I made my first trip to Sugar Bottom today. The race was cancelled last year because of politics, so, this was my first chance to race here. The course is long, with 10 miles of twisty, tight singletrack. Mostly not too hilly, but really friggin rough, with lots and lots of exposed roots. People had told my that, and I thought I was prepared for it, but I had no idea. I think I've got a new least-favorite course on the IMBCS circuit.
Hansen showed up to race expert for the first time, and lined up between Jay Cam.
Most of the usual suspectes were here.
I tried to start off fast and stay in front of a few guys, but if I wasn't keeping pace with the guy in front of me, I'd let them by. After I'd let about 50 guys by, and was getting really tired of the friggin roots, I slowed down some and settled into a (slow) pace. Here's a tip - the roots don't hurt as much when you slow down, so that's what I did.
Here is my finish line picture:
Two laps - nearly three hours! That's a pretty long sport race. I think there were quite a few DNFs. Even the fast sport guys were in the 2:10 range.
Hansen relaxes after the race with a bevvie. Did you think he wouldn't have one?
Hansen showed up to race expert for the first time, and lined up between Jay Cam.
Most of the usual suspectes were here.
I tried to start off fast and stay in front of a few guys, but if I wasn't keeping pace with the guy in front of me, I'd let them by. After I'd let about 50 guys by, and was getting really tired of the friggin roots, I slowed down some and settled into a (slow) pace. Here's a tip - the roots don't hurt as much when you slow down, so that's what I did.
Here is my finish line picture:
Two laps - nearly three hours! That's a pretty long sport race. I think there were quite a few DNFs. Even the fast sport guys were in the 2:10 range.
Hansen relaxes after the race with a bevvie. Did you think he wouldn't have one?
14 comments:
wanna do some gravel rides on cross bikes? i dont know the gravel routes around here though
You don't like Sugar bottom huh?? I love that place...even on a hardtail! Interested in some night time riding this week??
Bryan -
I know the gravel around here (especially north of town) real well. We could do some gravel. Ada Hayden makes a good meeting spot. got a evening in mind? Got lights?
Carney -
Sure we could do some night riding. Got a night in mind?
Paul,
I had read on your blog update before the Sugar Bottom race that you had never been there. That's why when I came up behind you during the race I was chatting and asking if this was really your first time riding at Sugar Bottom. It had nothing to do with your pace or how you were riding. Just wanted to make that clear.
Yes, it's a long loop at Sugar Bottom and those roots do take a toll on the body/back. I set the Relish Shock on my Dos for the scenario and ran my tires about 5 - 8 psi lower than normal to help soak up the roots. Even so - plenty of kidney rattling took place in my body. Swanson Park over in Bellevue is very similar in terms of roots and those never ending sneaky climbs.
By the way, last year late in the season Nick told me something about we could all get an extra 100 points in the series points system by doing some trail work - yet I never found anything mentioning that. Do you know if the same rule holds true for this season? I can't find anything that mentions it. Thanks.
Bruce -
It's OK, there was no offense taken. Did you ever have one of those days where you just didn't want to go fast? That was me yesterday. How did you finish?
What pressure do you normally un in your relish? I think I've got mine set too high.
It used to be called "Paydirt" and it was a way to encourage racers to do trail work. I downloaded a form from BikeIowa.com last year and turned it in to Cam. I know of others just sent e-mails or phone calles. I only assume that they are doing it this year. I didn't see anything in the IORCA rule book. I'll send an e-mail to Cam and let you know what I find out. I was also going to ask him about race numbers, since the number of total races has been reduced (again).
any day works for me but i don't have any lights. m/w/f im done with class at 2 and t/th im done at 4. ada hayden works for me. how about we plan on wed meeting at ada hayden? im not sure what time you get done with work and what not so you pick a time and post it here and ill see it and meet you then
I ran my Relish at 0 - yes "zero" - psi so that I would get full travel on that sucker to absorb as much cush as possible. I got that tip from the MTBR.com 29"er board from other Dos Niner owners. Otherwise, I'm usually in the 10 - 15 psi range on the Relish.
I wasn't really in the mood to race yesterday coming off Boone and a head cold. End of season fatigue and mental wandering setting in I guess. At least we finished that marathon of a course and I was just thankful it wasn't 3 laps!!! Results are up here:
http://onlineraceresults.com/race/view_plain_text.php?race_id=6454
Let me know what you find out about Paydirt.
Bryan -
Let's go with Wednesday at 4:00. We'll meet at the shelter on the north side of Ada Hayden and ride for 2-3 hours? I'll post something. Feel free to invite anyone else.
Bruce -
Thanks for the results, I think. That's what it felt like. Of those that finished, I was DFL. Glad to get that one out of my system.
I remember what it felt like at the Iowa Games. I wonder how I get that feeling back?
Oh yeah, you had the "feeling" at Peterson Pits for the Iowa Games race - that's for sure. I guess you peaked just right for that one.
Is the Fort Dodge Oleson Park race totally cancelled due to conflicts of dates with the city of Ft. Dodge?
Odd how our already smaller 2007 race season of 9 planned IMBCS races is now looking like 6. I guess if the Sycamore TT takes place, we'll make it to lucky number 7. Have you heard anything about that event taking place as scheduled or not?
Sugar Bottoms used to be about as buff and fast of a trail as you could ask for. However the years of traffic and massive amounts of rainfall and flooding we've had in the past year has really taken it's toll. I agree, Sugar Bottoms is very much now the Swanson of Iowa, and now I hate them both.
DG
Hey, east coast riding right here in Iowa with roots and erosion. Time for everyone to break out the full suspension bikes and enjoy the progress. '-)
Bruce -
I think there's gonna be a Sycamore Time Trial, but I don't think it will be at Sycamore. Details will be forthcoming.
Dennis -
I've also heard that about Swanson. If not for the roots, I think that I would have really liked the place. We hate it, yet we keep coming back . . .
So, a Sycamore TT at a different venue?
Hey, Peterson Pits would be a nice TT course. :-) You rule that course.
Bruce -
Yup, word on the street is that the Sycamore TT might be held at Denman's, although parking, etc would be a problem. Maharry is a creative guy. He'll think of something. But if he is looking for a venue, Peterson's might be just the ticket. I know some people that could make it happen. It doesn't have the same panache as Targhetto, but it would do in a pinch.
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