2008 Mt. SAC Fat Tire Classic 11/2/08

I'd love to do a SS race, but 18 miles?! That just sounds like a lot!

Are there any gals who have done this race on the SS?

 

Yikes! I haven't done 18 miles on the single speed. May need to rethink that one...:-k

How are the climbs?

 

it's actually a pretty "easy" course comparative to others. Only rode it once, but I only remember a couple fireroad climbs. I'd think it'd be a good SS course, but hopefully more can chime in. I know that there's a good portion that's flat.

 

I would consider doing it on the SS...

Carla - I'll do it if you do it! [-o-]

 

As I said before, it is on College property. I don't think it is accessible except on race day. It is not marked until race day and there may be gates that are locked and they do change the route from time to time. Last year it was different than previous years.

 

1st year I entered they had a beginner SS category which was only 2 laps. The year after, it was an open SS category so everyone had to do 3 laps. I knew I'd be struggling with 3, so I opted to ride SS in the beginner geared category. No chance for a trophy, but still fun finishing ahead of a lot of geared riders.

I'll be riding SS again, but haven't decided whether to entry in the SS category or ride with the gearies this time around. :-k

 

Thanks for the info Mike... I think I'll just do it. I love my SS. I remember during my first race (geared), I was fumbling a lot trying to decide if I should mash or spin and it was a lot of wasted energy.

SS = one less thing to think about!

 

Plus you won't look as dumb as me when I upshift instead of down :lol:

 

There is conflicting info on the event website vs. the registration site. One lists the Beginner Women for 1 lap, the other site (Bikereg) for 2 laps. Or do I "buck up" and enter the Sport category for 3 laps and take my licks and hope I'm not the last to finish.

 

I am assuming that the correct classes would be the ones on the registration page. I sent an email request to the promoter to find out. I will post the answer as soon as I get it.

P.S. The 1st year I raced there I did beginner. Last year I bumped up to Sport. 1 lap was too easy but 3 laps was definitely a stretch!!!

 

I'd go by the bikereg.com registration page as well. My wife updates the Mt. Sac race site. I don't think she got new info this year for the start times & distances page, so it probably still has last year's information on it. I'll ask her to fix.

 

Thanks Nancy -
One laps seems a little "light" and I know 3 laps will be definitely make me whine!

 

I was wondering about that too. Can't wait to find out since I signed up for beginner.

 

i really want to enter in this race, i'd probably go beginner since it'd be my first race.. what's the age group i'd be expecting to race against?

oh nm, i found my answer on the registration page!

 

Just signed up for SS Women's. Hopefully Carla will race SS too so I'm not alone!

 

Do you guys have any helpful tips for a noob racer? racing etiquette?

 

-eat well the night before, carbs are good
-having something light the morning of, oatmeal seems to be a favorite
-make sure you have enough water or drink of choice, but not too much or it's extra weight you don't need
-don't rush yourself too much at the beginning of the race. You'll end up exhausted too soon. You learn how to pace yourself with more races.
-so race you're own race, your own fast pace, and MOST IMPORTANTLY

Have fun! :bang:

denmo, there going to be a group ride the day before?

 

From experience......

• Learn how to safely pass other riders. Look for opportunities to surge ahead of slower riders so you do not get stuck behind slower people on the singletrack.
• Practice safe passing by saying "may I pass please" and "passing on your right or left".
• Yield when others want to pass you. Be aware that you might get lapped and sometimes by more than 1 rider at a time. I have learned to ask how many are passing so I know when I can resume. Sometimes you have to pull over, but I prefer to keep pedaling and make them go around. Not everyone is polite!!!!! The rule of thumb is "to pass when it is safe".

 

The best advice I got was:
Don't start out at a pace you can't maintain. It wears you out and demoralizes you, and yet lots of folks do it. Plus, it's contagious!

 

im slow