Afton MNSCS Race June 10th

[Tower]

All 3 trail routes are being groomed and signs posted in advance of the June 10th Afton MNSCS race.

I'd post the proposed maps, but apparently the files are too large, or my brain is to small to figure out how to do it...

With no maps available, here are the tentative changes from last years routes---

Shady Lane back IN for Sport and Expert/ Comp. Cliffs Edge to Southern Switchbacks OUT... Valley View drop and climb out IN for Expert/ Comp but Out for Sport... And last but not least...

Manhandler/ Whistler climb IN for Expert/ Comp...

Get out to Afton and get your climb on...

[Danimal]

Afton Maps...

I know the images look small, but if you right click them and save them to your desktop, then open them in picture viewer or whatever you PC people use. You can zoom in. Enjoy.

[RedSquirrel]

Wasted text ahead... Nice work but can you flatten out the climbs. That's too much climbing so early in the season. Duncan and I can't climb anything before August because it interups the mojo plan. Maybe re-route the whole course and keep it at the bottom of the ski area. There I just hexed myself won't be able to show or will break a chain going up.

Is DLA in?

[Tower]

Is DLA in?

Hadn't thought about it, but since it would only be Expert/ Comp it is certainly doable for the masses... Now that I think about it, the reason we built DLA was to have a feature coaxing you into the punishment...

I'll have to run DLA by the race director and Afton first... Will post the answer...

[Tower]

Hadn't thought about it, but since it would only be Expert/ Comp it is certainly doable for the masses... Now that I think about it, the reason we built DLA was to have a feature coaxing you into the punishment...

I'll have to run DLA by the race director and Afton first... Will post the answer...

Yo Red Squirrl, The section named after your 3 kids is IN for Expert/ Comp... A bit of work will need to be done and signage posted for a correct entry, but it's in... We finally get to use it for a race...

For those wondering... The big grass loop leading to the Manhandler/ Whistler climb will be short cut by a little drop in off camber section built in a tree line a couple years ago for the 24, but it was never included in the 24...

Hopefully everybody racing Expert/ Comp enjoys adding a technical feature verus a grassy field loop...

[RedSquirrel]

quote: Yo Red Squirrl, The section named after your 3 kids is IN for Expert/ Comp :quote


DLA is in!! Oh no! I was just curious...nice reward for trail work anyway. More work? Let me know.

No seriously, it's a left hand turn no worse than the one sharp downturn at Steeple or Buck. It may change a little flow but no hazard.

I can tell already, this is the year I'll continue to get hammerred for everything I say and do. Great!!

[obro2]

I knew it. Last year everyone (including myself) started complaining that Shady wasn't in, and that the organizers were getting soft on us. Now they are showing no mercy this year. I think there should be people at the top of Manhandler giving out $10 bills to whoever can climb it in their big ring for the last 2 laps.
I feel a 5mph attack up that hill comming on.

[Stonehenge]

I knew it. Last year everyone (including myself) started complaining that Shady wasn't in, and that the organizers were getting soft on us. Now they are showing no mercy this year. I think there should be people at the top of Manhandler giving out $10 bills to whoever can climb it in their big ring for the last 2 laps.
I feel a 5mph attack up that hill comming on.
Plenty doable for the strong experts.....maybe a 40 tooth in front hint hint, and a 34 on the cassette!
Then the $10 bills will be in the hands of kid spectators on foot and dangling them ....you will have to catch them on your 5 MPH attack with max heart rate and respitory system taxed hard.

DLA drop is fine...just dont carry speed into it ! Wish they had it in sport as an alternate - do the trick and get the treat...... techincal rewarded by time savings.....kinda like the 2 routes at the top of Shady Lane. Hey race director, what do you think??????

[jag]

DLA Wish they had it in sport as an alternate - do the trick and get the treat...... techincal rewarded by time savings.....kinda like the 2 routes at the top of Shady Lane. Hey race director, what do you think??????


I 2nd that.

[Tower]

DLA drop is fine...just dont carry speed into it ! Wish they had it in sport as an alternate - do the trick and get the treat...... techincal rewarded by time savings.....kinda like the 2 routes at the top of Shady Lane. Hey race director, what do you think??????

I ain't the race director, just the race instigator. Look at the map Senior Riddler and Junior 2P/4S/NA... You'll note that Sport isn't doing the Manhandler climb/ loop therefore DLA is not an option...

Although I'll give you sisters the Ricoh point if you make the hard right turn and do the full loop anyhow, that is Riccoh.

