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Oops, maybe bit off more that I can chew

Old 08-12-20, 05:51 PM
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tigat
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Oops, maybe bit off more that I can chew

Somewhat impulsively, shortly after picking up my new Domane SLR and a second set of wheels mounted with 40mm gravel tires, I signed up for the CO2UT gravel race in western Colorado, eastern Utah. I was watching all of my go to events go virtual or disappear, and thought the October 10 start date was a possibility.

The events I usually do are rides, not races, and the organizers have always portrayed them as such. On the few occasions that I'm not encouraging a friend or family member to meet a new challenge, I get to join fast groups at these events, but it is always social and never for bragging rights, let alone medals.

As I've monitored the event site, it is clear this is a race, at least at the longer distances, and has attracted the type of riders who are there for more than just the right to say they did it.

On top of that, the 100 mile version I've chosen has 5000 ft. of climbing in short, sharps bursts. Been there, done that, but rumor (and the video I just watched) has it that one of the climbs hits a 30% grade. In order to avoid confusion for my di2 shifting, the gravel wheel set has the same 11 - 30 cassette as the road wheels, which also maxes out the Dura Ace rear derailleur. I'm thinking that 30% may be a road too steep for my 34 - 30 granny gear. The only good news is that, by the time I am walking, the racers may already be up the road.

If you were in my shoes, would you bail now or give it a go?
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Old 08-12-20, 06:03 PM
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Originally Posted by tigat
Somewhat impulsively, shortly after picking up my new Domane SLR and a second set of wheels mounted with 40mm gravel tires, I signed up for the CO2UT gravel race in western Colorado, eastern Utah. I was watching all of my go to events go virtual or disappear, and thought the October 10 start date was a possibility.

The events I usually do are rides, not races, and the organizers have always portrayed them as such. On the few occasions that I'm not encouraging a friend or family member to meet a new challenge, I get to join fast groups at these events, but it is always social and never for bragging rights, let alone medals.

As I've monitored the event site, it is clear this is a race, at least at the longer distances, and has attracted the type of riders who are there for more than just the right to say they did it.

On top of that, the 100 mile version I've chosen has 5000 ft. of climbing in short, sharps bursts. Been there, done that, but rumor (and the video I just watched) has it that one of the climbs hits a 30% grade. In order to avoid confusion for my di2 shifting, the gravel wheel set has the same 11 - 30 cassette as the road wheels, which also maxes out the Dura Ace rear derailleur. I'm thinking that 30% may be a road too steep for my 34 - 30 granny gear. The only good news is that, by the time I am walking, the racers may already be up the road.

If you were in my shoes, would you bail now or give it a go?
See my signature

Or, if you can't on mobile...

What do you think this is, a practice life?

Do it.
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Old 08-12-20, 06:27 PM
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I'd only bail if I felt that Covid was an issue. And I do, I'm wondering about a ride that was moved from May to October. I'm thinking I might just do an early solo start or even go a day earlier. Of course my ride event might not happen at all. They go by what USA Cycling recommends.

Otherwise, if you don't do it, you'll probably always wonder about it and have some regrets.
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Old 08-12-20, 06:41 PM
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It’s just a bike ride. If you have to DNF and get picked up by the boom wagon who cares?
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Old 08-12-20, 06:59 PM
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I couldn't do it. Good luck. Will the di2 RD take an 11-34 cassette?

Glenn
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Old 08-12-20, 07:10 PM
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I would bail. That kind of climbing in a 30 tooth rear just sounds like trouble for most people. There will be other rides in the future, I wouldn't kill myself over this one.
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Old 08-12-20, 09:40 PM
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If you have nothing to prove, I recommend going, unless C-19 is an issue as it may well be.
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Old 08-13-20, 06:09 AM
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Originally Posted by GAtkins
Will the di2 RD take an 11-34 cassette?

Glenn
Technically no, although I've heard that there might be some workarounds. If bike shop appointments come open, I may see what they can do.
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Old 08-13-20, 08:37 AM
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Originally Posted by tigat
Technically no, although I've heard that there might be some workarounds. If bike shop appointments come open, I may see what they can do.
OK, I thought the Domane SLR came with an 11-34 in the back.

Glenn
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Old 08-13-20, 09:04 AM
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My Roubaix Ultegra Di2 came with an 11-34 cassette so definitely possible. Having said that I know I couldn't handle a 30 degree hill with a 34-34 unless it was a short distance.

As far as whether to bail or not, I wouldn't let the fact that it's a race impact your decision. If you want to do the ride, do it. Don't worry about where you place.
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Old 08-13-20, 09:07 AM
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If you have to paperboy it or walk a little, that's ok. You will finish. Some will DNF. Some won't show up. 4 extra teeth may not be enough anyway late in the day.
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Old 08-13-20, 09:18 AM
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Originally Posted by GAtkins
OK, I thought the Domane SLR came with an 11-34 in the back.

Glenn
It does in the SLR 7 with Ultegra.

Long story, but the Dura Ace drive train on my SLR frame originally came on a 2019 version of the same bike. The 11-30 I'm running was actually a concession to aging. There were only a few climbs on the road where the 11-28 left me wondering why I didn't have one more gear to drop.

It wasn't until the new frames with expanded tire clearance came about that I got the gravel set-up notion.
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Old 08-13-20, 09:23 AM
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Originally Posted by tigat
It does in the SLR 7 with Ultegra.

