The Traverse 2009: All information thread(merged)

Discussion in 'Racing and Training' started by Cowgirl, Oct 27, 2008.

  1. Cowgirl

    Cowgirl New Member

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    We will be continueing with the T-shirts with registration and also a finisher ribbon will be handed out...just not a beaded feather like the VQ and CC.....
     
  2. OMR

    OMR Old Man Riding...

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    Grasshoppers...

    I'll be volunteering again this year ... I get too much kick out of cheering on everybody as they come through my station. Hopefully, the weather will cooperate this year... for a change.

    Good luck & see you guys out there! :bang:
     
  3. CeeDubb

    CeeDubb 9.8m/sec² - It's the law

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    The Traverse 2009

    The Traverse in on May 9, 2009. Who's doing it?

    Is the vibe anything like VQ/CC?

    I'm regretting not doing VQ this year and one of my customers has graciously offered his Traverse spot to me.

    What what are some of your experiences with it?
     
  4. Sebastian

    Sebastian New Member

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    I keep going back and forth on it. I did it last year. I have not done the VQ yet. The traverse was tough cause it was my first race ever and it was f'n hot. I am sure its still tough even if its not your first race. See write up below.
    http://www.warriorssociety.org/events/writeup_traverse2008.html

    It was fun and challenging and I suggest doing it. Even if you don't finish, being apart of that race was something else. All the help and friendship from the other riders and volunteers was awesome!

    I have had a busy winter and havent ridden as much as i wanted to, but I am thinking I may still just do it just to do it. We will see. If you do it, good luck!

    Edit: I just noticed your buddy is offering his spot, I would do it for sure then.. Great opportunity.
     
  5. GeorgiaOfTheJungle

    GeorgiaOfTheJungle THE Penultimate Mtb'er

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    [-( FREAKS!!! #-o[-X [-(
     
  6. genusmtbkr5

    genusmtbkr5 STR Moderator

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    IMHO, the Traverse is harder than the CC and mile per mile just as tough as the VQ. You don't get the long sustained descents on the Traverse like you do on the VQ/CC.(VQ has a tough cutoff and HAB up WHT)

    The toughest climbs on the MD are not in the CC or VQ, they're in the Traverse. Those 2 climbs past the Motorway going towards 4 Corners are the toughest climbs on the MD. Both steep and loose. Then the "wall" before West Horse Theif still looms.

    The first year it was held in June and it was moved up a month because of heat, but last year was even hotter.

    The cutoff at 4 Corners for the Traverse are very generous and most will make it through. Question is do you really want too?
     
  7. CeeDubb

    CeeDubb 9.8m/sec² - It's the law

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    Oooh...I wanna. I WANNA!
     
  8. Sebastian

    Sebastian New Member

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    Now I wanna get in on it too... There are still spots open..
     
  9. genusmtbkr5

    genusmtbkr5 STR Moderator

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    Yes, but only about 19
     
  10. CeeDubb

    CeeDubb 9.8m/sec² - It's the law

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    Hmmm...maybe I should start training. :-k
     
  11. jbh65

    jbh65 Member

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    Gene's 100% dead right. My suggestion would be ride from Blackstar to Four Corners by the way of the Main Divide. Then do the ride up HJ and over to and down Trabucco Trail.

    The section of the main divide between the top of the Motorway and 4C's is in my opinion the toughest stretch of fire road out there.

    I think the Traverse is considerably harder then the CC, BUT the inspiration you get from all of the volunteers, & of course the WS is very inspirational. Train hard cause the temps will absolutely grind you.
     
  12. Pho'dUp

    Pho'dUp Spam Musubi MasherSS

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    Traverse is 'core. B/c it's almost assured it's going to be farking hot. Less aid stations means that most mortals have carry a very heavy pack which means even slower going. I just had a very tough day at the VQ, but the Traverse brings a whole different kinda of challenge b/c of the heat.
     
  13. TrojanInsomniac

    TrojanInsomniac Active Member

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    After being off the bike for over six weeks, chances of me being in good enough shape to complete it are pretty slim. However, since I already paid the registration fee, I plan on giving it a shot.
     
  14. Abui

    Abui Active Member

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    When training for the VQ I rode the toughest section backwards and thought "geez this is a bunch of B's". I signed up early to beat the rush (of fools?). I'll see you there.
     
  15. dubjay

    dubjay Having upgraditis is OK

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    I would say it's a little different due to a few reasons.

    #1) There's a smaller field so less spectators, etc. (175 vs. 350+?)

    #2) The cutoffs probably scare off the more casual riders. First cutoff is at 4 hours, same as VQ/CC, but instead of heading downhill @ Motorway, you have continue climbing on the Main Divide for another 6 or so miles to Four Corners. Riders are a little more serious (IMO).
     
  16. CalEpic

    CalEpic member

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    I'm not saying no, I'm saying HELL NO!
     
  17. jasonmason

    jasonmason inebriate savant

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    Think of it this way - the overall distance is, i think, about 40 miles. Figure the road out is 5 miles, the descent on trabuco about 4, and so you have 31 miles of climbing. Your so called 'rests' are descents like the descent from Santiago peak to LHJ, stuff like that, and there is more than one 'wall' to climbing when you stay on the main divide. Like Gene said, it's defintely tougher than cc. Last year the heat was brutal - i made the cutoffs and still bailed down holy jim, since i just couldn't keep hydrated. Twice is enough, i'll skip this year.
     
  18. mtnbikej

    mtnbikej Well-Known Member

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    About 2 weeks ago we had only about 20 spots available.

    I suggest you register soon if you want to try this out.



    Also, keep in mind that the Traverse is truly a race......where as VQ/CC is a timed event, but the 1st place rider and the last finisher get the same award.
     
  19. DISCO

    DISCO Banned

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    Just a bike ride, there are tougher ones out there. Still beats loafing around the couch watching your ass get fatter.
     
  20. chanson

    chanson doepicshit.

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    think i am going to go for it, got to get registered this week to start getting mentally prepped for it!
     

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