And I'll give you two Riddlers a quarter if you don't drop to granny...

[jag]

Is the DLA dotted line on the map? It must not be. Looks like it is between mh loop and the line under it. Now I am wondering if i know where it is. I thought it was that drop near the finish at 24hr.
Maybe i'll see it tomorrow with (Rich so far) anyone want to meet us out there?
Tower, I might be at mh on your 4th lap and ride up with middle ring and a bag full of beans. and the ding ding.:evil:

[Tower]

Maybe i'll see it tomorrow with (Rich so far) anyone want to meet us out there?
Tower, I might be at mh on your 4th lap and ride up with middle ring and a bag full of beans. and the ding ding.:evil:

Map location not exact... Just another riddle... You go ride, it should be marked...

I'll be out at Afton assessing, riding, doing trail work, and setting traps for my sisters from 8AM til around noon...

You better move quick if you have that bag of beans... The ding ding will be you tapping out...

[jag]

here is a link to the maps.

http://www.mnscs.com/files/document/file_name/4418/afton_avalanche_2007_course_maps.pdf

[Stonehenge]

I ain't the race director, just the race instigator. Look at the map Senior Riddler and Junior 2P/4S/NA... You'll note that Sport isn't doing the Manhandler climb/ loop therefore DLA is not an option...

Although I'll give you sisters the Ricoh point if you make the hard right turn and do the full loop anyhow, that is Riccoh.

And I'll give you two Riddlers a quarter if you don't drop to granny...
OH yeah....DLA drop is just before the grassy down hill turn to motor into the base of Manhandler. Dahhhh what was I thinkin?
Maybe I will do it on a bonus lap right after the finish - still get a point????? Then I could try the Manhandler is a gear other than granny....do you mean small ring big cogg or small ring period??

[Stonehenge]

here is a link to the maps.

http://www.mnscs.com/files/document/file_name/4418/afton_avalanche_2007_course_maps.pdf

Jimmy - vergage for DLA is on the map next to Larrys Revenge.
Larrys Reveng is just below the verbiage on that trail
DLA is above the vergiage on that trail.....follow the fall line up and your about right on it. It short cuts the curve out and back about where the run line cuts on the map. When you get there you will begin riding a wide track or 2 track going through a skinny woods. Cut right to the top of those woods, maybe up 10yards, then turn left to enter and you will imeadiatly cross the 2 track you just turned off of and drops into the woods below and curves left at the first bottom. You will need your brakes !

[Magic]

Jimmy - vergage for DLA is on the map next to Larrys Revenge.
Larrys Reveng is just below the verbiage on that trail
DLA is above the vergiage on that trail.....follow the fall line up and your about right on it. It short cuts the curve out and back about where the run line cuts on the map. When you get there you will begin riding a wide track or 2 track going through a skinny woods. Cut right to the top of those woods, maybe up 10yards, then turn left to enter and you will imeadiatly cross the 2 track you just turned off of and drops into the woods below and curves left at the first bottom. You will need your brakes !

Who needs brakes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:jumpy::etard:

[Tower]

Trails for the race are marked with orange arrows, red poles, and some signage in key spots...

Afton will be mowing this week, along with getting caution tape hung along key locations.

DLA has been groomed and will be flagged off this week. Location is in the tree line just prior to the big grass loop leading to the manhandler/ whistler climb. Entry is some what hidden, you'll see marking paint pointing the entry until its completely flagged off.

The race routes will be somewhat of a riddle until all tape and markings are in place, but in general look for the flow...

If you get out and pre-ride post up your comments...

[Trevize1138]

So, Sport racers aren't doing Manhandler or DLA but we are climbing Shady Lane.

What are my fellow SSers considering for gearing? I ran (on 26'' wheels) 34:20 at Steeple-Chase and am thinking I could have gained a lot of time on the hill climbs had I been running 32:20 instead (I like-a the spin.) Indeed, I battled it out for 3rd with Gary Gross who was running 32:20 and he was obviously faster and more comfortable on the climbs. Damn you, fast old guys! :crazy:

[Tower]

The 3 race routes are marked with orange arrows, red poles, and signage... It'll be a little confusing out there until the caution tape goes up.

The trails are in good shape, there is some minor dirt work that still needs to occur (it is Afton, there will always be erosion), and about half the course still needs the high weeds mowed along the tread...

For those that know the 24 hour route like a bad or good dream, we've added 4 trail re-route improvements from last year...

Check out the maps on an earlier post on this thread...

