I’m planning on doing this this year. What sort of MTB is appropriate? Something like a specialized epic (what I have), or something more trail/enduro? don’t know much about this event (or MTB races, as a matter of fact, as will be flying in from London).
Looking to secure a rental ASAP, as it’ll be easier and cheaper than flying my Epic Evo - and also an excuse to try something higher end (I have the comp model).
I highly recommend just flying out with your bike. Most airlines its priced the same as a regular luggage. A few years ago my epic suspension needed to be sent in for a rebuild right before the race and by september most places got rid of their rental fleet.
Thanks. I probably won’t fly direct there (might try to organise a business trip to NY around it), so carrying the MTB on many flights is a bit cumbersome. I reached out to a local shop and renting doesn’t seem to be an issue.
I signed up last night but didn’t get an email confirm. Anyone else experience the same thing?
I got an email - it’s timed at 4 min past start of registration time.
PCP2P has a bit of everything, but it’s not that technical for the most part. Any good FS XC/Trail bike will do the trick.
I’d be leary of renting, but if you do rent I’d try to get the same frame as you ride now so fit is familiar. It’s a long day in the saddle and comfort is important.
I used Spec Ground Control front and Fastrack rear. I decided to use tires that help me when I’m exhausted and not making good decisions. I think heavier casings are a good idea too. The Maxxis you’re asking about are pretty slick for PC, unless you know the trails in PC and know those tires work for you
Anyone racing this year? Course looks to be all marked and the trails are in nice condition.
I’m flying today (from London). Have a friend who’s local, who said there were some technical bits. It’s our first MTB race!
I’m racing this year and as per tradition my rear shock broke.
You’re gonna have a blast. The course is so much fun. Last time I finished I wanted to keep riding because it was such a fun day despite feeling completely dead.
It’s all relative to what one is used to, but almost all of the route is non-technical, very pleasant, single track riding.
Some folks might consider John’s Trail to be a little tight or technical. It is old school single track in the aspen trees. Fat Lip is a hard(ish) climbing section but is short.
Conditions are very good right now. The sun exposed spots are drying up, but no moon dust. Trails in Deer Valley and Park City which get less sun are almost “hero dirt” this week.
Safe travels and enjoy the event!
-D
What a fanastic race today, weather and dirt couldnt be better. Coming from sea level I really died at 9k but on the bright side it my legs felt great for the rest of ride. I was sub 9 time for splits 1 and 3 but 2 was real bad. Pretty happy with that
Wonder if we can compare it with something we both know….like Leadville. I’d say in the scale 0=basically gravel, 10=Expert only terrain, Leadville 100 course is a 2-3. Given this, what do you say P2P is?
5-6… PCP2P is basically ALL single-track. Most of it is rated blue and the black trails are not super tough with no big drops, gaps, etc. The fastest pro-level riders can do PCP2P in 6 hours which is the same as most do Leadville, but PCP2P is only ~77 miles. Speeds are much lower because riders are dealing with some level of technicality on a trail basically the entire race. There are only about 3 miles of road, bike path, double-track.
Its a good suggestion and I’d thought to do that. I did not because I haven’t ridden Leadville and didn’t want to mislead anyone who was new to PC trails and racing PCP2P.
If Leadville is a 2-3, then from what I’ve ridden and seen on videos, PCP2P is something like a 4-6, with a couple short sections that some might find harder depending on what they usually ride.
For example:
There are a couple washy / rocky sections on Mid Mountain. Absolutely no big deal, but 8 or 9 hours into an event, might feel difficult if you don’t get that sort of terrain at home. There are a few chundery spots where it’s easy to wash out a front wheel if not paying attention.
John’s Trail is old school tight single track in aspen tree grove. I think that’s the most technical part of the course. Fair number of roots, some bar knockers, and a bunch of hairpins. This year the dirt is great. Some years, it is dusty and offers less grip.
The last segment of the race is a bomber downhill in The Canyons. Nothing major technically, but after 70 miles of racing there are some “gotcha” spots. For example, we rode the Crest Trail yesterday and exited down Ambush (we were well ahead of the race which used same trail). One of our guys washed out and took a small fall on a washy rocky section.
Unrelated to technical difficulty - We also saw a moose and calf just off trail. Moose encounters raise the risk level to 11 
Would agree with Chris: In general it’s not overly technical. But it is almost all single track so nowhere to turn your brain off and just pedal. Deer Valley, Park City, Canyons, etc is my favorite place to ride mountain bikes. The terrain is great, the views are great and it’s all very accessible.
Whelp my number on the waitlist came up, so I guess I’m doing this.
I have 2 bikes it choose from. 22lb epic, or a 26ish lb SB115. The Yeti has a 120mm fork and i suspect I’ll appreciate that on the down hills. But the Epic flies up hill. Any thoughts on if the Epic is enough bike? Do people ride hard tails?
If you have a HT epic id opt for the SB115. Nothing on the course is challenging but a lot of people have issues with Johns 99. Its generally a pretty long day and id rather have a FS. If your epic is a FS run that.
I did it in ‘21. Nothing is exceptionally technical, but it’s a long day in the saddle. FS>HT for that reason alone. Most of the tech is mild, so 100-120mm travel is fine. Have fun. Not sure if I want to do that one again. 
I followed a HT rider last year for a bit. They had to take cautious (longer) lines and seemed to lose momentum on every direction change, let alone corner (all in Round Valley). Seemed like they would have added more distance than my FS lines, let alone the cognitive loading riding like this after 5+hours. I’d say be lazy and take the bike that works best for you when you’re exhausted, not when you’re “on it”