grwoolf

On strava, it looks like it's a pretty flat ~10 minute constant effort, maybe a little rise near the end?

Any advice on this course for gearing/pacing?

jsk

Looks like more decline than incline. I looked up some of the past results, the times were faster than I'd expect for that distance so I'm guessing between the surface and the net elevation loss it's a fast course.

grwoolf

It's a net downhill, but looks like maybe a couple bumps near the end. They show 4-5% grades in strava at a couple of those points, but not for long (if it's even accurate). I can never tell for sure in strava, but it looks really flat.

scottryan

Definitely more rolling than it appears, but still nothing major. Road surface is not great and a lot will depend on the wind direction.

bj.bonnette

the surface sucks, you have to ride on shoulder and it is crappy chip seal. So take that into account. Last year we did not have much wind. I think I finished in arond 11:15. I am just a cat 4.

jsk

It's good to get feedback from those who have ridden the course, thanks.

What about the crit, just how bad is the brick section really? Flyer warns carbon wheels may not be a good idea, is that just CYA or are carbon wheels really a bad idea?

grwoolf

thanks. I heard from someone else that the shoulder really sucked and it was best to get into the road a little for a better surface. Do they enforce a "white line" rule or anything or is it just up to the rider?

grwoolf

Assuming nothing crazy with the wind, could I assume no need to ever come out of the big ring? If it's typical (south) wind, it looks like it would be almost pure crosswind.

Any thoughts on 11/23 vs. 11/28? I'd like the tighter spacing on the 11/23, but I don't want to be grinding or needing to shift to the small ring.

bj.bonnette

If I remember correctly they made us ride on shoulder, warned us of disqualification if we were seen by the moto ref.


Regarding Crit, the bricks suck but are not wheel breakers. I raced on them last year with no issue.

scottryan

Bricks are more prevalent than they let on and suck, but they are not carbon killers.

scottryan

I can't speak for others abilities, but big ring for sure and would think 11-23 would be fine