[motomofo]

I'm already getting leg cramps thinking about Man Handler. :banghead:

[Stonehenge]

Who needs brakes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:jumpy::etard:

The couch only moves in your head...of course you dont need brakes......:sick:

Rumor has it magic might appear to ride the secret reroutes that Aftons trail stewart has yet to ride

[Stonehenge]

I'm already getting leg cramps thinking about Man Handler. :banghead:
YOMOTOMOFO
you need fluids.....plenty of fluids.... IPA works wonders...I am starting to carb load and hydrate already. Red Hooks LONG HAMMER tonight and Black Dog Ale tommorrow - english style amber ale....mmmmmmm

OR .... you can winedrate.... WINEDRATE yes, it is a little known, but very effective, technique developed by one of the FARM Team members.

LONG HAMMER pre race and HAMMER GEL race day !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[herbiederby21]

today was my first race... I didn't realize I picked such a 'great' race to give it a try with. I was in the sport class to find out I had only had about 12 other racers in my 19-29 class because "guys in this class don't come to this race because it is so hellashis" Today was not a moral booster for me, but hey.. it was fun I'd have to say. Having never been to Afton, riding 2 hours at leb the evening before, not knowing training for ascents might be a good idea, finding out at 9:30 am there was a race at afton and I could make it to to give racing a shot, ect... Today was actually pretty good. Besides the guys that told me I was doomed having never raced or been to afton, while I was warming up this morning.... I passed a lot of people in the tech sections but got killed on the long uphills...

my point is... Does anyone have any suggestions/opinions for preparing for races like this? Or are any races avaliable where my tech/downhill ability might help me out more?

Thanks!

[Trevize1138]

Welcome to the wonderful world of racing! :)

As for improving your racing, the best advice I have is to ride and race more. Seems obvious, but it's really the only thing you can say for now until you start getting more involved.

If you're getting killed on the climbs but pass people on the technical then you need to start developing some stammina and work on your climbing technique. Yes, climbing is not just about who's got the legs and the lungs but who's got better technique.

Check out the "Riding Tips" section of the forums and read up about some hill climbing techniques that myself and others have posted there.

As for races that are more advantageous for those who've got lots of technical skill without requiring hill climbing ability ... well, I think you're out-of-luck unless you want to travel out to the Rockies and register for a downhill event. Most races in Minnesota are XC and if it's XC you can bet your lactic acid-burning butt it requires both hill climbing and technical ability. ;)

When I started racing I had the opposite problem: I was all about the climb but got passed on the technical spots. I've spent many years improving my technical riding and it's made me much faster overall.

today was my first race... I didn't realize I picked such a 'great' race to give it a try with. I was in the sport class to find out I had only had about 12 other racers in my 19-29 class because "guys in this class don't come to this race because it is so hellashis" Today was not a moral booster for me, but hey.. it was fun I'd have to say. Having never been to Afton, riding 2 hours at leb the evening before, not knowing training for ascents might be a good idea, finding out at 9:30 am there was a race at afton and I could make it to to give racing a shot, ect... Today was actually pretty good. Besides the guys that told me I was doomed having never raced or been to afton, while I was warming up this morning.... I passed a lot of people in the tech sections but got killed on the long uphills...

my point is... Does anyone have any suggestions/opinions for preparing for races like this? Or are any races avaliable where my tech/downhill ability might help me out more?

Thanks!

[herbiederby21]

Yeah a lot to think about. I've actually just accepted a teaching position in Glenwood Springs area of Colorado, I'll be moving out in mid-late July. With an upcoming wedding I don't know if I'll get another shot at a MN race.

I'm glad I went for it, looks like I placed 8th in my age class. Not the worst but def not the best. Looking back I now see a lot of places I could have cut time, but it was my first time at Afton so I didn't know what to expect. I also somehow punctured a very small deep hole in my left leg that won't stop bleeding....hmmm

I hadn't check out the skills forums, thats some good info in there!

Maybe I'll be back next summer with some BigHornSheep legs:banana:, or I'll just start riding chairlifts:banghead:.

I've only been biking a few years but its a great community to be involved with, good people and good times for the most part. Thanks for the info, I'll be around leb and murphy daily until the big move. My fiancee' and I are always inviting strangers to keep us in mind for a place to crash in CO. Its always good to have hook-ups. We'll be faily close to Aspen,Vail,Fruita,Moab,Crested Butte... the Western Slope I guess.

