I don’t think I’ve seen a thread for this year’s race/ride, so I figured I’d start by asking a question:
What are people running for tires this year? I’m signed up for the Blue course on Saturday. My understanding is that the course is similar to last year. I currently have 40mm Pirelli Cinturatro M’s fitted and wonder if it’s worth switching to something else?
FWIW, I think the Blue course is exactly the same as last year. For tires, I’m planning to run Schwalbe G-One RS 45mm.
What about the Sunday race…any local knowledge on the course, tires etc?
Last year for the blue course I ran some Panaracer Gravelking Slicks in 35c. They were great for 85% of the course, whereas in years past they were perfect for 99% of the course. If I were to do it again, I’d probably run a fast file tread type of tire with some side knobs to protect the sidewalls a lil bit for the 15% of the course.
I’m thinking of going Thunder Burts this year. Maybe overkill, but apparently wider is better based on testing?
Their race preview video makes it look very smooth, non-technical. Doesn’t look like any steep climbing either?
I deferred to next year and have not ridden the current longer distance course. I have done the previous Black course three times and used a 38c each time. There’s a decent amount of paved sections and the only time I wished I had a wider tire was the section leading up to the aid station where the “spirit of Gravel” died a few years back when Stetina got mad the guys didn’t stop (I cannot recall the name of this aid station, sorry). Some of the gravel was a little more loose here.
Did the blue course last year on Schwalbe G-One RS 40mm – never felt the need for more or less tire. Always wondered about the 45s, but not enough to purchase.
Looks like the course is exactly the same this year. Looking forward to it!