First 24 Hr Suggestions?

[hockeynut]

What would be a good first 24 Hr (or 12) race for someone who isn't really a racer? (Meaning I haven't really raced much, wouldn't be in it to win or anything, just to push myself).

Low-key, singlespeed friendly would be perfect (though I love testing my limits climbing in one gear so the singlespeed friendly isn't that big a deal).

I'll probably try to get a team for Afton, but that's pretty late in the year.

Thanks

Isaac

[Wolfchimp]

24-9 in Wausau, WI is a lot of fun and that course is a perfect SS race course. I may race it SS this year. Another good endurance race is 12hours of Levis. There is nothing to complain over when it comes to the trails at Levis Trow. I just raced Afton 24hr this past year and I had a blast. I'm definitely doing it this year. Whatever you choose as your first endurance race, I'm sure you'll enjoy it! I like them better than the MNSCS and WORS races.

[Danimal]

Porter -

Racing is to you as KFC is to Chicken :)

How ya been bub?

[RedSquirrel]

What would be a good first 24 Hr (or 12) race for someone who isn't really a racer?

I've raced a lot of short last year. Afton 24 hour again too. Afton is a real challenge. Can't wait to get it handed to me on my new SS.

I've also heard good things about 24-9 in Wausau, WI. Very good things.

Mankato is a cool couse, might be tought on SS, but what do I know. Don't know much on SS.

HOWEVER, here's a 12/24 web site to help you drool.

http://www.ride424.com/calendar.php

[funky-funky-chicken]

There is a whole series of endurance races in our neighboring state to the east. Check out http://www.wemseries.com/

[Wolfchimp]

The WEM Series is great! I did 2 of them last year and this year I hope to do more. I have found that people always seem a lot nicer at endurance races. They are there to have a good time and challenge themselves, not just race and leave. Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of nice people the race the WORS and MNSCS races but there seems to be quite a few more jerks than in endurances races. That's just my opinion though.

[bike>>rider]

Well, I'm no expert. In fact I've only done one race in my life, and it just so happened to be the 24 hours of Afton last fall. I had a blast. We had a team of four. This year I may do solo just so I can ride when I want to and sleep when I want to (as in, probably through the whole night). Afton is tough but one nice thing (if you aren't fast, as I surely am not) is that it is often wide so it is easy to pull over to let the faster riders by. So yeah, I'd vote Afton in answer to your question.

[transplant]

Well, I'm no expert. In fact I've only done one race in my life, and it just so happened to be the 24 hours of Afton last fall. I had a blast. We had a team of four. This year I may do solo just so I can ride when I want to and sleep when I want to (as in, probably through the whole night). Afton is tough but one nice thing (if you aren't fast, as I surely am not) is that it is often wide so it is easy to pull over to let the faster riders by. So yeah, I'd vote Afton in answer to your question.

Were you the guy racing with your bro-in-law and a friend you hadn't seen in years, hanging out in a nice pop up trailer? Are you that Kurt? If so, I was the wimpy solo rider parked next to you.

[bike>>rider]

Hey Tom,
Yep. That was me. Mr. Crash. Except that it was a teammate who had the brother-in-law, etc. I was the slow dude whose wife brought the food that night. I tried to PM you a while back when I figured out who you were on the forums but your acct wasn't set up to receive them. I sure hope that they don't cancel the 24 this year. If they don't, we'll probably see you again.

[ostertoaster85]

I don't really have any experiance with singlespeed but if you want a low key race, I would strongly suggest the 12-hour challenge at Mt. Kato. There are around 40 racers. The entry fee is ridiculously low. The organizers are really easy going and accomadating. You don't even have to show up for the start. If you want to sleep in you can show up and register a couple of hours late. If you do show up for the start, it's really relaxed. Nobody was pushing hard at that point. The first lap or so was basically just a big group ride.

I'm not sure if it would still be on again this year, but the website would be www.a1bike.com (http://www.a1bike.com)

And of course, there is the 24 hours of afton, but that has a much tougher course. If the 12 hour challenge at Mt. Kato goes really well, you have 3-4 weeks to get ready for the 24 hours of afton.

[transplant]

Hey Tom,
Yep. That was me. Mr. Crash. Except that it was a teammate who had the brother-in-law, etc. I was the slow dude whose wife brought the food that night. I tried to PM you a while back when I figured out who you were on the forums but your acct wasn't set up to receive them. I sure hope that they don't cancel the 24 this year. If they don't, we'll probably see you again.

I've got my fingers crossed. I hope to get in more laps this next time. How are the other guys doing? Tell them I said "Hey". I had a great time hanging out with you. Maybe I can get my wife to chip in some vittles next time. You do any winter riding? If it ever firms up, I'm going to hit Leb as often as I can. If you're ever up for it, let me know. I need to set up my PMs. Too lazy so far.

[bike>>rider]

Tom,
I see John frequently and he's doing well. Haven't seen the other two since the race but John sees his bro-in-law every now & then. No winter riding yet for me and, no, I haven't a good excuse. Maybe yet this winter -- maybe.