps but looking at the times from the last couple of years I doubt I'd be even close to competitive. I figure since its my first race I'm just going to go out and have a good time. I figure with nerves, a few spectators and an unfamiliar course I'll be happy with finishing one lap in about an hour and really stoked if its anything less than that!

[allison]

Originally Posted by Pickettt

I have a friend that I'm trying to get to race. Not my wife, just a friend. She's never raced, but she's so damn gritty on a bike, road or mountain. She rides a geared rigid better than a lot of guys I know. I'm just having a hard time convincing her to try racing. I even offered to pay her entry. Any suggestions?

I'd tell her there is really not a lot of pressure. Not too many women racing, but everyone is fairly friendly.

Does she like riding? If she's got no interest in racing it's probably best to just let her be. Maybe invite her out and see if she gets interested after watching?

[Marshall Willanholly]

Originally Posted by Pickettt

I have a friend that I'm trying to get to race. Not my wife, just a friend. She's never raced, but she's so damn gritty on a bike, road or mountain. She rides a geared rigid better than a lot of guys I know. I'm just having a hard time convincing her to try racing. I even offered to pay her entry. Any suggestions?

Does she have a specific reason why she doesn't want to race? I can understand if she doesn't feel comfortable in a highly competitive environment. I can only relate my experiences in Sport class DH, but all of the other guys that I've met in my class have been very cool. No aggro attitudes or intimidation. We're all there to have a good time.

Racing has also pushed me to improve my riding and I have noticed the benefits over the past year. Now I pay more attention to things like body position and line choice, even on weekend rides, and I feel more confident overall.

It's a fun time hanging out with friends and making new ones, as well as exploring a different aspect of the sport. It may not end up being everyone's cup of tea but I think everyone should try it once or twice before they make that decision.

[PacMan]

What's the mileage and elevation gain for the XC course?

[Pickettt]

Details, details. Just pedal as far and fast as possible, everyone will let you know when you're done.

[Marshall Willanholly]

Originally Posted by PacMan

What's the mileage and elevation gain for the XC course?

I don't know if this is the course they're using, but here's what Geoladders has:

http://www.geoladders.com/show_route.php?route=431

6.7 miles
1,028 ft elevation gain

[allison]

Originally Posted by PacMan

What's the mileage and elevation gain for the XC course?

http://www.geoladders.com/show_route.php?route=431

[Pickettt]

The Geoladders route is close, but not entirely accurate. The course has a small change.

[PacMan]

Originally Posted by Marshall Willanholly

I don't know if this is the course they're using, but here's what Geoladders has:

http://www.geoladders.com/show_route.php?route=431

6.7 miles
1,028 ft elevation gain

According to this: http://www.geoladders.com/mbr_show_race.php?route=3898 from a race there last March, that appears to be it. The Pro class guys doing 3 laps and turning in times under 2 hours is crazy fast.

Doing 1 lap, the Beginner class 1st place finisher in my age group turned in a time of 43:13. Justin/Mechmann placed 3rd with a 45:47.

I can knock out roughly double that at Daley Ranch in 1:45. So cut my 1:45 in half and say 52:30. Then say race pace, less fatigue due to shorter distance and less time on trail and I may be able to get close to the 7th place finisher's time of 51:01.

It's a lot of fuzzy math and definitley some over-analyzing on my part, but it does sound intrigueing.

[Rockinthecasbah]

Are 4x bikes still required to run gears ??

[allison]

Originally Posted by PacMan

According to this: http://www.geoladders.com/mbr_show_race.php?route=3898 that appears to be it. The Pro class guys doing 3 laps and turning in times under 2 hours is crazy fast.

That's why they are pro's! I can barely do 2 laps in that amount of time.

[2wheel_lee]

Originally Posted by jfromlv

Different course every race for super d. Last race in Nov. was the first time it was necessary to break it up into classes, nearly 40 entrants. Most of the year there had been around 10 entrants. I raced expert.

Sandbagger.

[Pickettt]

Pacman, if it could be figured like that, we'd just extrapolate numbers instead of going out and racing. Get out there and give it what you've got. Heart goes farther than legs and lungs.

[2wheel_lee]

Originally Posted by Rockinthecasbah

Are 4x bikes still required to run gears ??

I think I recently read that singlespeeds are ok now. Are you going to race 4X? If so, what class?

[PacMan]

Originally Posted by Pickettt

Pacman, if it could be figured like that, we'd just extrapolate numbers instead of going out and racing. Get out there and give it what you've got. Heart goes farther than legs and lungs.

You mean I don't automatically get the 8th place trophy with all my mathematical genius at work?? The numbers are right there. I demand my just reward!!!!!!

[Pickettt]

What I mean is, when you line up, line up to win, even if it's not probable.

[PacMan]

Originally Posted by Pickettt

What I mean is, when you line up, line up to win, even if it's not probable.

Ya, I got ya bro. I was just being facetious earlier and overly judicious before that.

[allison]

Originally Posted by Pickettt

What I mean is, when you line up, line up to win, even if it's not probable.

I don't think it's necessary to go into that way. You can just go out to test yourself and hope to have fun.

[Pickettt]

Of course winning isn't what's most important. Having fun is. BUT, when I go to the archery range to have fun, I don't aim for the outer rings. I aim for the bullseye...but seldom hit it, it's still fun.

[danlorek]

Originally Posted by Pickettt

Of course winning isn't what's most important. Having fun is. BUT, when I go to the archery range to have fun, I don't aim for the outer rings. I aim for the bullseye...but seldom hit it, it's still fun.

uhhhh... actually, winning's pretty damn important.