Barry-Roubaix

[talking head]

Even though it was the "right tool" for only about 10% of the course, I found it not to be a major detriment ........

Any concencus on what the right tool was?, I'm just curious. What did the fastest racer boys ride?

[michiganclydesdale]

Even though it was the "right tool" for only about 10% of the course, I found it not to be a major detriment ........

Any concencus on what the right tool was?, I'm just curious. What did the fastest racer boys ride?

It was dry enough, that skinny tires (32-35mm) were probably ideal. Fats had their spots, and 2.1's had their spots, but overall the CX riders had the right tool. We had 2.2's on the big orange tandem, and they were perfect for the Team AUX expectation. There are some fast fixie, single, and tandem riders out there...dang. Nice work out there today to Rick and crew. And to riders - there was a lot of congestion early, at high speeds, so way to keep it clean (for the most part). I did see a couple downed riders early, but not many after it opened up.

[MediumRB]

I will add to the accolades for the event. Glad they opened up the prizes to the top 5 this year.
My 650b x 40 Fatty Rumpkin tires were perfect for today (50psi). I had the 26" knobby wheelset in the trunk, but it would not have helped.

As to gearing - the Fixed Gear class winner was pushing 46x15 and came in at about 1:45! I ran 42 x 17 and maybe could have added a tooth to the chainring.

[TenSpeed]

I feel like I had the completely wrong bike for something like this. Full suspension 26er, and I am pretty sure that my tire pressure at 40 front and back with a Nevegal up front and a Smallblock 8 out back was all wrong. I meant to throw a Slant 6 on the front but never got around to it. Unfortunately, I took off way too fast at the beginning of my wave, and I think I pretty much blew myself up trying to keep up with a friend who finished 6th overall in the 24 mile. I gave in, and walked a bit of it, partly due to some slight leg cramping, but some due to me trying to catch my breath.

Two things stuck out in my mind after the race. Blazing through an intersection doing 24mph trying to keep up with some of the cross/road bikes with a cop waving me through, and seeing people cheering, and all of the really fast downhill pavement after we finished the dirt roads. I saw speeds that I have never seen before nor thought possible on my bike. I am putting that one dirt/sand/*beep* road out of my memory. Forever.

[utabintarbo]

...I saw speeds that I have never seen before nor thought possible on my bike. I am putting that one dirt/sand/*beep* road out of my memory. Forever.

Having remembered that intersection from last year, I blew through at around 30. I did hit 40 for a few seconds. On a fat bike.

OTOH, I was around 4.5MPH on Sager (that dirt/sand/*beep* road).

[sally_2000]

2nd mtb race ever and what a fun course & time when things go well , meaning no drama just a great ride Thanks to the Barry R gang for putting on this nice race/ride . sound system was a bit off but nbd I guess

[c0nsumer]

I did hit 40 for a few seconds. On a fat bike.

Where? My max was 34.9, but I was also running out of gears on a lot of hills.

[mazzmond]

I had a blast as well. First Barry-Roubaix and also didn't bring the right tool for the job but didn't care...had a lot of fun. I rode a fairly light 29er FS with 2.35 front, 2.25 rear tires which were not the right choice for 95% of the race but at least I had a big grin on my face as I flew up Sager past everyone walking without much effort. I agree a cyclocross with 35 cc tires would have been ideal versus a light 29er mountain bike with lighter tires. I may try a cross bike next year. Did this race for fun with a friend and we rode together and chatted during the whole race. First time I've done that and although didn't get a great time, I think I had more fun than when I go all out.

[G.Cook]

700x40 on my Surly Cross Check worked great , gravel and pavement.

[denny]

It was great to see all of the different bikes at the race. Pretty cool stuff.

How many of you took advantage of the automatic text message? If you searched the website you could sign up (for free) to have your finish time text to your phone or sent to your email, twitter or Facebook.

Congrats to all of the racers.

[TenSpeed]

I did hit 40 for a few seconds. On a fat bike.

Where? My max was 34.9, but I was also running out of gears on a lot of hills.

I would say that was my about my max as well. I didn't watch my speedo the whole time though, and for some reason, the max speed on there isn't registering. I did see it hover in the upper 33's and lower 34's though.

It was very impressive to see so many fast and capable riders tackle some of those hills like they weren't even there. It was inspiring, and at the same time kind of depressing. It shows that I have so much more to learn and accomplish.

[kms662]

Steve Balogh has already started uploading pics he took of 63 & 36 mile racers at the hill on South Head Road.

http://sb.smugmug.com/Sports/Mountain-Bike-Racing/2012-Barry-Robaix/22090609_RhWz7j#!i=1763007752&k=Vzw5qDH

[monkeyevil]

Well I completely underestimated that beast. I didn't fuel right, I didn't train right (or at all), and around mile 18 the wall came fast.

What I learned about myself is that I'll walk up a hill with my legs blown out even if there is a photographer taking my photo at the top, and once again I'm one of the slowest people, still dumb enough to compete in these events.

To the guys with me in the back! Cheers

[TenSpeed]

Well I completely underestimated that beast. I didn't fuel right, I didn't train right (or at all), and around mile 18 the wall came fast.

What I learned about myself is that I'll walk up a hill with my legs blown out even if there is a photographer taking my photo at the top, and once again I'm one of the slowest people, still dumb enough to compete in these events.

To the guys with me in the back! Cheers

Don't feel bad. I did the same. I saw someone at the top taking pics, and I was walking up a hill. I had my head down and tried to cover my number plate with my arm though.

[Sortaslow]

Well I completely underestimated that beast. I didn't fuel right, I didn't train right (or at all), and around mile 18 the wall came fast.

What I learned about myself is that I'll walk up a hill with my legs blown out even if there is a photographer taking my photo at the top, and once again I'm one of the slowest people, still dumb enough to compete in these events.

To the guys with me in the back! Cheers

You're better than those that never even try.....