[stoneage]

Vail
Around the mountain is a town called Minturn. Say hi to Jim Popeck (Pope) at the Mountain Pedaler. He'll point you at the good trails.

[Tower]

Not factoring in the elements, what did people think of the race routes???

Specifically, was the Sport race long enough?

Expert/ Comp race, no sympathy on the suffering, but did you guys feel it was technical enough? A short technical downhill singletrack and climb was left out of the race to keep lap times in check...

Not sure why so many DNF'd in Comp, must be the Sport/ Comp gap... The Expert/ Comp course was considerably more challanging than Sport...

So post up your thoughts on the race routes...

[high life]

Not factoring in the elements, what did people think of the race routes???

Specifically, was the Sport race long enough?

Expert/ Comp race, no sympathy on the suffering, but did you guys feel it was technical enough? A short technical downhill singletrack and climb was left out of the race to keep lap times in check...

Not sure why so many DNF'd in Comp, must be the Sport/ Comp gap... The Expert/ Comp course was considerably more challanging than Sport...

So post up your thoughts on the race routes...


Nice job with the course. The new technical stuff this year was a blast. Probably one of the best Afton courses yet. Thanks!

[herbiederby21]

Around the mountain is a town called Minturn. Say hi to Jim Popeck (Pope) at the Mountain Pedaler. He'll point you at the good trails.

I'll keep this message and do that, and thanks for the great info! There are load of unmarked 4wheel drive trails and multi-use trails out there, it'll be good to know where to start!

[HutchRider]

Call me crazy!! But I thought the race course was excellent!! Part way through the first lap I felt like I should stop and puke and towards the end of the second lap I was telling myself I would not die before I finished the race. Putting all that aside, this is the first time I've ever raced at Afton and I thought it was a very difficult course, but do-able. Great job with the layout and the subtractions for the sport riders.

Also, thanks to all the volunteers, trail workers and everyone else involved in putting on a great race!

[Nickel]

I didn't race but pre-rode and I thought the course setup was awesome (citizen loop).

[stoneage]

There are load of unmarked 4wheel drive trails and multi-use trails out there, it'll be good to know where to start! There are LOTS of singletrack trails off those fire roads. The season is short there, but well worth it.

[Trevize1138]

Call me crazy!! But I thought the race course was excellent!! Part way through the first lap I felt like I should stop and puke and towards the end of the second lap I was telling myself I would not die before I finished the race. Putting all that aside, this is the first time I've ever raced at Afton and I thought it was a very difficult course, but do-able. Great job with the layout and the subtractions for the sport riders.

Also, thanks to all the volunteers, trail workers and everyone else involved in putting on a great race!

I agree: great course and absolutely brutal race. :sick: I've ridden Afton several times before but never raced. I was just happy to finish! I ended up walking Shady Lane and the top of Man Handler (glad I didn't have to do the whole thing!) on lap #2 even though I was pushing the lowest SS gear I've ever had (32:20). The heat really got me and I felt I'd pass out if I didn't dismount that 2nd time up Shady Lane.

[RedSquirrel]

Not factoring in the elements, what did people think of the race routes???

Specifically, was the Sport race long enough?

Expert/ Comp race, no sympathy on the suffering, but did you guys feel it was technical enough? A short technical downhill singletrack and climb was left out of the race to keep lap times in check...

Not sure why so many DNF'd in Comp, must be the Sport/ Comp gap... The Expert/ Comp course was considerably more challanging than Sport...

So post up your thoughts on the race routes...

AWESOME TRAIL!!! 1st time there this year. PORTER's PILE and DOUG's CORNER nice changes. SHADY SHADE changes and LARRY's REVENGE always a welcome climb. I remember digging that dirt with the kids. MANHANDLER is the winner. And most impotantly I'm not responsible for any adverse affects of DLA. As teen and 20 somethings say, WOOT!!

[Trevize1138]

AWESOME TRAIL!!! 1st time there this year. PORTER's PILE and DOUG's CORNER nice changes. SHADY SHADE changes and LARRY's REVENGE always a welcome climb. I remember digging that dirt with the kids. MANHANDLER is the winner. And most impotantly I'm not responsible for any adverse affects of DLA. As teen and 20 somethings say, WOOT!!

Heath, next time say it in a picture:

http://www.skinnyski.com/racing/results/2007/photos/aftonmtb/jay/IMG_2783.JPG

[RedSquirrel]

Heath, next time say it in a picture:



When it's hot...no sir Elton sun glasses or gloves is the way. You found my best look of the day, scary maaan! Yeah, thanks for that.