South end of the course was a freaking swamp today.
No way am running a Thunder Burt. Even Ralph spun out on more than a few places.
30t was fine. I’m slowly getting used to how to apply power with it in the lager cogs.
I think the race set will be a fresh Ralph on the back.
Fueling is dialed, hydration could be better.
We’ll see if I can crack 7 hours for two laps. 6h 30m unlikely.
Bang on the pace I’m guessing for myself, sounds like I’ll be riding with you! I have Aspens on and they aren’t coming off at this point. Will see how it goes.
For Friday there is also the disconnect between Leadville Qualifying Times and the event’s course closure times.
Since Brown is now the back of the field, everyone with no set qualifying time, that means White DOES require a qualifying time. For 2023 the White time was 7 hours, problem being the XL course is only open 7 hours for the Elite Men. Every other class that starts after Elite men get less and less time, including Elite women. All Age group women really get the short end on this as if you go “by the book” It’s impossible for them to set a White corral time, but sure Lifetime, let us know more about inclusion and gender equity.
Here’s the calcs I did based on the info posted at Leadville and on the Sea Otter sites.
What wave are you starting in?
Thanks for posting the start times! Looks like I’m at 9:25 (50 - 59 men).
For those coming from out of town here’s a pre-ride route I whipped up. It’s about 20 of the 35 miles of the course.
@Jolyzara Anything notable that I missed? This is where most of the surprises, places where you need to be mentally prepared like Couch, Jumps on 84, drops on 82, Craters on 95, the 50 North descent etc. IMHO nothing except for maybe the sand pit climb on 69 is really surprising on the North end/East Garrison section. Craters might catch some people who haven’t ridden them off guard though. as will the drops on 82.
Even the drops on 82 aren’t BAD, but they’re rough and have turns directly after them, so carrying enough speed to just roll them and being ready for the sharp turns is kind of important.
Per the email today sounds like the trails are going to be in mint condition. Not sure if that’s just marketing hype, but I like it.
Well I was there last weekend and no, the first five miles was NOT mint. I 100% guarantee the XL is going to claim some drivetrains next Friday. It’s had about 10 days to dry out, but looks like that area is going to get another inch or so of rain starting late tomorrow night. The ground is still saturated from the 10 inches / 25 cm of rain that’s dropped there in the last 45 days.
No, I don’t think they’ll be “mint” or at least enough will be atrocious enough to put a serious hurt on drivetrains. I’m counting on having to re-lube at the halfway point.
@Jolyzara lives closer than I do and can attest to the “mixed” conditions.
ahh… well, there we go. I’m going to live in denial for now and pretend it will be mint 
The weather will be just about perfect. The trail conditions…
Mint condition for Fort Ord is rain ruts everywhere. They really need to get a dozer in there and grade a few of the fireroads and do some smoothing of single track.
Sounds like the post-ride beer conditions will also be perfect. I’m content.
So long as you cross the line in one piece, those conditions will be exceptional.
Don’t sanitize our trails… Ruts, sand and braking bumps are the only features we got here! 
@webdev511 Couch Canyon will definitely be soupy… it doesn’t seem to dry out until the weeds take over. The North side has mostly dried out with the exception of the County trails in the 50’s (course doesn’t use those) and Trail 18. My guess is you will get all the best Fort Ord has to offer… Lots of ruts, sand and some mud just to make you wonder why you are doing this.
Rumor has it someone (BLM?) took out the jumps on 82 which is disappointing. Maybe because it was on the main line?
I was just thinking Lookout Ridge need to be graded. They did it back in 16 I think when we used to down it. Also hurl hill could use it too…maybe even cut a new trail with a few switch backs in it that drains properly.
I think they did grade Lookout. @webdev511 can you confirm?
And all for switchbacks up hurl hill. Make it a B line!
Very likely as the jumps really did limit line choice (aka give you no choice but to dive into a rut/bump combo) on the bottom of 82.
Yep, Bulldozed before last weekend. Ruts will likely reappear due to the 1-1.5" of rain coming in the next 24 hours though.
For what it worth I really hate Lookout. Should be rerouted into two singletracks… one way trail down, one way trail up. 
Guess I should put my fender back on.
