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Great Glen?

957 Views 14 Replies 8 Participants Last post by  kclyburn, 
M
Has anyone here done the Great Glen 24 race in NH? I can not find much traffic about the race, I don't want to get sucked into a race with 15 riders...

Thanks

Jay
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I
I have done it the last 3 years on a team and this year will be doing the 12 hour solo division. It is a great event. I have never heard anyone complain about anything having to do with the race. There are around 400 riders on average I believe, including the teams. The only division that seems to be a bit on the empty side is the elite/pro class. Last year there was one team. The sports, expert, novice classes have plenty, with the majority in sport. Check out their website for all the info you'll need. They also have a forum there where you can ask questions. They improve the race every year, this year they added the 12 hour divisions and Real Time Scoring. It is run professionally and is always a blast and no I don't work for the promoters of the race. You should do it for sure.
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M
Thanks

Thanks for the info, I have been checking the race's forum regularly, but even last year there was a lack of traffic...

I am excited for my first 24, just not sure if I have my team together ; )
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I
Yeah,
I was one of the most frequent posters last year. I agree on the lack of traffic. I am the only one to post a new topic this year. The reason I am riding solo this year is because I am tired of trying to get and keep a team together. Every year it seems like people back out at the last minute and leave me and other riding buddies high and dry. This way I only have to worry about myself. If you can't find three other guys you can always do the pair race. If this is your first one you don't have to be on the course for all 24. Stop take a nap, eat whatever and ride when you want to. They also have a pair 12 hour division. Good Luck if you decide to do it, you'll be glad if you do.
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M
another question?

So I just got back from a long road ride with "my team" - they are asking about doing some trail running, to train for the sections you can't ride... I assured them there are no such sections... so what is the course like? Is it all ride-able, or more like Snowshoe where I read last year 50% of the racers walked 50% of the course...

tia

Jay
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woodyak
mtnbikefj said:
So I just got back from a long road ride with "my team" - they are asking about doing some trail running, to train for the sections you can't ride... I assured them there are no such sections... so what is the course like? Is it all ride-able, or more like Snowshoe where I read last year 50% of the racers walked 50% of the course...

tia

Jay
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I can assure you the entire course is ride-able. Last year there were long deep muddy parts that you ended up walking through because we had a ridiculous amount of rain the day before but normally the entire course is rather tame. There are a handful of techy spots that you might have to pop off because you're tired but you're right back on the bike pretty quickly.
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M
I signed up for the 12 hour solo division as well, first non XC race I've done. Should be interesting!
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I
I am heading up there this weekend to pre ride the course. I'll give some feedback when I get back.
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M
feedback?

Well,

as I feared I lost 1 member, so the team is out. I have not trained enough to even try it solo (or really even two man)

I hate team sports sometimes : (
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I
I went up last about a week ago and the couse was a bit greasy in a few spots but 100% better than last year. I would say expect some mud, but more like mud holes not 1/4 mile hike a bike sections.

As far as you losing a teammate. Last year I lost two right about this time and I posted on the 24 hours of great glen forum and NEMBA's website and managed to find two teammates. Ideal? No, but it allowed me to race. Give it a try. Also, go to your LBS and post something or ask the shop people if they know of anyone. Good luck, but don't give up.
This year I'm riding it solo to avoid the let down of lame teammates.
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K
Tire Selection

Any input on appropriate tires for this course? I'm running tubeless Crossmarks now but in my area, the trails are packed and dry. I understand the Great Glen area has had a super wet summer.

Also, how about bugs? Bring 95% DEET and mosquito nets?

Thanks!
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ne_dan
Crossmarks are generally pretty good in New England, the mud isn't sticky (i.e. clayish) like other areas of the country. As far as the bugs go a little Deep Woods Off and maybe a light long sleeve shirt and pants around dusk and dawn is usually good.
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J
Wow thanks for the info. No mud pit after the long washed out double track descent? That was my favorite last year, mud that covered my hubs.
Thanks!
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M
I think your Crossmark tires should work just fine. I live in North Conway and have been riding Kenda Karmas all year with a lot of success and they do have the same type of shallow tread pattern. I rode the course maybe a month ago when we were getting pounded with rain and it was all 95% rideable. Again, just a few dabs here and there.

It looked like they put a bunch of drainage up there and this week should be nice and dry, so let's hope the course dries out a bit. I don't want to have to race again in what we raced in last year......
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K
Thanks!

We fly out tomorrow night. Looking forward to the race and riding some great trails!
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