Assault on Mt. Mitchell
02-27-09, 09:23 PM
#26
Senior Member
Don't worry about the 750/cutoff. That issue is making the rounds on the AoMM listServ. 1), it's the same rule they've had for years, 2) they can't control this rule--it's the Park service and the only way they can even get in to the park, 3) every year there's only like 750-ish finishers anyway (or something to that effect), and 4) BikeWNC is right--if you can't make it to the BRP by 3:30 (that's 85 miles in 8-1/2 hours), you won't finish by 5:30--or whatever--either.
Me personally--although I'm not doing it this year--I'm more concerned about the re-tooling of the start: no more mass start, instead, small groups in 5-minute intervals. It was the mass start that appealed to me (among other things). Nothing like doing 75-miles to Marion in 3 hours, 15mins with 100 of my closest friends.
Breaking it up will negate any chance of that happening.
Me personally--although I'm not doing it this year--I'm more concerned about the re-tooling of the start: no more mass start, instead, small groups in 5-minute intervals. It was the mass start that appealed to me (among other things). Nothing like doing 75-miles to Marion in 3 hours, 15mins with 100 of my closest friends.
Breaking it up will negate any chance of that happening.
02-27-09, 11:14 PM
#28
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Me personally--although I'm not doing it this year--I'm more concerned about the re-tooling of the start: no more mass start, instead, small groups in 5-minute intervals. It was the mass start that appealed to me (among other things). Nothing like doing 75-miles to Marion in 3 hours, 15mins with 100 of my closest friends.
Breaking it up will negate any chance of that happening.
02-28-09, 06:45 AM
#29
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I definitely will miss the mass start. I thought that was cool last year. However, I think they are starting in 1 minute waves. And if you are seperated in the waves by speed; at least you know everybody in your paceline can hold your pace & hopefully has the bike handling skills. I still think the Marion in less than 3:15 is very possible.
05-10-09, 06:33 PM
#30
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I had a conflict earlier with the May 18 date, but now I am freed up. Anyone know if there is a chance of buying the entry of someone who can't go at this late date? THanks for any help, Mark
05-10-09, 08:25 PM
#31
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Before compact cranks, I would use a 39 front and 26 or 28 rear.
It is a shame that they are limiting the rider numbers on the Parkway and road off it to Mt. Mitchell.
I liked Bridge to Bridge. The last two miles up to the top of Grandfather were a killer, like 1000 feet of gain, but still a great ride.
05-10-09, 10:10 PM
#32
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It looks like I will be down there for the Marion ride this year, with hopes of doing the Mt. Mitchell ride (again) next year. I say "looks like" because I seem to have hurt my shoulder while at the gym Friday night, but I doubt that will be an issue by next weekend.
Just look for a guy on a Litespeed Classic with yellow handlebars and saddle, and the whitest pair of legs that you've ever seen, and that's probably me.
Just look for a guy on a Litespeed Classic with yellow handlebars and saddle, and the whitest pair of legs that you've ever seen, and that's probably me.
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05-11-09, 05:29 AM
#33
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I definitely will miss the mass start. I thought that was cool last year. However, I think they are starting in 1 minute waves. And if you are seperated in the waves by speed; at least you know everybody in your paceline can hold your pace & hopefully has the bike handling skills. I still think the Marion in less than 3:15 is very possible.
The year I did it, the main group arrived into Marion in about 3:25. There may have been some riders off the front by that point although I doubt it. It seemed like hell didn't break loose until we got to Marion. I was never close enough to the front of the pack to see how organized things were at the very front but I suspect it was fairly unorganized.
Incidentally, it took me about 2:15 to complete the remaining distance so the adage that Marion is only the halfway point is only a slight exaggeration.
--Steve
