The first two years I entered I finished in the top fifteen, but that was when the field sizes were small and I actually was training for road races. A flatlander would not enjoy the 3 mile climb on the way out or the scary descent on the return leg. In 2005, I was being passed by cat 4 women on the climb and wished I had a granny gear! And on the way back there was ice on the descent. Since the only "prize" is possible upgrade points, most people use the race to test their fitness.

:) Same here, had my doubts, up at
5:00am, and out the door I went.
What a great day it turned out to be.
Thanks VeloPromo.

casey wrote:
So are you trying to say that "THIS THREAD DOESN'T DELIVER" :)
Yes, you hit it on the head!

SWoo wrote:Hey now,
If you don't post photos or a report, it didn't happen.
:)

So are you trying to say that "THIS THREAD DOESN'T DELIVER" :)

Hey now,
If you don't post photos or a report, it didn't happen.
:)

I actually had a pretty good time out there. I was thinking about skipping it also, but figured what the heck. I raced in the 45+ 4/5, about 20 riders. Really glad I went.

Thanks for the tips. I got up at 5:00, checked on the weather forecast and decided to skip it.

Now, I'm having breakfast, looked out the window and noticed that the sun is out and no wind. Clouds to the west though.

Safe riding to those who went and I hope you all ended up with decent weather or at least better than what was forecasted.

Thanks for all the tips

Here's a note I got from VP re EB RR 08:
-------------------
race is planned rain or shine, but can always be cancelled by Chief Ref on the site morning of the race for safety (hasn't been in the 17 years of the race).
-------------------

also be sure to watch out for the cattle guards. there are about 4 that you will have to cross over and one of them is on a very steep part of the climb about 19 miles in be sure to be at the front!!!

The main thing that riders will have to watch out for if it is raining on Sat is dirt, mud and rocks on the road that comes off the hillsides. Since the course is out and back you might be able to spot some debris on the way out. Just because a section of road didn't have any debris when you pass by on the way out doesn't mean there will not be debris there on the way back. The more it is raining the more likely there will likely be debris washing onto the road during the race.

No where in the flyer does it say rain cancels, so I plan on being there. I’ve never ridden this race before, I’ll take any advice on warm-up and race strategy. I’m a 45+ cat4 still really trying to figure this sport out and how to race smarter.

Rain makes the downhill more slippery than dry, but not as slippery as ice! Wet weather may reduce field sizes somewhat, since it's not cyclocross!

I believe so - only the Early Bird crit race 'simulations' are canceled for heavy rain. In fact, rain will reduce risk of black ice... have fun!