[slayer30]

I have entered the classic this year I was just wondering what kind of terrain the climb is
and what kind of tires would be a good set up for the race. Also I plan to shuttle the down
hill a couple of times before the race. Do most people were knee and elbow pads when they are just shuttling. thanks

 

[smw]

I have entered the classic this year I was just wondering what kind of terrain the climb is
and what kind of tires would be a good set up for the race. Also I plan to shuttle the down
hill a couple of times before the race. Do most people were knee and elbow pads when they are just shuttling. thanks

I believe the climb is fireroad, but it is a lung burner.

Shuttling its not a bad idea to wear pads since you a pretty much going down. Although I rarely see riders wearing pads. There is alot of pedaling even on the downhill, so its up to you, I didnt wear pads last time and Im not sure if I will this week either. Its not real technical, but it is pretty fast.

Sean

 

[GuruAtma]

I didn't wear pads last time I went, but about halfway down I saw a rider limping along next to her bike with a painfully swollen knee. I gave her some ibuprofin, but she still had a long, painful walk down. I went out and bought some leg pads the next day, and I'll be wearing them on my next trip to D-ville

 

[jhruth]

I'll be wearing full face helmet and arm pads for sure....

Not sure about leg pads yet. I have them and have worn them in the past..... I really don't even notice them when I wear them except they're all sweaty when I'm done..... They've saved my legs from some cuts and bruises I'm sure... I'll be up there practicing for the DH race in 2 weeks.... I'll decide then.... I think the full face helmet is the most important part... but I know lots of people don't wear those either..... I've seen some NASTY accidents at DV ... one woman with a HAMBURGER face... not good.. so many rocks....:shocked:

 

[PeanutButterBreath]

The climb.

The majority of the unpaved section of the climb is hardpack covered by loose material ranging from fine gravel to softball sized rocks. Traction is a major issue, especially during steep sections. There is usually a single line that gets cleared of debris, but during the race you have to fight for it and be prepared to get out into the loose stuff to pass.

 

[slayer30]

thanks for the good info everyone sounds like an easy time lol

 

[benja55]

I have entered the classic this year I was just wondering what kind of terrain the climb is
and what kind of tires would be a good set up for the race. Also I plan to shuttle the down
hill a couple of times before the race. Do most people were knee and elbow pads when they are just shuttling. thanks

Yeah, the climb is a grind. If its a hot exposed day it feels like forever, but the way I see it, its like hitting your head with a hammer: it feels SO good when you stop.

Last time I raced it (years ago) I rode my Ti HT w/o pads and had a blast! Now that I've got a big bouncy bike this year I'm likely gonna throw some pads on at the top. I've been going a LOT faster downhill on this bike.

 

[demo_slug]

The majority of the unpaved section of the climb is hardpack covered by loose material ranging from fine gravel to softball sized rocks. Traction is a major issue, especially during steep sections. There is usually a single line that gets cleared of debris, but during the race you have to fight for it and be prepared to get out into the loose stuff to pass.

nailed it! the first 2-3 miles is an easy grind. then comes the patches of softball sized rocks. if you can muster a burst of speed, then its easy to clear. but if you are tapped out and grinding in granny, be prepared to walk. very frustrating for slow old me.

but the last mile of the climb to packers saddle is a steep easy grind. turn brain off and pedal your pace.