Muddy River Race

[Wolfchimp]

Gus- How are the trails looking for the race? Hopefully all is well since I cant wait to ride the course!:banana:

[gus man]

Hey Porter,
Trails are looking good. We have just a few short spots to trim back the weeds. The heat has made it dry and dusty in a few spots but not to worry. This Sunday is going to be a fast day. It should make for a great day of racing.

:banana:

[Wolfchimp]

I'll be down friday night. What time are you guys planning on setting up on saturday? i was planning on helping out.

[Tower]

I hope you guys (assuming you set the course) consider including the stairway to heaven climb in the Expert/ Comp race... That climb is unique for this series and well worth the punishment. I'll feel short changed if it's not part of the suffer fest...

Just my 2 cents.

[FarmerBEN]

are the routes posted any where? I've never raced before, but if it looks like a route I can handle (i.e. no stairway to heaven) I was thinking about doing the citizen's race just for ****s 'n giggles.

[hockeynut]

I don't think that the routes are posted anywhere, but here are my guesses/assumptions:

- the citizen class doesn't go on any of the more technical trails or big climbs

- rest assured there will be one or two nasty climbs, don't know which ones will be included but there are a few to choose from

If Gus or Kris don't post up here I'll see if I can get any info from them tonight when we do some cleanup work.

Isaac

P.S. Closed circuit to Gus and or Kris, there is a tree that is about chest high in "Crazy On You" right after the new section of singletrack (might not be the right trail name). It's across the trail as you turn left after going between the tight trees (that most people seem to just swing around and then skid as they are going too fast into the corner). Good enough description? See ya tonight.

[Wolfchimp]

Two climbs is what it will be! Stairway to Heaven is one of them. The other is the climb up from the golf course, well half the climb at least. Its going to be a good course, very fast!

[Tower]

Thanks for putting the "stairway to punishment" in the race... That climb is unique to MN, very moab-like. Pick a line, keep the rear wheel tracked, and just spin...

Okay, how about the technical drop down by the Golf Course? I was informed that drop was legal. How about including that little white knuckler for the Expert/ Comp race... Good way to filter out the fast roadies, for us slow experts... :cool:

Years ago prior to any mnscs that section was run during races... The lead in to the drop would need some weed wacking... Although weeds and thorns add more punishment... Yeah, I'm assuming this section wont be added... Thought I'd ask anyhow...

[Wolfchimp]

Don't thank me. Thank Kris and Gus. I just knew because I had talked to them about the course a few weeks ago. I dont think the drop down to the golf course will be in it but if the course is set up similar to last year....there will be a nice fast ravine descent, that kicks out right onto a nice climb back up. Not as technical but definitely fun!

[Tower]

Thanks to Kris, Gus, and everyone else that maintains the Memorial trails... This network of trails is by far the best network of trails that host a race (in my opinion) for the mnscs... Especially if the teeter todder is an option during the race... It may slow you down, but who cares, it's fun...

Too bad roadies can't be forced to try and ride it... That would be interesting...

[FarmerBEN]

If you are refering to the singletrack that kind of breaks off the up-hill "one-way" (I just noticed on sat. that there is a sign from the lower side that says one way, even though I've never seen anyone ride the that direction) and follows the ridge over above the Juvie hall yard, followed by the killer descent on that real sandy rocky trail? if so Weed whipping wouldn't do the half of it, agent orange would be more effective, that stuff is thick.

[Tower]

Yep, I was referring to the sandstone/ sand drop... It's steep and loose but completely doable... Even worth riding through all the thorns, weeds, and downed logs to get to it... The biggest dilemma to me is connecting back to the main trail for the climb back to the top... I know it hooks up with the tamer luge section after the paved path and then the double track climb up...

Anyways, I'm sure it wont be in the race, but it sure is a fun white knuckler for those that like to drop... I'm really glad this section is legal once again...

[BigRing]

When can i preride a marked race course?

[hockeynut]

Ok... I'll steal a little of Gus's thunder - but not all... (and correct myself in the process)

- Stairway WILL be in the citizen race
- the golf course climb will NOT be in play at all (but there will still be two killer climbs)

No clue when the course will be marked for pre-riding.... I'm guessing not before Sat. afternoon.

