Trans North Georgia MTB Race

[Emily]

My big question is, who all will be manning-up to race TNGA fully self-supported (despite the option). Its the proper way for anyone lurking on this thread.

36hours may be possible supported but who will respect it in the morning?

No "manning-up" required.  
I havent finished the route (on my self supported thru ride earlier this year, a broken pedal spring forced me to pull the plug midway) but I did not feel my ride time would have decreased much by meeting a chase car.  In fact, I think it would have been worse to plan for support, as the chance of being caught out in a mishap without enough gear/food/tools will increase.
Perhaps folks who do not feel able to find their own water or eat gas station burritos would feel the need for such a crutch.  Those who are not familiar with AA-powered randoneuring LEDs and other great bikepacking gear may simply not see how self-support would work.  BUT, I think anyone hip enough to ultra-racing to be reading this forum should eschew all outside support.
Good luck Naked Indian (I believe we met at PMBAR, on the hike up Pilot) and everyone else! I will be watching the proceedings from the comfort of my couch in Asheville.

[mtbcast]

I've not done these types of races. I fantasize about it, no doubt. One day, perhaps. But I have covered many for a number of years now. I know there are some who are trying for 36hrs. From what I know of the route and from speaking with those who've done it I don't see a 36hr happening. That's saying a lot with the likes of Matthew Lee, Eddie O', and others in this thing. I'm hopeful of a 4 day, perhaps a sub-4 but that's pushing it. You can't look at mileage and climbing alone. There are a lot of turns. This is going to raise the probably of getting lost. There's some hike-a-bike and other things to slow you. I say all of this and yet hope I'm blown away by the finish time.

As for support or no support, I think those who are already used to non-supported racing know what it takes to do this unsupported. In a way this gives them an advantage. Keep in mind, though, there are only 3 places they can receive support. And this support is really rather limited. I think there is a strong possibility the winner will go it solo because as Matthew has noted before, there are pitfalls to stopping. The lure of a hotel bed or even having family or a friend there to fuel you can slow you. It takes your mind off the game, somewhat.

This is going to be fun either way!

[DaveH]

Anybody know the breakdown of singletrack, doubletrack, hike a bike, and road (either dirt or paved)?  Based on what I know of the route I could see a really strong, talented, smart, and *lucky* rider going sub 3 days.  It really depends on how much road there is, the weather, pacing and *luck*.  And of course, how well the support options are utilized.

Grand loop has similar vert and mileage (but more elevation, very little singletrack and zero resupply) and has been done in a touch over 60 hours, including 8 hours of sleeping time.  That's the closest benchmark I can think of...

Never having done a multi-day with a mean elevation lower than 5-6k, I'm really curious how the thick Georgia air will effect recovery for the riders.

Listening to Joe's podcast now - Eddie brings up an interesting point on the support issue.  Should he put himself at a disadvantage by going fully self-supported because some of the other riders are choosing to go self-supported?  Not everyone will go self-supported.

The rules are what they are - and the riders did not make them, they just need to follow them.  We don't have to agree with them, but to not make use of support in this event is limiting in the context of the event.  So, to answer the question "will we respect the result in the morning", for myself the answer is "absolutely".

Eddie O is projecting 40 hours on FB.  That's a bold prediction support notwithstanding, he MUST be feeling near superhuman right now.  It will be interesting to see how that pans out for him.

Good luck riders!

[Emily]

Anybody know the breakdown of singletrack, doubletrack, hike a bike, and road (either dirt or paved)?  Based on what I know of the route I could see a really strong, talented, smart, and *lucky* rider going sub 3 days.  It really depends on how much road there is, the weather, pacing and *luck*.  And of course, how well the support options are utilized.

