Barry-Roubaix
 

I am visiting my family in Michigan for a week around March 27th. I was thinking about bringing my bike out so I don't loose training time. I saw that this race was happening, it looks really cool. Any thoughts on it? Cross bike or road bike, I have both and could bring either.

i have heard that the roads are majority dirt roads, with some singletrack... I would think a road bike would get you beat up. The organizers (kisscross) are a cross 'group'. that's all the info i have.

To not start a new thread (and i am not trying to hijack), i am going to try to ride in this race, and it would be my first race. If anyone has ridden in this before, is it a newbie friendly environment? I am wanting to learn, and have been reading riding etiquette etc. I plan to ride alone as to not screw up any groups or drafting lines or whatnot, but i am just some bum who rides in sweatpants and a jacket. Should i reconsider?

Cross or Mtn bike

They have a "beginner" category and in my experience you see pretty much everything in the beginner groups. So yes, I would just just register, show up and race. I imagine since the race is on dirt/ST the pace will be around 15 MPH in the beginner cat. I wouldn't worry too much about groups or pace lines at this speed. If you get in one, just hold a consistent line and don't overlap the wheel in front of you. You will be fine.

I emailed the race organizers with a few questions about tires, etc. I was told a fast rolling CX tire around 30mm is ideal, something like a Ritchie Speedmax. I run a 1x9 on my cross bike, so if I go that route I will definitely be getting dropped quickly.

The organizers seem cool, I think this is going to be fun.

the winner last year i think did it on a 29er. i think 29er or cross bike would be best