The problem for us midwesterners was that we had no time time to do any heat training before last weekend and then BOOM…80*.
If you struggle in the heat, BR was always gonna be tough for you given the conditions and lack of adaptation.
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Agree 100%. Retrospectively, I hit some similar stretches during Marji Gesick last fall, and have always run a bit hotter. So outside of getting Rick James’d by the heat this past weekend, I’m realizing it’s more of a thing for me to be aware of. I’m in my late 30s, but early on with getting more serious about training/racing, so still lots to learn about myself and how my body handles various conditions/lengths/etc.
Outside of heat adaptation, seems like there are things I could have in place to better cope with temps as they rise (extra water to keep back of neck/down wet, ice in stockings, sun sleeves to keep wet/cool, etc).
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What race is next for everyone?
I was thinking of doing the Hogback (Iowa) in May, but given that I’ve gone wheels-up twice in two weeks I’m going to take a bit of a break from racing … I’m spending too much money on bandages 
The Cherry-Roubaix was theoretically next on my calendar in early June, but it looks like that event is officially dead — at least as a race. They merged it with the Bike Benzie tour last year, bit looks like there won’t be a competitive option in 2023. R.I.P. 
I’m looking to replace it with either the Dirty Donut or the Cowpie Classic in early June … haven’t decided yet. Anyone done either of those events?
Also toying with returning to do the Black Bear Gran Fondo — which seems to be the only non-crit, road event left in Michigan that has numbers, timing chips and results (i.e. an actual race).
I hate to say it, but I’m officially declaring non-crit road racing dead in the Midwest. I just can’t find anything. I know Race the Lake is out there, but that might be it (???)
Even the South Chicago kermesse, which was a part of the Intelligentsia Cup … and really just a long-form criterium … is off their schedule this year.
Anyone have any ideas on road races that are not crits? Seems like anything road-centric is allergic to a timing chip these days. Sad.
The Grand Rapids Fondo is back this year.
You may be right re: road racing. There was a fun race last year in OH (Granville Road Race - Ohio state championship) that is not coming back this year.
The next big race in OH is Black Fork Gravel Grinder on May 6. Other than that mostly crits and smaller gravel events round these parts.
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But not a race, correct?
Here in MN, I’ve got our kind of not a race Miesville 56 at the end of April. Maybe Granny Gravel the week after.
The MN mountain bike series kicks of May 21st. June 10th and 11th are Epic bike fest for the last hard training/race efforts before the Lutsen 99er.
The end of June shows up fast here and I always start to panic about my training right about now, especially after how long winter held on and the MTB trails aren’t open yet.
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My “A” race is the formerly “Borah” Epic in Cable, WI. Looks like it’s now sponsored by SRAM. I’m doing the half for my first attempt.
I am going to waterloo G&G next for my next race and then converting to MTB racing for the year.
I have done both of these, and both are great races.
Consider the Dirty Donut if you want a more chill experience and love eating donuts.
Consider the Cow Pie classic if you want a classic fast gravel/road race without a bunch of check-listers wanting to come and participate and eat donuts.
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I will see you there! I am doing the full, because I am not smart enough to do the half.
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Nice! I’m coming off of 4 “citizen” MNMTB series races last year, so I figured the half would be more prudent. I’m planning to do more riding with a couple friends who aren’t racing, so don’t want to be totally cooked.
It isn’t but the tip of the spear treat it like one. You can be in a group averaging 25+ if you want. A lot of people will act like it is a race which can make it fun if that is what you’re going for.
Iowa Wind and Rock this Saturday! looks to be a chilly one though 
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Dirt Donut is a very fun race. There are many categories to choose from like the donut eating divisions. I’ve done the sprints(race) the last couple of years and it’s one of my favorite events of the year. The course isn’t overly difficult and typically runs pretty fast. Very well run event and lots of fun.
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Same. I will be doing a scouting z2 lap of the course today.
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Anyone here familiar with the driftless region of Minnesota (SE corner by Winona)? If so, please let me know. I’ve read that it’s some of the best gravel in the area. Aiming to register for the Filthy 50, and maybe Winston County Cup. Are there others to be considering?
There is the GFNY event in Rockford, but I can’t really recommend it. Just an awful organization, IMO, with some pretty stupid rules to participate (i.e. you MUST wear the event jersey, etc).
I just learned about the Dirty Donut (5 minute time deduct for every donut eaten)… Finally a race that plays to my strengths! I may be able to break the time/space continuum.
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I was in Wave 2 of the 36 on a mountain bike, i would’ve been comfortable selecting wave 1 on a gravel bike but 2 felt like the right place to be. I could NOT BELIEVE the number of people the front of our wave caught from wave 1 in the first 5-10 minutes of the race (we started 3 minutes later!!!). 10s of hundreds of folks who looked like it was their first time riding a bike all year. It was like dodging walkers on a city multi-use path. Definitely need controls on wave 1 and maybe 2.
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I’ve done the Filthy 50. It’s some of the most amazing riding you can do. Generally perfectly timed for the fall colors makes it even better. The southern end of the course is pretty exposed and susceptible to wind. Not a flat course by any means. Trenton and his dad Joel are 2 of the best humans in the world. Seriously amazing event!
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