The first half is almost entirely good-quality dirt road.  Lots and lots of steep climbing, but as long as you don't make a wrong turn it should be easy going.
The second half includes a fair amount of singletrack.  Much of it is fairly straightforward trail maintained for mountain biking and not too technically challenging (although Stanley Gap is pretty burly for a mile or so in the middle, and a couple other spots are as well).  There is about 4 miles of technical rock garden on the ridge of Snake Creek Gap past Dalton.  This ridgeline is challenging trail to be sure, but coming so late in the race I would expect most people will just plan to walk through that section. 

The rules are what they are - and the riders did not make them, they just need to follow them.  We don't have to agree with them, but to not make use of support in this event is limiting in the context of the event.  So, to answer the question "will we respect the result in the morning", for myself the answer is "absolutely".

I agree that using support doesn't negate a result, as the rules allow it.  A smart racer should consider using every advantage the race allows.  For example, CTR allowed people to mail unwanted gear back to their home address mid-race, while I think this race does not.   I just don't necessarily believe that support will improve times in this case.  I guess all us armchair speculators will find out soon enough who's got the right strategy!

[naked indian]

Thanks for all the well wishes Emily.

I am trying hard to keep my inner racer in control.

We will see what happens saturday.

[mtbcast]

Episode 125 It all starts Saturday! One last pre-show with some info as well as information on our Sipstream giveaway! This gave me a chance to test run doing the mixing on the mini notebook since it will be the travel machine for this race.

[sjanes]

As far as support or non-support goes, I would say that it could go either way.  There are so many other factors involved.  That said, when I get the time to attempt it, I plan on fully self supported,  because I can.   

[phil_rad]

Supported or nonsupported, I wish you all  good luck on finishing and have a great time! 

Phil

[trebor]

We are headed to the start. Wish us luck.

[Emily]

Ah, Rob Roberts passed Eddie O, John Hightower, and Trey Woodall in Dillard!  The crossroads in Dillard is one of the few spots along that section where there is cell service, looked like Eddie was stopped at the intersection for a bit to make a call.  Hightower and Woodall were down at the shops for some food, looks like, so they may not even know Roberts had passed them.  Can Eddie regain the lead on the steep climbs back into the mountains?  And don't discount Brad Kee, Matt Fusco, and Matthew Lee, their deep experience in multiday racing may serve them well as the race wears on.

In the women's race, Lisa Randall's spot never made it to the start, nor did Ruth C's, so Cricket may be the only woman competitor.  Go Cricket!

Wooo! we got us a real race here! Go everyone!!

[phil_rad]

Looks like Cricket's spot is still in Charlotte, NC.

[mtbcast]

The start was a little late but no worries. I'll have some video to post up of the start in a bit.

[Emily]

Looks like Cricket's spot is still in Charlotte, NC.

Oh, man... bummer. If it weren't for my work schedule (and the fact that I'm sick right now) I would be out there myself. Cmon ladies, we gotta start representing better at these events!
In the men's race, looks like Hightower and Russ Mitchell have taken the lead. Eddie O had been making bold predictions for his finish but has slipped back a few spots. Perhaps he has run into mechanical problems?

[dgaddis1]

Looks like matt lee is way ahead now.

[phil_rad]

Cricket is on course. It looks like she's in 4th place. Go Cricket!!

[Emily]

Go Cricket!
Some folks' spots are not updating very often. The thick canopy of trees may be interfering.

[mtbcast]

TNGA10 -Karlos Bernart called in from Dillard, Rob Roberts called in from Hwy 76, and Eddie O called headed up Trey Mtn!

Here's a video of the start!

[mtbcast]

Eddie O’Dea called in from Hogpen!

[Emily]

Looks like Cricket wasn't the only woman to start, as Lisa Randall's Spot has started showing on route too.  Go Lisa! 

[ScottM]

Hey all,

Just wanted to say go TNGA racers!  Great to see such a large field for a first time race, and to see some women as well -- awesome.

Of course I'm pulling for Matthew Lee, and it looks like things have gone well for him so far.

I just fixed a couple of glitches in the story board / standings, in case anyone was checking in there.  It should show the correct standings now.

Thanks for the coverage Joe!  Nice to have an event a little closer to home, eh?