casey wrote:So did the master 45+ riders vote with their feet re the issue of two laps at Challenge RR this year? Last year the 45+ race had 25 riders in it. This year there were only 15 riders in the 45+ race ( at least according to a race report I saw). Was the smaller field due to the longer race for 45+ riders or were there other factors this year like warmer weather?
since I'm "just" a cat 4 I decided to do the 35 4/5 race and only do 1 lap and that was painful! What a great course! Hope to be a cat 3 be next years race and be forced to endure 2 laps :o

All the fields were considerably smaller. Last year the grass field used for parking was full - this year cars were only parked in a ring around the edge.

Too bad, because it's a spectacular course... even when it's over 100 degreesF.

So did the master 45+ riders vote with their feet re the issue of two laps at Challenge RR this year? Last year the 45+ race had 25 riders in it. This year there were only 15 riders in the 45+ race ( at least according to a race report I saw). Was the smaller field due to the longer race for 45+ riders or were there other factors this year like warmer weather?

sgrusis wrote:My preference is 45+ at 2 laps/66 miles. To see what level of support exists for this option, how about a unscientific poll.

How about showing up for the darn race if you're so hot to do 2 laps? :evil:

I just looked at my Polar reading from last years race

2900 feet of climbing
31 miles
1:40 ride time

I was in the 45+ race

sgrusis wrote:...
Look at the velopromo web page, he is considering lengthening several races.

Thanks for the feedback.

I just did one for San Ardo, and everyone with altimeter/gps data last year said it's about 900 feet per lap and my eyeball guestimate only clocked in at 700, so the small undulations account for a lot.

Depending on your altimeter...it clocked in a bit more than 3k on some.

Last year I did one lap with pretty hideous form and it was...a bit hard. Doing it again this year. The descent is pretty potholes BTW.

I believe once the announcement is posted and entries are being accepted Casey won't allow a change in distance, so the point might be moot.

It's a looong drive from the bay area.

I did the 3's last year and would be MUCH more likely to make the drive this year if the 45's "got" to do two laps as well.

Rick M.

Oh, only 2500 feet per lap? That's basically flat! :wink:

Yeowch...

Is it really 3000 feet of elevation change?

I tried using the crude pedometer thing:
http://www.ncncaracing.com/reports/2007/0901_challenge.php
and it seems closer to 2500 feet per lap. The second half of the lap looks the hardest, with about 1300 feet over six miles.

Some of my teammates raced it last year and told be about it. Even at 1/2 lap, I'd be field fodder. Encino Velodrome has the Far West series that weekend; I'd rather drive six hours for that event or wait until Monday and ride the Giro.

sgrusis wrote:I plan on being at the challenge RR early September. Current choices for me are: 35 1/2/3s, E3's for 2 laps/66 miles, and 45+ at 1 lap/33 miles.

My preference is 45+ at 2 laps/66 miles. To see what level of support exists for this option, how about a unscientific poll.

For 45+'s
1) Are you planning on doing the Challenge RR
2) Do you prefer 1 lap (33 miles) or 2 laps (66 miles)

Steven,

You haven't done Challenge, have you? Be careful what you wish for.

KB

For 45+'s
1) Are you planning on doing the Challenge RR
YES!! I DID IT LAST YEAR, HAD A BAD RACE, BUT LOVED THE COURSE
2) Do you prefer 1 lap (33 miles) or 2 laps (66 miles)
1 IS ENOUGH FOR ME..I'M ONLY A CAT 4....YOU SHOULD DO 2 ! :}