That was not a gravel race, that was an “adventure race”
Although I have no corals and didn’t find anything overly challenging on that course (outside I was crazy under geared for the climbs), this to me is not a gravel race.
The vallende creek uphill was the dumbest section I have ever seen on a gravel race. My hats off to anyone that actually rode it although I would be surprised if anyone including the pros did. I would go back to the race with different mindset maybe even a different bike. I however do not forsee the BWR NC event gaining interest and more customers as they just made it too tough for the average person.
Recap of my setup;
2021 Ridley Kanzo Fast
38 - 10/42 gearing
Pirelli Cinturato H (that measure 39.5mm pumped)
42.5psi / 44.5 psi
220lbs complete riding down the road weight.
Race Notes;
I was absolutely hooked up everywhere and had crazy confidence on every descent passing hundreds of people over the course of the day. I averaged 210NP and had a time of 5hr 5Xmin (full time hidden for my protection) for the Wafer. I was on track to ride a 5hr 15min but exploded on Jeeter due to running out of nutrition and not paying attention to it. I was for me severely under geared, I would go back with a 38 - 48 to 51 gearing if the course stayed the same. I would never run anything smaller than a 38mm tire there, I also would never run anything larger than a 42mm. If you want to race this event, take your bike to mtb trails atleast once a week. I race MTB and didnt find any of the downhills really difficult but rather annoying haha.
That’s my recap.