20 replies to this topic

[Dr. T]

Larry, I was just on the trail last Sunday.  Out and back from Page to a ways beyond 40, about 2hrs total.  Did it on my CX bike with the tufo's at 60psi.  Very fast, able to maintain 20+/- solo, no control problems.  I think it would be a bit dicey at even greater speed with road tires.  Ground was pretty much frozen, so softer or wet conditions would change things a lot.  A sloppy course would blow a TTT all to bits.  I still think its a great idea.

[AKO]

Jeeesus...forget about it..the katy trail is not for racing and its way too much of a hastle for a time-trial...go to Columbia Il and time-trial your ass off...just watch out for those icky little bits of gravel...id never do a race that sprays up icky bits of gravel

[Dozer]

No doubt the surface can be very good, but it won't be frozen in March and people will be doing better than 20 mph in four-man TTT mode. I think we have to anticipate the worst-case scenario and make arrangements that reduce the chances of carnage.

Even if it's hard and dry out there, you call this event a time trial and there's bound to be more than one guy riding on racing tires pumped up to 100 psi, thinking they're OK because they came down from the 120 they usually run.

Even if we run Augusta to Mokane and completely avoid the 9-mph crowd, there are still going to be passing decisions to make as one team overtakes another approaching Mokane, and a third team that has already made the turn is coming back the other direction.

I just think speed and communication between riders become a lot more manageable, improving the safety of the situation, if teams are limited to 2 or 3.

L

[point to point]

Right, I've considered all the input so far.

I think the thing to remember is that this event is going to be at least 100 miles long, which is going to reduce the speeds substantialy.

The other to remember is that we'll just stress that you need to be courteuous when passing. If you can't slow down for 5 seconds to pass during a 100 mile event, then you are a jerk. There's not going to be big money for this, or even, umm, insurance, so I think we can convince people to just take it easy when they see other riders.

I like the idea of starting in Augusta. Augusta-Steedman-Augusta is 110 miles roundtrip, which to me seems long enough for my purposes, and also avoids one of the places where 94 crosses the trail and is kind of trafficy.

Having ridden with 5 or 6 blokes on the trail before, I still think teams of 4 can be perfectly safe.

Flyer to follow soon!

Scott.

[itsboz]

I like the idea, logistics need to evolve, but conceptually it sounds cool.  It would actually be a nice primer for the brevet series in April, so I'm sure I can get 2 of my buddies to make a 3 man team.  I agree with every attempt to avoid the comfort cruisers.  I'll be on the lookout for more info.

[Slick Willy]

Scott, count me in, but let's do it on a Sunday if possible.  Kid's baseball practice begins Saturdays in March.  Bill