Anyone doing this event in March? I should be good to go unless something with work messes it up.
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It’s on the radar but barely…most likely will miss it but most likely attending Utah, and definitely doing San Diego.
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I’m planning on going. Should be a fun early season event.
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Doing VOS and TBC back to back. Adding BWR the very next weekend might kill me. In other words, I haven’t ruled it out.
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maybe!
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Considering it. Whats the optimal tire and tire size for this race? Im a roadie with mtb roots, so very rusty skills.
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I’m thinking of running the Maxxiss Reaver 40c or Maxxiss rambler 38-40c. The rambler has never failed me and is usually an easy pick for every gravel event.
Curious what others think of tire size and style treads…
Tech Tip: The balance of BWR Arizona is in traction control versus rolling resistances. With a lot of flowy, non-technical trails on the course, a tire that can bite into the loose, coarse surface is crucial. While flatting here might be less likely than in other races, having enough tire volume can help with that traction as well. We would recommend a semi-slick tire or a file tread at a width of around 40-42mm.
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The race bijbel isn’t available yet but based on the most recent email. It looks like the courses will be shorter this year.
Hope some of you make it!
I’ll be there.
Not to be cliche, but anyone have any tire insights? I’m planning on going with my 45 Schwalbe g-one RS’, a pretty smooth tire with some knob on the sides. But wondering if more tread is needed on the “unroad” sectors.
I haven’t heard much on what tire to run.
I’m running the maxxis Reavers, they have some centerline tread and knobs on the side.
Looking at the surface on the course, it seems to be loose over hard. Kind of similar to what I ride all the time.
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FWIW…I’ve talked to a few friends who finished near the top or won their AG’s last year. Some are thinking of using their mountain bikes this year. Doesn’t necessarily help with tire choice but, I’m hearing you probably can’t go too big for a gravel tire. I have ridden every section and the crushed granite is just super slick. If between tires I’d recommend more tread than less.
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I rode the specialized pathfinder pro 42mm last year and thought they were perfect for the course. There’s a fair bit of road. A lot will depend on how much rain we get over the next few weeks. Right now it’s pretty wet and muddy through the moto trail sections but the mcdowell regional park trails are in great shape and grippy after the rains. The northern section was great last year bit could be pretty loose if it dries out. I’ll be riding all the sections coming up and will try to remember to post course conditions.
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That’d be great thanks.
I was planning on making a special trip down for this event, but by coincidence it turns out I’m going to be there for work at the end of the month, so I’m going to be able to try to do a couple of recon rides to check out the course a bit.
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Please do if you can! TIA
I was thinking of running the maxxis reaver. They have a small tread in the center and knobs on the side. Where I live there is lots of loose limestone and sand where they work great on loose over hard gravel.
I rode the last dirt section at the end of a long mountain bike ride yesterday, miles 85-95 of this years route. It’s very loose over hard pack compared to last year where we had a lot of moisture in the days leading up. I was sliding on the mtb tires, there’s also some big ruts on trail 1058 from recent rains. The wash isn’t too bad, it’s sandy but rideable, there was no water flowing anywhere on that section. The maricopa trail section is about the same as usual, a bit loose on the switchbacks but pretty good after that (mile 92 ish). Because this section is now at the end of the race, riders should be spread out but in current conditions you’ll want to watch speed and cornering on those descents!
I rode in mcdowell regional park a few days ago on the gravel bike and those trails are in great shape.
I’d just keep an eye on the weather forecast for the days leading up and hope you get a little moisture to make it more grippy.
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Awesome, thanks for the trail report!
I’m back-and-forth between using 2-1 L bottles and a hydration pack or only using 2-1 L bottles and then refill at aid stations.
Maybe consider an additional 1 liter bottle in your jersey pocket?
At last years BWR Cali, I did the whole 2 - 900ml polar bottles with a 1.5 liter slim camel back for all my events, being Rock Cobbler, a 70 mile grassroots race, and BWR Cali. In retrospect it was not necessary except for the grassroots race because it was so hot.
Keep in mind I did the Wafer.
This year I’ve tried the third bottle and I think that’s the sweet spot for limiting stops and carrying extra weight.
Also, BWR’s have been pretty good about having volunteers at the aid stations providing hand up water bottles, at least early on in the race. Late in the race there usually isn’t much of a wait for water at the aod stations of you need to stop.
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I do have a mounting spot on the bottom side of my frame. I’ve never used before and might use that. I’m doing the wafer also and my main goal is get to the second aid station, which is maybe 2 -2.5 hours. I know I can get by with 2 bottles to that spot. I’m heavier rider and so having less weight for the last half of the route might help. It’s basically all up hill the last 30 miles.