[KonaKat]

I am planning to make the trip from Canada to California this summer. My boyfriend has entered into the Downieville Classic XC Race. I would also like to enter, but I am not sure how difficult or technical the trail is. I am relatively new to XC mountain biking and do not know whether or not I will be able to finish the race. I have a Kona Caldera hardtail with 4" travel. I would like to know what I am getting myself into before I enter the race. Is this race too hard for an amateur? Thanks!

 

[mtnbecky]

Downieville XC is...

beautiful, fabulous, a gruelling climb and very advanced DH on the way down. I have raced the DH and the XC in various combinations going on 10 years now. If I were you, I would volunteer with Debbie at yubaexpeditions.com to assist her (us) instead of entering this race. We need all the volunteers we can get! She will truly appreciate the help, anything you can do, and volunteers always get free camping. This way you can experience the entire scene without actually racing it, since I would NOT suggest it in any way for a first time race. Get all sorts of miles in between now and next season and you'll do fine next year. Sea otter, if you're in the area, is a wonderful first time race.(usually in April) See you in Downieville!

bb

 

[PeanutButterBreath]

I raced it as my first race, but I too would not recommend it unless you are very comfortable/confident on your bike. The descent is unrelenting and very technical for an "XC" race. It is definitely worth planning some extra time in the Downieville area to check out the singletrack though. I've only ridden there on a full rigid single speed, so your bike should be fine.

 

[MrCrash]

How would you make arrangements for a practice run on the XC course for the weekend? The climb sounds pretty gnarly for a full run the day before the event - would you just book a shuttle for Saturday?

 

[PeanutButterBreath]

I think shuttling would be ideal the day before, but if you have never seen the climb I would almost recommend biking/hiking it at a mellow pace, just so you know what to expect and how to pace yourself. In addition to the length and steepness, traction is poor.

 

[MrCrash]

I think shuttling would be ideal the day before, but if you have never seen the climb I would almost recommend biking/hiking it at a mellow pace, just so you know what to expect and how to pace yourself. In addition to the length and steepness, traction is poor.

That makes perfect sense - thanks!

 

[derek]

How would you make arrangements for a practice run on the XC course for the weekend? The climb sounds pretty gnarly for a full run the day before the event - would you just book a shuttle for Saturday?

Not doing the race this year, but I'd be careful as the Downhill is being run on Saturday and that course overlaps with the XC course. Not sure of what the schedule is to allow people on the race course.

-Derek

 

[MrCrash]

Not doing the race this year, but I'd be careful as the Downhill is being run on Saturday and that course overlaps with the XC course. Not sure of what the schedule is to allow people on the race course.

On the entry form, it states that riders will not be allowed onto the race course until the last DH rider has cleared, so I'm thinking I should be alright. Thanks for the heads up!

 

[J_B]

Since I missed the DH sign ups I am seriously thinking about doing the XC race on my RFX, which gets 6" front and rear. I figure I can enter in the beginner class and get my butt whooped. Assuming I survive the climb, I can at least have some fun on the way down.