Huracan 300

[Dumpster Juice]

I am planning on doing the Huracan 300 in March 2012. I have been training for a 300 mile race, but would like some ideas on how to train for a 300 mile off road race, in sand. I plan to ride without stopping to sleep, except for some quick catnaps on the side of the trail. Never done a race that long, any help would be great.

[trebor]

The route is superb for bikepacking and if your going for an ITT - it's fast!!!!

Sand is it's own monster and down there it's referred to as sugar sand. Not at all like desert sand in my experience. High cadence and let the bike float is my best advice. Compare the resistance of sand to a long sustained climb. Depending on recent rain at race time, you may find next to zero sandy areas.... or if it has been dry, miles and miles of it. Hope for rain!

The singletrack bits are not techie, but are tight and twisty. Close to 100 miles of the 300 is on singletrack. Lots and lots of dirt (sand) roads and some pavement link it together.  There are also sections of little used double track to keep you on your toes with route-finding. But all in all, an easy route to navigate.

There is absolutely the opportunity for a near 24/25 hour finish on this route if conditions are right.

[Dumpster Juice]

The only race this year is ITT. One division only...Is the GPX file easy to follow on a GPS? Is there plenty of chances for food and water on the route?

[trebor]

The route is pretty easy to follow if you are acustomed to using a GPS -- don't show up never having used one before. There are a few sections that are not "obvious" and if your not comfy with it, you could get confused. Generally there is plenty of resupply opportunity. Either directly on route or 1-2 miles off route. The only time you must be careful is crossing the Ocala National Forest. Extrememly limited places to resupply there. However, if you enter the forest stocked, you should be able to make it all the way across. Water can be found - food is more difficult.

[Dumpster Juice]

What are the best tires for the Huracan 300. I need some new ones now and would like to try what everyone thinks is best for sand and some more sugar sand. What type and size? I ride a 29er.

[mbeardsl]

What are the best tires for the Huracan 300. I need some new ones now and would like to try what everyone thinks is best for sand and some more sugar sand. What type and size? I ride a 29er.

I was thinking about this recently as well when discussing the event and CFITT with some riders in Raleigh this weekend (said he/they were going with some SC guys, maybe that's you).  I'd think a good 2.35-2.5 tire would be killer in the sand but may suck on the rest as most are pretty knobby.  Full fat would be another option but I've never ridden one so can't speak to their pros/cons firsthand.

[naked indian]

Thanks Rob for helping answer questions.

Rob probably knows the route better than me.

I like Captains for the Florida riding.  Fast on hard pack, great in sand.

[ruthslp]

on 29, i would second the captains. but all preference....

[naked indian]

The Tracker is up: http://trackleaders.com/huracan. also MTB Cast will be handling the call ins.

Very Thankful to be part of such a great community.

My son and I will attempt to capture the Tandem record for the 300 mile route.  Dont worry, no all nighters for the 12 year old, we plan to speed tour it!

[mbeardsl]

The Tracker is up: http://trackleaders.com/huracan. also MTB Cast will be handling the call ins.

Very Thankful to be part of such a great community.

My son and I will attempt to capture the Tandem record for the 300 mile route.  Dont worry, no all nighters for the 12 year old, we plan to speed tour it!

Best of luck to everyone!!  I'll be rooting for our Raleigh, NC racers from home.

Your son is one BAD little dude - Hope you two capture the record!

[naked indian]

Awesome event this weekend.  I have not tallied the official times, but were looking at under 24 hours for 300 miles Shay Linder and a new women's best time by Kari Linder, the one-two wife husband duo came down from Atlanta and put a crushing on the course.  Very impressive.

New single speed record as well, and tons of great stories to tell.

My son and I cashed in on 120 miles, after a treacherous forest crossing in heat and sand, my son was just not wanting anymore dirt.  Its ok, he hung tough, I knew going in that this was possible with a 12 year old, but I also told him going in there would be no sag wagons so we still had to pedal back to the start

check out MTBCAST.com
and huge thanks to the Scott MOrris and Matt Lee over at Trackleaders their support for grassroots racing is much appreciated.
Greenway Cycles as well, was a ton of Help, Donald Harries is a legendary bad ass and true embassador for all disciplines of cycling.

[naked indian]

Without Further Delay 2012 HuRaCaN 300 results are OFFICIAL:
All times received a 10 min time bonus to compensate neutral riders. Masters is a title given by ME to the fastest over 50 challenger.

1. Shey Lindner 23 hours and 59 min 2012 New Overall course record
2. Kelly Klett 1 day 3 hours and 35 min
3. Chris tompkins 1 day 7 hours and 35 min
4. Jason Murrell 1 day 9 hours and 45 min
5. Kari Lindner 1 day 11 hours and 54 min 2012 New COURSE Best Female Record
6. Chad Parker 1 day 13 hours and 45 min
7. Ruth Cunningham 2 days 1 hours and 50 min 2nd fastest female
8. Dave Muse 3 way tie
Steve Julian
Vonnie McClung New Single Speed course Record
2 days 6 hours and 20 min
11. Peter Kraft 2 day 6 hours and 45 min
12. Chris Benkley 2 days 8 hours and 33 min 3rd fastest female 2012 MASTERS COURSE RECORD
13. Paul Schmitt and Lynne Daniels Latern Rouge 2 years running!!!
2 days 8 hours and 45 minutes

HUGE CONGRATS to all the Challengers that Toed the Line, Amazing rides this year, it just gets better and better,

thanks,

The NaKeD InDiaN