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The G-Rant : Grant's Rants on Adventure Racing

“Without adventure, civilization is in full decay.” - Alfred North Whitehead

Race Hang-Over

I'm certain others experience this: all the effort and build-up to organizing a successful race . . . and then the fatigue that sets in afterwards.  It's a challenge to tie up all the post-race loose ends (revised race splits, sponsor thank yous, race photos, gear lost and found, reclaiming our garage from the boxes of sponsor loot and supplies, etc.).  This is where the statement, "Organizing adventure races is tougher than racing them" really comes into it's own.  It's relatively easy to invest time when an event is approaching . . . but once it is passed, finding the activation energy to complete all the due diligence can be trying.

So, with this in mind, you can see why I've been a bit quiet on the blog front the last week or two.  I've got lots going on with VBAdventureFest, this little race known as the Storm, some racing clinics, and a bit of racing to do myself.  I'm also in the market for a new bike . . . I feel like my current ride is becoming less and less reliable and I'd like to get something with 29 inch wheels and disc brakes . . .

So, I've got lots to talk about and I'll get back in the blogging saddle now that my post-race hang-over is letting up! 




Comments

Eric - Richmond ASR said:

29er!

I'm about to order me one. As of now, I'm looking at a Niner EMD, Salsa Dos Niner, or BM Flyer. If you want a full suspension 29er then you are looking at a Fisher or high-end custom frame. Otherwise, the options are almost end-less. I'm glad I won't be the only teammate running 29 tires at RTN.

Disc brakes are almost required for 29ers. Some people like to run a 180mm front brake and 160mm rear brake. Mine will most likely be 160mm for both.

Wheelset - You have a few options here. Custom - XT hubs & Salsa Delgado rims are the mainstay of the 29er world. In the last few years, Cane Creek, Stan's NoTubes.com, and American Classic have gotten into the 29er niche. All three have super light weight wheelsets at a higher cost.

Fork - One and only one. Reba Race. Unless you go rigid which is a great option for less technical races, ie the Storm.

Complete Bike - Fisher Paragon at about $1400-1500. It weights in around 26-27 pounds but has some great reviews. If you love your full suspension then add a thudbuster for <$100.

The best part of a 29er, most 29er rims can run 700cx32 cyclocross tires. You can purchase a second wheelset & rotors for road rides. I'm planning on bring my second set to the RTN race in case we have long road/fireroad sections with no technical singletrack.

blah blah blah
# June 13, 2006 10:17 AM

gkillian said:

The Fisher Paragon is actually what I'm considering . . . stay tuned!
# June 13, 2006 1:31 PM

Eric - Richmond ASR said:

Only one problem, getting one. They seem to be in limited supply. Good Luck.
# June 13, 2006 2:37 PM
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