Registration opened up at 8 a.m. CST today. This will be my first 100 mile race so I’m pretty pumped. Current longest ride has been 82 miles (on pavement), so will be putting in the miles between now & the race.
Looking forward to more discussion/tips as we move towards race date. Now that I’m registered, I’ll start digging into more about the race in the coming months. I’ll be traveling up from the gulf coast with my family (wife, 2 kids, dog) and camping in our travel trailer in Stillwater leading up to the event.
I’m starting a mid-volume polarized training plan on Monday, and will do a high-volume polarized training plan leading up to the race. I’ll largely stick to the plan (did the high volume early summer), but be extending the weekend long rides to prep for the long time in the saddle.
Been debating this one, but everything I read about this race is that the course is usually kind of crappy due to the weather. Have no desire to ride in mud.
It does look to be pretty rough with mud/clay due to bad weather (if it rains the day of or before). Could be beautiful as well. Impossible to predict it a week in advance, let alone 6 months.
That being said, I’ve missed out on a couple fall races this year by waiting too long and now they’re sold out. Sitting here with 7 weeks off work for paternity leave right now and not being able to do big sugar or spirit 100 because they’re sold out isn’t something I plan to deal with in the future. I’d be more ok being out the entrance fee, should something happen.
If it seems absolutely treacherous I’d consider not going. Mediocre bad I’ll take my older diverge instead.
9 days out from the race. Anyone else here racing this year? New course this year - 106 miles and 800’+ of climbing. Here’s the official pre-ride video:
I watched that video the other day….man, that race has zero appeal for me. The potential for bad weather, mud, etc. Nope, not even remotely interested.
The entire time I was watching this I was thinking, what exactly is the appeal of this race? There HAS to be better early season races! It’s my experience that popular races do not equal good races.
Yeah this will likely be a one and done race for me, similar to unbound. If the forecast predicts some terrible weather I also have no issue cancelling as I’d only be out registration and a very cheap campground reservation. Next year I may do valley of tears for an early season race instead. Course aside, still looks like a very entertaining weekend and well run event. My family will likely enjoy it more than some of the smaller races they tag along to.
BWR AZ looked super fun, and is near Phoenix. Seems like a much better early season option than mud and Oklahoma to me. Same as some others have stated, I watched that video, have seen stuff from the race for years and I don’t get it. I guess a hug at the finish line isn’t enough to entice me.
I love this event! I race it Single Speed most years. Also, very family friendly, whether they ride or not. Theres a kids gymnastics gym that does a class on Saturday mornings. Lot of things to do and watch at the expo, plus A+ vibes.
If someone wants it, I have an entry I can transfer for free (there are 15.00$ fees for the transfer on BikeReg) for The Mid South » Pro Athlete - Men - 100 Mile
Looking to be a pretty perfect race day. No rain for over a week and reasonable temps. I’m amazed at the number of pros at the race, seems nearly everyone on the men’s side except Keegan and Payson. I recognize probably 30+ of the names.
Wind tomorrow is going to be wild, steady 20’s-30’s with gusts in the 50’s. Should settle down Saturday morning.
I don’t know that I really have a goal time. Too many unknowns for me. I’m thinking around 6-6.5 hrs would be great. More than anything I just want a steady race without bonking - finishing strong. I’ll need to keep my head screwed on right for the first 30-40 miles.
This weekend has turned into a pretty big disaster. When we got to the expo at 3, it was just shutting down due to the 40 mph sustained winds and 60 mph gusts. Portapotty’s were tipped over, tents flying, etc. very unsafe.
Went back to our campground at Lake Carl Blackwell. Around 4 pm police knock on our camper door. Wild fires in the park, immediate evacuation. Loaded up our 3 year old and 6 month old. Hooked up our trailer to take off. Only exit out was blocked with fire blowing over the road. Everyone had to turn around - around 20-30 cars and 4-5 cop cars had to huddle at the big paved lot near the boat ramp. We dropped our trailer there not knowing how crazy the drive out might get.
After about an hour, we were able to follow emergency vehicles out. Campers were already burnt to the ground and fire on both sides of the road. Went in town and had a long dinner with nowhere to go. Hotels were also evacuating so that didn’t work.
About 8:30 pm we went back towards the campground to see if we could get the trailer. Made it through and had probably the only safe trailer in the whole place. The spot we were parked initially was all burnt up. Hooked up the trailer quick and made it out. Camping in a church parking lot tonight. Completely worn.
Race “might” still be going on tomorrow but it seems most people are bowing out. Emergency crews are stretched so tight, fires still roaring, and the AQI at the halfway point is at 500+ right now. Doubt I’m doing it at this point. Happy the family is safe, got pretty scary at a few points. Super disappointed as this was my first “big race” and conditions tomorrow were shaping up for perfection.
The entire time I was watching this I was thinking, what exactly is the appeal of this race? There HAS to be better early season races! It’s my experience that popular races do not equal good races.
