[vuduvgn]

Anybody got any idea what kinda soil we got out there? I'm trying to decide on the right tire. When I raced that place the first year they held it it was gravel, loose soil and pavement. Any changes? Any hardpack (besides the asphalt)?

Much love.

 

[slashk]

Anybody got any idea what kinda soil we got out there? I'm trying to decide on the right tire. When I raced that place the first year they held it it was gravel, loose soil and pavement. Any changes? Any hardpack (besides the asphalt)?

When I road it last year (in the Sept Cougar Mtn Classic), it was all hardpack, gravel and pavement. At the very end, coming back into the stadium/starting line, there is some loose soil around the descent and switchback. I think I am running my hardpack tires like a Specialized Fast Trak.

 

[Berkeley Mike]

If it is gravel and loose soil then

why would you use a hardpack tire?

 

[slashk]

why would you use a hardpack tire?

From my memory, about 80% of the course is hardpack with just a little loose areas. I'm willing to trade off the grip for the lesser rolling resistance.

 

[Berkeley Mike]

Scouting the course.

I have yet to speak to anyone who really knows what the course is like. Mostly I am hearing educated guesses. I may have one of my riders riding the course in the next few days.

 

[slashk]

Anybody got any idea what kinda soil we got out there? I'm trying to decide on the right tire. When I raced that place the first year they held it it was gravel, loose soil and pavement. Any changes? Any hardpack (besides the asphalt)?

Here's the only review of people that have been on _this_ year's course:

http://team.motionbased.com/blog/2006/06/21/2006-us-mtb-national-championships-xc-course/

 

[Berkeley Mike]

I love stuff like that!

To anyone but a mountain biker the Team Motion Based description would mean nothing. Having ridden these hills for years I could see exactly what the writer was talking about. I expect that the course has...uh... matured since the assessment was written but it is a great start. Thanks for posting the link Slashk.

 

[Menso]

take your road tires. This course is a complete shame to the American MTB community. I cannot believe they will be handing out "Stars n Stripes" jerseys to winners, especially the gravity events. I just pre-rode the xc and Super D course, and am very glad that I didn't preregister. The xc course is 15, maybe 25% pavement, and mostly washboard/hardpack(like pavement) fireroad. The Super D course is a mockery of the name Super D, as it includes NO single track and only pavement/fireroad/grass field descending and climbing.

Here's one rider who will NOT be wasting 2 days racing.