Mostly a roadie from FL. I consider myself a decent handler, but I know any proper Mt. Biker leaves me behind in the technical stuff.
Thanks for your input (exactly what I was looking for). I do have some decisions to make. I have some Shwelby G-Bite Ones 45mms. Those may be it.
Having never done the race myself, what are the issues with it?
well last year they put in uphill single track ten pavement miles in so it became a huge bottleneck, made people walk a totally rideable climb. Year before, the repeated a big loop (with a minor modification each lap)-I’m not sure I knew anyone who thought the second loop was needed (or fun). Also a number of people were directed to the finish when they were supposed to do another loop, effectively ruining their race. This totally changed the women’s podium in pro classes some rode many many miles before they realized they were directed the wrong way (by a person, not bad signage). The first year was an okay course but the promoter thought it was too short (hence the double loop next year). I think Stetina did it in 6 hrs or something, so not that short…I had fun at that one. Just seems like for a $250 entry, it should be a solid, well thought out course. I want them to succeed, but I right now, I’ll do other races that put a smile on my face.
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They also have no way to get riders off the course. I know this from personal experience, having crashed out. I had to walk several miles (over two) to an aid station and then they were look, nope, can’t help. Fortunately, I was able to get to a place with cell phone coverage and call my husband who came to get me. Much of the course does not have cell phone coverage and I’m not sure what you are supposed to do if you have a bad crash and need medical assistance. What if I couldn’t walk several miles with my bike?
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Yeah. If I’m paying $250 I’d want things to be pretty sorted out and not have a logjam or confusing laps
That’s pretty nuts. I know lots of gravel races have lack of cell coverage but I can’t believe the aid station wouldn’t try to help.
I walked nearly two miles to the aid station. When I go there, there was no medical personal. We rinsed my injuries with water from water bottles meant for hand ups and someone had some gauze in their personal truck. I asked about SAG and they said that if I walked another half mile I should get cell service.
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This is wild, if I was working that aid station I would have offered to drive you. I would like to think any other reasonable human being would as well?!
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I was in the Wafer. The Pros were about to come by. They were focused on hand ups for the pros.
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BWR NC has been a fail in race organization in my opinion.
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Doing my first BWR NC this time. Hope they have ironed out most of the kinks.
It looks, by the new course layout, that some of the issues explained in this thread will be avoided.
For myself, I hope I fuel right, stay healthy and make it back in under 10hrs.
have they released the 2024 course? if so, please share, only 2023 is on the website
Here is the link to the Race Bijbel https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0069/3154/6181/files/2024_BWR_NC_BIJBEL_final_comp.pdf?v=1717883247 there are links to all the courses in there.
Here is the WAFFLE in RideWithGPS. better interface with sections, climbs and aerial than STRAVA as linked in the Bjibel. imho.
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That’s cool do you have the same thing for the Wafer by chance?
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Actually took the .gpx from STRAVA and created this route on RWGPS, all by myself. So proud.
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That’s awesome thanks! I’m torn now if I want to do the Wafer or the Waffle. I was set on the Wafer but now with the shorter courses with less elevation I’m reconsidering the Waffle.
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Looks like no bottlenecks. Down Jeeter is gonna be scary fast. Thanks for sharing
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I just looked at the Wafer Route. Here are my notes.
Pleasant Grove Church both ways
Jeter both ways
Cascade Lake both ways
Possible chunky bits on Pinnacle Mountain near Sky Valley. Also, they are doing some logging off Sky Valley so the road is not as nice as normal.
REEB Ranch again
Kanuga Conference Drive
Kanuga Lake
Evans
Big Willow
Pleasant Grove/River Road
Pleasant Grove Church (gravel)
Jeter (down the steep side)
Short jog on Crab Creek
Everett
Hart
Cascade Lake
Reasonover
Sky Valley
REEB Ranch
DuPont/Staton
Cascade Lake
Merrill
Back the way you came, Everett, Jeter (steep side), Pleasant Grove Church, Pleasant Grove, Big Willow
Patterson
Evans
Finish
Strava route link for Waffle: BWR NC Waffle 2024 | 115.8 mi Cycling Route on Strava
Strava route link for Wanna: BWR NC Wanna 2024 | 33.3 mi Cycling Route on Strava
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I hope they sweep it off. It a little scary for me with there is gravel on the pavement of the steep section.
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