2014 Stagecoach 400

[robotfury]

Any SSers? I know Keith and Max are going SS,  Just wondering the gear ratio SS racers use on the SC400 and whether the choice is SC specific or just the personal norm?  I usually race 32 20, but prefer my 36 22 when I can set my own pace on longer days/rides.  Just curious. I am going geared for this rodeo, but for anyone who singlespeeds, this is, you know, always THE burning question. I just gotta know.

[peteshoe]

34x23 I think.....but will probably bail to a 34x24 to off set the winter rust/fat

[Roland Sturm]

For those wondering why there isn't much action here and no gpx yet on the main SC site: Check out the facebook site for SC400 because that's where all the discussion about route details is occurring. https://www.facebook.com/groups/710242629008593/
Ongoing topics are alternatives through San Diego (dirt vs pavement), avoiding environmentally sensitive areas that are currently closed (Tunnels), etc. Also various pre-rides for different sections over the next two weeks.

[Buttermilk]

sure wish it was on here BP.net (why abandon a good thing??)...or that non-facebook types could at least see the conversation on facebook without having to join. I don't have an account, don't want one either, but it would be nice to be kept in the loop.

I ran an ITT last year and it was fun. I just want the updated gpx file...i know it is being worked on still.

See you all in a few weeks!!!

[B_Bock]

sure wish it was on here BP.net (why abandon a good thing??)...or that non-facebook types could at least see the conversation on facebook without having to join. I don't have an account, don't want one either, but it would be nice to be kept in the loop.

I ran an ITT last year and it was fun. I just want the updated gpx file...i know it is being worked on still.

See you all in a few weeks!!!

Jeremy, I would like your comment, but Bikepacking.net doesn't have that feature. Ha ha. I agree that we should continue the conversation here as well.
I'm hoping for a gpx soon. Should I start planing using last years route? I'm not familiar with the area at all.

[Roland Sturm]

There is a bigger change in the desert section that makes resupply a lot easier as Brendan described on the SC400 webpage, otherwise it is roughly the same, so the last two years are good enough for planning.  Brendan surely will post a gpx on the main SC400 site as soon as there is something final, but there still is development for things like finding a legal alternative to the closed tunnels section, several alternative suggestions and maps were posted in the last few hours by the SD locals, e.g. this one, which is perfectly legal and also perfectly boring: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/2275965

[Buttermilk]

Jeremy, I would like your comment, but Bikepacking.net doesn't have that feature. Ha ha.

Nice Blake. Like.

thanks for the sneak peak Roland. a plus for that option is that it does keep us on dirt instead of the road/residential section.
bummer about the tunnels. what is the reason for their closure?
The 6am start is great! gives us a shot (if meager) of agua caliente before they close.

Is the Old Kane Spring Rd section going to be replaced with staying on 78 to Ocotillo Wells?

[Roland Sturm]

Tunnels have  been my favorite section, given the location: Getting through suburbia hell and rather than being on 4 lane divided highways, it's flowing single track. It is set-aside land, but recreational use was tolerated and there wasn't any clear use plan. Now the whole area is off-limits for all users (not just bikes) and enforced, although a use plan may be in development, so some trails may become legal again.
A newspaper report of the status a few months ago here:
http://www.delmartimes.net/2013/10/10/local-residents-react-to-stronger-enforcement-of-del-mar-mesa-preserve-trails-use/

Old Kane was out last year already. Doubt it'll make a come back unless the sand really packs down.

[Buttermilk]

I liked the tunnels too...super unique.
Thanks for the link.

I rode an ITT last year with the 2012 gpx and did Kane rd. then watching the blue dots in April 2013 saw everyone pass it. good change...tough road and it made the resupply option 20 mile longer. Is the Desert Ironwood RV park in Ocotillo reliable?

[Marshal]

For those wondering why there isn't much action here and no gpx yet on the main SC site: Check out the facebook site for SC400 because that's where all the discussion about route details is occurring. https://www.facebook.com/groups/710242629008593/
Ongoing topics are alternatives through San Diego (dirt vs pavement), avoiding environmentally sensitive areas that are currently closed (Tunnels), etc. Also various pre-rides for different sections over the next two weeks.

I like the public nature of bikepacking net--but understand there may be reasons to use a private group--so I signed up once again for that greatest of all time wasters--facebook--ha--and will remove myself as soon as I am done with this yrs Stagecoach

[ec_duz_it]

Looks like there was some precipitation over the weekend.  It should prove nice for dust control!

[Marshal]

almost here--getting a bit of pre-race stoke......http://bikedrifting.blogspot.com/2014/03/1-week-till-stagecoach-400.html

[B_Bock]

Nice ride! I just finished dialing in my bike tonight. It's been a while since I've strapped on the packs. My training regime sounds very similar to yours.

[Marshal]

Nice ride! I just finished dialing in my bike tonight. It's been a while since I've strapped on the packs. My training regime sounds very similar to yours.

ha good to know I am not alone in the modest  training boat
See ya in S CA....

[Buttermilk]

we'll be riding out of Idyllwild about now (6am post)...next week. looks like a large field, fun stuff.

finishing touches on the rig this week and ready to go...got some needed parts yesterday.

the stoke is rising...looking forward to new and old faces...

remember the time change this weekend...gives us more nighttime daylight and the full moon will be on Sunday.

[GerryL]

I rode an ITT last year with the 2012 gpx and did Kane rd. then watching the blue dots in April 2013 saw everyone pass it. good change...tough road and it made the resupply option 20 mile longer. Is the Desert Ironwood RV park in Ocotillo reliable?

Not sure if you got an answer elsewhere or not, but the Desert Ironwood is super reliable this time of year. They are also open late on Friday. I used them to top off my fluids and have an ice cream before the infamous Fish Creek last year. Riding the 78 seemed an okay trade-off for having a solid resupply right before that 20 miles of sand.

[Buttermilk]

thanks Gerry. had heard and i didn't see it on the cues either. Thats what i was hoping for.

[Roland Sturm]

Just reposting the list of last year's ride reports on SC 400.
This is mine:
http://rolandsturm.blogspot.com/

Eddie's ride report : http://eddieodea.com/?p=724

Forest Baker ITT http://teamkaker.com/stagecoach-400-ride-recap/

Brendan Collier: Last year's failed attempt...
http://www.hubcyclery.com/off-the-couch-into-the-oven/

Any other ride reports out there?

[Marshal]

tracker page is now up--looks like a pretty big field.....

http://trackleaders.com/stagecoach14

[ec_duz_it]

The temperatures I am seeing make me cringe. Low to high 80's? WTF?  This is early march. I though we were going to get mid 60's.  Global warming is real!