Wish I could be out there (both for setting up the course and for the race itself - I'd love to make an arse in the citizen class), have a fun weekend.

Isaac

Another closed circuit to Gus... gonna ride Thursday?

[gus man]

OK Ok OK Ok. Sorry it took all day to reply on this post. So here's the dish. The beginner will have only one big climb. Stairway to Heaven. All other classes will have that one plus the technical nasty climb out of the quarry sectionand then to the bridge. That brings me to another point. This section has a name but we are going to see if any one can guess it. Keep in mind it's alone thel ines of the rest of the trail names. "Bridge"? That's right, all riders will cross the bridge and there will be a great spectator spot one the side.

FOOD. So this year we hooked up with a local resturuant to do the food. KNUTO'S PIZZA. They are going to have a great menu. The owner gave me a copy of it today, oven roasted BBQ pork sandwich, brats, dogs, and pizza slicecs, and drinks. So if you come down to pre ride on Saturday stop in and say hi to Kyle and his crew. They are located on main street across from Kwik Trip.

PRE-RIDE. We will be marking the cousre some time on Saturday. Just a reminder that there is a slight differnce for the beginer so it will be marked for them but sport and up will be able to figure it out.

The sandy point drop. Just need to clear the air on this. Due to some property line issue's along with logistical issue's (no radio contact, or easy access for emergency personel) we don't see it coming back into the race anytime soon. However many people still ride and we'll just leave it at that.

So thanks for all the question today. it's great to see the interest in what I think is a great event. I know, bias!


Isaac. Yes, I'm riding on Thursday at 6:00

Gus:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: Does anyone know how to makes they guys dance instep?

[hockeynut]

This section has a name but we are going to see if any one can guess it. Keep in mind it's along the lines of the rest of the trail names.

I know! I know! Wait... I won't spoil it if people will actually guess... you may need to unveil a few hints to obtain a winner....

I might have called that section of trail "Witchey Woman" (think really hard about Monty Python's Holy Grail movie for why... I'm a nerd).

[Wolfchimp]

plus the technical nasty climb out of the quarry section and then to the bridge

Oooooooo....its gonna be interesting then. That is not an easy climb and its NOT just because its relatively new. With Stairway and the quarry climb in there....thats gonna be a rough section, completely rideable, but definitely draining.

[FarmerBEN]

I know! I know! Wait... I won't spoil it if people will actually guess... you may need to unveil a few hints to obtain a winner....

I might have called that section of trail "Witchey Woman" (think really hard about Monty Python's Holy Grail movie for why... I'm a nerd).



as long as we are on the topic of classic rock names for trails (stairway & witchey proposal) whatever happened to the sign that said welcome to the Jungle at the top of the quarry, I found that sign humorous yet forboding.

[gus man]

I think the deer used it for a scrape during thier rut season.

[FarmerBEN]

I think the deer used it for a scrape during thier rut season.

@$$Holes......

[Tex]

I'm bummed that I won't be able to make it to the race this year (obligations with the fam). But I was hoping to get down there and do a couple laps on Saturday. Would that be possible, or would it be too tough for the people that will be setting up for the race on Sunday?

I would love to help set up, but this will be my only opportunity to ride all week, so I need to make it count. If you know what I mean.

[Wolfchimp]

I dont think there will be a problem with you riding on saturday, even before the course is marked.

[gus man]

Porter, You are correct Sir!


:banana:

[djflom]

As I won't have the opportunity to pre-ride on Saturday and since I haven't spotted any race maps posted online, can anyone give me a quick description of the course? Simple things like the rollout at the start, when to expect the hills, places to catch your breath, etc. I'll be racing Sport and have only done Erik's and Afton so far.

[hockeynut]

As I won't have the opportunity to pre-ride on Saturday and since I haven't spotted any race maps posted online, can anyone give me a quick description of the course? I'll be racing Sport and have only done Erik's and Afton so far.

No description will be understandable and give you the info you want that doesn't take a few pages to write. Sorry.

If you've ridden Memorial before, pretty much all you need to know has been hashed out already... the climbs this year will be the Category 1 "Stairway to Heaven" and the All Category "insert name here" new climb out of the quarry.

