12 hours of temecula, november '09

I have a few question here for anyone. I am going to be doing this race (done it before on 3 and 2 man teams) solo for the first time. I would not classify myself as a beginner in a <20 mile xc race, but when it comes to endurance I cramp up after 4 laps out in Temecula. Would it be fair to enter the beginner category for my first time solo or because I have race before, should I enter in as sport? I did look at previous results, and sport and beginner tend to have the same number of laps and times, so I guess it really doesn't matter, but just don't want to be a sand bagger.

Also, my wife just started working as an RN and works every other weekend so she may be working race weekend so I may be showing up all by my lonesome. Is there anyone going up just for fun? Maybe hang out and run pits for solo guys with no friends?

 

If Rawhead does this race I will most likly run pit for him.

I am racing Silverman Nov 8th, so no way will I be recovered enough for a 12 hour.

 

my .02....

Chris B. - last year most of the guys racing beginner solo had a few xc races under their belts and even a few 12hr team races.. If you look at their results as the year progressed their laps increased every race, once the season ended they all moved up to sport (well at the least non sandbaggers did #-o)..
This year does seem to have a MORE THAN A FEW sandbaggers in beginner

I think you have every reason to start in beginner and *test out the waters* If you crush your competition then you know next race you should move up.

Good luck out there and we'll see you at the races!

 

I think once you can hover around the 1 hour mark or less you are definitely capable of racing Sport. I agree with Surlygal if you have never done a solo 12 and let's say you are not racing for a team that sponsors you - beginner is the way to go. There are many strong and skilled beginners. See you out there!

 

I think 2 popular cliches would work here:

1. You never know until you try!

2. Slow and steady wins the race.

Go for it! I might be out there. If I manage to acquire a bike by then, I might participate. If not, I may just be there to hang out. If I'm there, I'd be happy to help you in your pit. I'm not much of a wrench, but I can mix a mean Igloo of Gatorade!

 

Going to disagree with #2 here. Fast and steady wins!

 

Eh...by "win" I simply meant "finish." Seeing as how this would be a first-time solo 12 hour event.

 

Sounds good. After looking at lap times though, I think I would have a better chance placing better in intermediate!

Alright, it is official. I signed up for my first 12 hours solo. Beginner category. Anyone want to train for the next month and a half or so?

 

Very cool...you're gonna have fun!

You're a little far from me, but I might see you at the event. Good luck! Plan your fuel & hydration carefully, that's the most important part about going the distance. :beer:

 

There are some other ways to determine what class you race in. I also use this guide to determine where I line up for the mass start and to find others racing in my class.

Beginner
- Wearing baggy MTB clothing
- Hydration pack very likely

Sport
- Probably wearing lycra
- Runs bottles only
- Hairy legs

Expert
- Legs are shaved
- BMI under 18.5
- Matching kit

I race sport, so in my case, I line up behind the leg shavers

 

:lol: True for the most part. Sport here, except I have a matching kit, under 19.5 bmi, and am hairless as well. :lol: Most beginners will also have a black helmet

 

SANDBAGGER!!!!!!!!!:lol:

 

I agree with you on this. I'd race beginner...but
If you make it to the podium, start the new season in January as a sport.

There would be tons of people that can help you on this.
At Rim Nordic Jason had the solo pits right at front to make it easier.

 

i'm thinking of doing this one or the one in january solo. I have not done any endurance events so i'm inclined to race beginner, but sport has the same results almost. :?:

i'm a maybe :-k

 

Hey now, I just started racing sport earlier this year and am now starting to place top 3. Will finish off my last 3 races this year including this one, then probably move to cat1

 

That is so funny because my buddy and I raced in the vail lake series, it was both of our first races, and yeah we were all decked out in the noob gear. Ha Ha, I just cant break down and wear the lycra. And I am not going to go out and spend 200 dollars on a gettup that I will wear for a day because I sure as hell aint wearing that gear riding for fun. ha ha. Thanks again that made me laugh.:lol:

 

Is there any info on the course?, I thought I heard they took out the dam climb.

 

If it's the same course as I did in January this year, then yes the Dam Climb is out.

 

Jason always incorporates minor changes to the course for each race. He has been busy with the SoCal Endurance race this weekend and I am sure once that is over and he gets some rest, he will be out marking up the course for november

 

November Course

Things arent finalized yet but here is a pre STR course breakdown. We are going old school!
- lake rd
- damn climb
- top sections
- around the saddle
- down the funner ridgeline 1 ( the original ridgeline )
- ambulance climb
- tunnel of love
- BMX
- marine corp
- home

This is one of the first courses we ever ran. This is one of the first courses I set up for the 24hr race 4 yrs ago. I will get you guys a GPS file for the course next week. Gotta get through the Epic 50 this weekend first. Anyhow hope we see you guys out at Vail this weekend!
I'm out!
Jason