Long story, but the Dura Ace drive train on my SLR frame originally came on a 2019 version of the same bike. The 11-30 I'm running was actually a concession to aging. There were only a few climbs on the road where the 11-28 left me wondering why I didn't have one more gear to drop.

It wasn't until the new frames with expanded tire clearance came about that I got the gravel set-up notion.
Gotcha, thank you.

Glenn
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Old 08-13-20, 09:44 AM
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As I'm sure you know, 5000 feet in 100 miles is not a lot of climbing but a 30% grade would be a bit much with that gear. If it's not a long climb I'm sure walking it could be a good option. Even with a low enough gear you wouldn't ride it much, if at all, faster than you could walk it.

Have you done longer distances on dirt yet? Sounds like it might be a blast, especially if the weather is cool enough.
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Old 08-13-20, 12:20 PM
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Originally Posted by big john
As I'm sure you know, 5000 feet in 100 miles is not a lot of climbing but a 30% grade would be a bit much with that gear. If it's not a long climb I'm sure walking it could be a good option. Even with a low enough gear you wouldn't ride it much, if at all, faster than you could walk it.

Have you done longer distances on dirt yet? Sounds like it might be a blast, especially if the weather is cool enough.
I agree, 5K is typical for a century. 30%, walk it.........with pride. I often recover when I walk, win win.
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Old 08-13-20, 12:34 PM
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Originally Posted by tigat
Somewhat impulsively........................If you were in my shoes, would you bail now or give it a go?
I am certain of your awesome abilities plus given the right gearing, simply change out what is needed, you would make it to the end.

GO - 4 - IT !!
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Old 08-13-20, 02:16 PM
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Originally Posted by balto charlie
I agree, 5K is typical for a century. 30%, walk it.........with pride. I often recover when I walk, win win.
I watched the promo video and it looks awesome but they don't show any steep climbs.

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Old 08-13-20, 02:50 PM
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I say go for it. I can relate to over doing it
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Old 08-13-20, 02:55 PM
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Thanks John, The same promo was what sucked me in, and looking at the profile, it seemed very similar to the first 100 miles of the Ride Across Wisconsin original route, which I did four times. Watching this the other day was what prompted my post. https://www.desertgravel.com/hows-th...-desertgravel/

Thanks to all for the words of wisdom and encouragement. I'm going for it, I think.
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Old 08-13-20, 04:09 PM
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That profile does show a lot of climbs! It says 5736 feet, certainly not insignificant but if you're a good climber and you've done hard centuries before you know what to expect. Low gears would be nice!
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Old 08-14-20, 08:19 AM
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I don't know what the temps will be there, but with the first station 25 miles out and 20 miles between many, make certain you take enough hydration with you.

If this is in the cooler days with temps below 80° F it'll probably not be an issue. However if temps are over 90°F and you are doing a lot of slow climbing, then you might go through some bottles pretty quick.

At least I would. Slower than normal speeds at a high effort make me drain the bottles quick.
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Old 08-14-20, 05:09 PM
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I'm going to be a little less encouraging than others.

First off, I don't think it is safe, particularly for us older folks, to be venturing out to group events during the pandemic. Sure, there'll be a lot of separation on much of the course, but at the start/finish and check points, don't count on careful compliance with health guidelines by much of the group. This is a darned serious disease and really easy to catch.

Secondly, it sounds like you were looking for an epic ride, not a race. In my experience, races and rides are completely different animals. Everyone is going to be "on the rivet" for the entire ride. There will be zero time for looking at the scenery. If you lollygag or are not in serious racing condition, the aid stations are also liable to be closed by the time you get to them. Do you really want to finish a race in last place? On the other hand, perhaps you want to race. Have you raced before? It takes serious conditioning and dedication to be even remotely competitive.

That said, if you do want to race, a 34-30 is not adequate gearing for a gravel ride with up to 30 percent grades. I can assure you that the only other racers with that kind of gearing will be the 20 year olds with legs like tree trunks.There's not a lot of total elevation gain on that ride but there look to be a lot of steep hills that are going to wear you down. Don't forget that riding a 30 percent gravel pitch is going to be like doing a 35 percent asphalt pitch.
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Old 08-14-20, 05:46 PM
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Dfl > dnf > dns
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Old 08-14-20, 06:37 PM
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Downtube42: I'm a huge fan off efficiency in messaging, an art I have never truly mastered, but you clearly have.


Davestar: a sobering but needed caution, much appreciated.


It brings me back to last year, when my daughter (then a 24 yr. old with Down syndrome) was invited to ride the last leg of the Triple Bypass (Copper Mtn to Avon over Vail Pass) on behalf of Special Olympics, and then MC at the finish line. She has the MC part nailed, but the climb and descent were the concerns.


I would never intentionally put any of the SO athletes I coach, let alone my daughter, in a place they were not equipped to handle the challenge placed in front of them. Failure in those circumstances, although it happens to everyone, has the potential to set back the cause and the confidence we all need to stretch what is possible.


We trained. She crushed it.


You have reminded me to apply the same analysis to this ride.
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Old 08-15-20, 07:44 AM
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If I were in your shoes I would be worrying about trashing my new bike. Most likely while going down.

If you want to know how your gearing will work - find someone who has ridden the event and ask them what they used.

If you can't find anyone - look around at the starting line - If everyone else is using a triple - 34-40s = you'll probably be walking some of the way........

Good luck - quit worrying - and get ready to savor a life-changing - awe-inspiring ride of your life......
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