If you've never ridden the course, expect some singletrack (there is a little of everything, flowy, tight, rollercoaster), some doubletrack, a technical descent to the quarry, and two kinda big climbs (one being very doable if you keep traction, the other being a bear... ). You're racing sport, so have fun and keep the rubber side down.

Isaac

Closed circuit to Gus - 29" wheels bring "Stairway" to it's knees... and I shouldn't have opened my big yap about not getting flat tires... it's not too far to walk from the top of Stairway to the parking area... I hate karma ugh

[djflom]

Thanks for the reply, Issac. Sounds like another great MNSCS race. Definitely looking forward to it.

[GoatGirl]

I've ridden memorial several times, I don't know where the All Category "insert name here" new climb out of the quarry is, could you reference it for me?...thanks

[hockeynut]

Instead of taking the old pallet climb out of the quarry to the right, you'll take a left. By climbing to the left you'll, once at the top of the climb, get to ride across the new bridge (which spans the trail that leads down to the quarry). The trail then eventually hooks up with the upper Lay Down Sally trail to get you to the start/finish area. Hope that helps.

Isaac

[fatbaldpop1]

Single Speed a-ok for this course and race? Did the monsoons blow through this morning? Does the Pizza House sponsor sell beer (my real question...)?

[bikebud]

Single speed is definitely alright for this race. That's all I ride. There's one hill that will hurt, but other than that you're good to go!


For what it's worth I ride a 2 to 1 ratio and have no problems at all. Come find me, we can talk SS! I'm the race co-director so I should be easy to find.

Kris

[fatbaldpop1]

Hope it was great. Family demands ultimately precluded my participation. I was going to ride a new IF frame to boot.


I turst you guys had a great, hot and dehydratred day!!

[Wolfchimp]

The race was a HOT one! It went well though. Yes, the ambulance was up there once or twise but nothing too serious, just a little heat exhaustion. It was definitely a fast, fast course. Never have I felt so crappy after a race but it was still a good time!

[RedSquirrel]

Agreed. I was hurting after this race more than Bluff or any other this year.

Still a great success and lots-o-fun!

[bikebud]

Thanks to all of the racers that made it out to brave the heat and humidity. I hope everyone had as much fun racing as we had putting on the event again this year.

We did have to call the ambulance but everthing turned out all right. The rider that was suffering heat exhaustion but the ambulance crew was able to get his core temp lowered after getting the racer into the air conditioned ambulance.

I'd like to say a thank you for the understanding racers showed after we decided to shorten the races for the Sport, Comp and Expert classes. Once we saw what the heat was doing to the Citizen class we determined that we needed to shorten the races to ensure racer safety. Sorry Citizen class racers who had to act as guinea pigs but we didn't think the morning heat was going to have the effect that it did. Looking back we probably should have shortened the Citizen races as well. Ahh, hindsight.

Anyway, thanks again to everyone that came out. Special thanks go to our sponsors Knutos Pizza who supplied us with great food, Gravity Lab who fixed a few bikes to keep racers going on the course, the City of Red Wing who not only provide the trails but let us use the Cushman for the shower, and finally Alden with the MORC Bike Patrol and our on-site first responder Kurt. We can't say thank you enough to the sponsors that make events like this possible.

Thanks again and remember that these trails are open every day for riding at now charge! Come on down. If you want, drop a line so that some of us locals can meet you up on the bluff and provide a guided tour!

Kris Henke
co-director Muddy River Rock n Roll

[pokey]

Muddy River was my very first bike race and I enjoyed myself very much. Despite going over my bars hard and losing my water bottles on the first lap, I had a good ride. Honestly, I didn't think the citizen race needed to be shortened. It was hot, but being early in the day, with proper hydration, I found it managable. Plus, most of the first lap is hampered by riders holding each other up as the diverse talents in the class show on different parts of the course.
I also liked the stairway climb being part of the race. It was an appropriate challenge and it is wide enough so that those that couldn't make it didn't block the race. The hollow was another matter, at least on lap one when everyone is still in a bunch.
Thanks to everyone who dedicated lots and lots of time so the rest of us can go out and play. It's appreciated.