Oh, the photos from the event will be fantastic.
What’s everyone’s take on hydration packs? Yay or nay? Looks like it’s going to be borderline cold for the entire ride.
I’m just going to go with 2 bottles. Even on the hotter years I’ve never used a pack bc the aid stations are so good. If you are trying to be competitive and save time, it might be a thing but I’ve never had to wait more than 30 seconds to get water in the past. Weather looks superb!
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I rode through it about a month ago and im old and slow so shouldnt be a problem for you young folks.
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I got the USWE 1.5L, will try running it this year. Last year I managed to get a bottle hand-up at Hodges and just before Pamo. Stopped in Ramona on the way out and at the station before Hodges, didn’t cost me much (a minute or so) but I want to see if I can ride on through. I did however run three bottles, with one in the jersey, which I’m looking to avoid.
Yeah, I’m kind of torn on the idea. I also have the 1.5L USWE pack. I’ve used it multiple times on adventure fun rides where I wasn’t going overly hard at any given point. Even then I could feel it making me warmer. With harder efforts in store, I could see myself becoming irritated with it. Maybe I’ll just make a gameday decision.
I’ve used it a bunch over winter, but that’s not nearly the same. Only once for a gravel ride last weekend and it was fine. I will test it out during pre-riding to see how it feels, and adjust if needed - I know I can do 3 bottles, that was my go-to for last few years.
Is anyone riding the Roadie-Oh on Saturday? I signed up, but I think I’ll just do more recon instead. The 40 mile is poorly attended, which is what I wanted to bump down to. Originally signed up for full century, but that’s juts foolish.
I will not do the Saturday rides, but you could always start with the original full century and then pull off at any time. Recon of the new sections would be worth it IMO. I made a route that just has the first out sections, and the return from Hodges. BWR Recce Short · Ride with GPS
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I’m fairly certain I’ll skip Saturday and just do more recon. We get in Thursday, so I can do all 3 days. I’m comfortable with the course starting at Lemontwistenberg, other than in reverse as I haven’t done it before. But given low registration numbers for the 40 miler, there seems to be little point. I’ll just write off the registration fees as a donation 
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So jealous that you can recon this stuff. You’re my eyes and ears, @Stevie_Dee !!! 
Do the first and last 1/4 of the ride (new sectors) seem any more difficult then what we’ve traditionally seen at BWR?
I’m going to have to take it in the morning of. I’ve always been a sucker for surprises.
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It’s just different than the previous version. You get about 15 - 20 minutes of road before hitting the dirt. Then the main climb is done within the first hour - and it’s not super difficult, but there is a kicker at the end…you then have a very fast and mostly straight fire road descent that transitions the last kicker climb before heading back onto the road which takes you to Hodges. From there - you do the out and back on Hodges and then return on this section:
You need to some energy and wits about you left because the zig zag up the horse trail switch backs is slow, bumpy and has tight turns - then you will descent a little and have to cross the creek which I haven’t heard yet if it’s ridable or not. Then you’ve got the last little nasty bit of steep dirt climbing that is 3 sections and you’re home free. I plan on putting solid threshold efforts on the first two climbs - then SS/Tempo along Hodges, and go for broke on the remaining climbs. I’ll be riding with two 800ml bottles with 160 carbs/1 g salt in each, and then most likely stop at the last aid station to refill and I’ll have some gels to finish up.
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Ah, so the creek crossing isn’t until the last little bit of the route? I was worried I was going to be stuck with wet feet for 6hrs lol.
You’re the breakdown king, @Stevie_Dee . I appreciate it!
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When you say “threshold for first two climbs” - are you referring to Highland Valley and Pamo climbs, or the dirt on the way back?
I’m doing the Wafer, so I’m talking about San Diegito Rd Climb, then the Black Mtn Park Climb. If I was riding the Waffle, it would be SS pace all the way up the climbs and z2/tempo on the easier parts. What’s your plan @sasa ?
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That makes way more sense you’re riding the wafer. The 2 800ml bottles had me thinking you were some type android that didn’t require hydration.
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Doing the waffle again, this is my 4th time.
Plan is to hang onto the fastest group without going into the red, because once we get over the HV climb, I need a draft! I did well last year, though had a mechanical on the way down from Raptor which cost me a 7m stop as I messed around with it (RD shifting into spokes). I would have stuck with around the 60th place group otherwise, lost tons of positions. Ended up 85th or something overall, happy with the result.
I guess this year - threshold or a bit above going into first dirt. Try to get through Hodges cleanly and then sweet spot up HV. Get some rest, SS up pano and switch to survival basically 
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One thing that I like about this year, and I think it’s a good thing, is that the Pro/Elite Men/Women leave first - then 10 minutes later, all the regular Joe and Jane’s leave and that group is mixed between the Wafflers and Wafers. So, I would think there will be less traffic going up to the first dirt climb as a good number of slower riders will get dropped on the road climb. Then, the first dirt climb is pretty wide before it narrows near the top. There’s about an hour of riding before reaching Hodges so hopefully it won’t be too congested.
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Yes, that’ll make a big difference in the front group. There are 50+ pros, so the lead amateur group will be cut down, though also open to some interesting early attacks as people try to get to the dirt first. From what I saw, it doesn’t look like it’ll be a nasty traffic jam, but never really know how that works out.
With the current forecast of 52/62 (Del Mar) and 42/64 (Ramona), what are your guy’s thoughts on clothing? Arm warmers, yay or nay? I’m planning to just go normal jersey/shorts…I figure we’ll warm up pretty quick.
Bibs/SS Jersey, no undershirt. These are my preferred temps.
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