REVIEWS DEALS BIKESHOPS TRAILS

Marathon # 3 at the Ganaraska this Sunday

2074 Views 42 Replies 15 Participants Last post by gmstrek8, Jul 11, 2009

HSCoach2

Discussion Starter · Jun 30, 2009

Let's talk about this one.

Our babysitting situation is still up in the air, but hopefully either my wife or I (or both of us) will be at the Ganaraska on Sunday. No worries from us about that forest (which we might consider one of "our" home trails) as I can't think of a forest that stands up better to a lot of rain (actually seems to prefer it). We went for a 25 km ride in there the day after the Albion OCUP (which was also very muddy- had to walk up several double-track climbs on the second half of the lap that day), and we encountered one puddle, that we simply rode around.

My wife just left to go for a ride there, taking her chances on the rain today.

I'm interested in seeing how Dan sets the 35 and 70km courses. The Paul's Dirty Enduro 60 km course is a great route ( I think it's actually about 56-57), and he'll have to incorporate much of it, especially if he wants to stay in the Central Forest.

1 - 20 of 43 Posts

gmstrek8

· #2 · Jun 30, 2009

I'm doing this one since it is much closer to home then all the other races. I was hoping to get out and ride this week while i am on holidays but as usual all it does is rain when i am off.

thedumbopinion

· #3 · Jun 30, 2009

I'll be doing this race as well. I've only ridden the Ganny once and can't wait to do it again.

I did Paul's 60k last year and really struggled. Had some nutrition and mechanical issues and it took me about 5.5hrs to finish (ouch). At that point it was the furthest I've ever ridden, never mind all singletrack. Hope to be better this weekend. I guess I've been captain of the mid-pack at the first 2 marathon events finishing 26th and 23rd.

I've noticed 6 of my 8 races this year have been over 45k with one of the other two being an OCup. hummmm?

thedumbopinion

· #4 · Jun 30, 2009

The Technical Guide has been posted

Marathon: The course is fast! Final distance will be posted at the start, but 78km is the
current number. Not too technical, long single track, fast flowing double track and great
transitions and flow from start to finish. Feedzone distances will be posted at registration.
This is a modified Paul's 60k loop. Keep your head up though and look for the BIG
orange arrows!

HSCoach2

Discussion Starter · #5 · Jun 30, 2009

10:00 Marathon start

1:00 Anticipated first finisher of the marathon

WHO is this?!

Enduramil

· #6 · Jun 30, 2009

HSCoach2 said:
10:00 Marathon start

1:00 Anticipated first finisher of the marathon

WHO is this?!

Jose Hemanus?

Matt 24 solo

· #7 · Jul 1, 2009

Enduramil said:
Jose Hemanus?

They all come out the same. They all look scared. Great movie just watched it 2 days ago

Matt 24 solo

· #8 · Jul 1, 2009

Enduramil said:
Jose Hemanus?

They all come out the same. They all look scared. Great movie just watched it 2 days ago

osokolo

· #9 · Jul 3, 2009

am i out for lunch for thinking about using

hard tail bike for this race???

is FS bike an advantage or more weight to haul around, than needed....

throw in some 2 cents worth...

HSCoach2 said:
10:00 Marathon start

1:00 Anticipated first finisher of the marathon

WHO is this?!

serious

· #10 · Jul 3, 2009

I am thinking about doing this race. I need to prepare for the 8 HOUR EPIC, so I am still looking for an 80(ish) km off road ride. I could go to Hardwood and do laps on the EPIC course or come to Ganaraska and race. Hmm, decisions, decisions.

ccaddy

· #11 · Jul 3, 2009

Hardwood wouldn't cost you $50 + ...........

bbgobie

· #12 · Jul 3, 2009

Damn
got the flu!!
Its summer!
Who gets the flu in the summer?

serious

· #13 · Jul 3, 2009

ccaddy: Hardwood wouldn't cost you $50 +

True, but it is so much more exciting to race against real people (as opposed to the imaginary ones I will create at Hardwood).

Besides, osokolo is showing up, which means that we'll all have deep tracks to follow (yes the man is that big). Which leads me to my next brilliant thought: my advice to osokolo is to use the FS, with as much gear on it as possible.

With a little luck I won't get lost this time.

osokolo

· #14 · Jul 3, 2009

hmmm

i'll be watching you buddy... dont even think about loosening bolts on my bike or slashing my tires just before the start... i let you do it only once, now i will be alert...

so are you really saying FS? i have just built a HT and am itching to try it... i realize it is not a good idea to try a newly built bike in a race, but... my building skills are second only to singlesprocket's...

serious said:
ccaddy: Hardwood wouldn't cost you $50 +

True, but it is so much more exciting to race against real people (as opposed to the imaginary ones I will create at Hardwood).

Besides, osokolo is showing up, which means that we'll all have deep tracks to follow (yes the man is that big). Which leads me to my next brilliant thought: my advice to osokolo is to use the FS, with as much gear on it as possible. With a little luck I won't get lost this time.

serious

· #15 · Jul 4, 2009

osokolo,

I think somebody with your fitness and skill can easily handle a HT. If you are sure about the new build, go for it.

HSCoach2

Discussion Starter · #16 · Jul 4, 2009

It looks like its just me racing on Sunday. Without a babysitter to rush home for, I'm actually considering the 78 km marathon instead of the 35 km half (as an aside, I believe there needs to be another term for that - no more half-marathons, half-Ironmans etc.).

I do the 60 (closer to 56) at Paul's and have never really considered doing the 100 (partially because the West Forest isn't as much fun as the Central).

Those of you who are racing, are you all doing the 78, or are some doing the 35?

osokolo

· #17 · Jul 4, 2009

if i go, which is 90% now

i will do 78 km course. i just finished hard ride today, so this will be training, or more likely, sado-masochistic exercise... as serious said, i just need some good training at this point as there are no other races that i can do to stay in shape...

having never done this race, or Paul's enduro, makes it more interesting...in your opinion, is this course hardtail friendly or light FS bike would be a better option.

thx

Oggie

HSCoach2 said:
It looks like its just me racing on Sunday. Without a babysitter to rush home for, I'm actually considering the 78 km marathon instead of the 35 km half (as an aside, I believe there needs to be another term for that - no more half-marathons, half-Ironmans etc.).

I do the 60 (closer to 56) at Paul's and have never really considered doing the 100 (partially because the West Forest isn't as much fun as the Central).

Those of you who are racing, are you all doing the 78, or are some doing the 35?

icy

· #18 · Jul 4, 2009 (Edited)

Most of the course is hard tail friendly, there is a long fast downhill double track section where some suspension can be useful though. Its a great place to race some of the single track goes on forever.

serious

· #19 · Jul 4, 2009

I am going for 78km, rigid and singlespeed. I think it will be a great ride in preparation for the 8 HOUR EPIC. See you guys tomorrow. The weather looks great too.

HSCoach2

Discussion Starter · #20 · Jul 4, 2009

Family says do the "half".

1 - 20 of 43 Posts

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