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Showing posts with label race. Show all posts
Showing posts with label race. Show all posts

Under a week - Some safety reminders


- Please obey all road signs. If the sign says stop. Please do so.
- It's a long race so be smart about bombing down hills and whatnot.... it's a gas, but always ride within yourself.
- When cresting a hill, or going around a blind corner always ride to the right side of the road.
- Gravel is a very inconsistent surface to ride on. For the most part the roads of Goodhue and Wabasha counties are premium surfaces to ride on. Patches of frost heaves, loose gravel, mud will still pop up though, so be prepared! Right now ice is even a possibility, though the temps this week should help in that respect.
- Dogs. In general the dogs we've ran across while riding this spring have been well behaved. Watch out though. Even when they are just trying to be friendly they can cause a crash.
- Be respectful of others. We're using the roads, but they are not closed and they are not solely ours. Don't litter. Smile at folks. Wave. Goodhue and Wabasha counties have been happy to give us permission to run the race so far. Let's not give them reason to change their minds.
- Be prepared. There is roughly 40-45 miles between civilization and in some of the valleys you probably will not get good cell reception/coverage. The organizers of the race also are not responsible for providing you with a way out if you get in trouble.
- You are responsible for you. We won't have piles of tubes, water, gel packs etc. We will not drive all over picking people up who have to drop out for whatever reason.
- Please have a working blinky red rear light and some sort of blinky white front light.

The main gravel roads are all shaping up VERY nicely. Awesome to just cruise on. The minimum maintenance roads on the other hand could be in... ummm.... interesting shape. We'll try and give an update later in the week as to the current shape of the roads, but as of now I would recommend bringing at least one or two spare pairs of socks (or some way to keep your tootsies dry).


Taken from http://ragnarok105.blogspot.com/
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Open for business!


We have decided for all that have started our wonderful race before, you get a head start. We are opening up registration until December 1st for you. After that game on for everyone else. We will be letting in 80 riders this year, and under no circumstance will we be letting in anymore. We let in a few straglers last year and we are sticking to our guns this year. Registration will end with the 80th registrant. Please make sure you sign up only if you are able to race. I know things come up last minute, but DO NOT sign up then not ride your bike enough to finish the race. Please DO NOT put more than one name on a postcard. Only the first name on the card will be taken. Send postcards to Ragnarok 105, 134 Kingswood Drive Apt 210 Red Wing, MN 55066.

The race will take place April 10th, 2010.

Ready set GO!


Taken from http://ragnarok105.blogspot.com/
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T-minus about 12 freaking hours


Very last post pre-race:

Weather - so far no appreciable (if any) snow has fallen on the course. It rained HARD last night and has been drizzly today. An inch or two of snow is in the forecast. Be prepared for a full day of sub 35-40 degrees and WET! Hypothermia is nothing to scoff at and we (the organizers) are not responsible for rescuing you if you get in trouble. You and only You (or maybe you and some friends who are riding together) are responsible for yourself.

Registration is in Colvill Park, in Red Wing, starting at 6:30. There are not any bathroom facilities open in the park, so if nature is going to call plan to drive to a convenience store or stop at one or McDonald's on the way into town. Sorry, but the race is free and renting a biffy is not in the budget. Also, it will probably be cold and wet sitting around before the race starts, so while I would prefer that everyone doesn't converge on the registration table at once, later might actually be better.

And finally.... to all racers - GOOD LUCK, HAVE FUN, BE SAFE!


Taken from http://ragnarok105.blogspot.com/
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Determining interest of possible start/finish change

We have a chance to move the start/finish this year to Mississippi Natl golf course. This would allow us to avoid running through town for the finish and it would provide an on-site restaurant for after race refreshments.
First, would people take advantage of this and use the restaurant after the race ?
Second, if we use their lot as the start point, they have asked that any post race food or drink we have is purchased through them. Can we live with that, or is giving up that post race Surly beer too much to ask ?
It's important that if we use their lot, that we respect their wishes.


Taken from http://ragnarok105.blogspot.com/
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Some Recon


1) I'm out of shape.
2) If there is an early Spring the odds are good that the roads will be in pristine riding condition. Most of the roads were pretty firm today so for the most part a cross tire would have been enough.
3) This race will be a challenge. Doable, but don't expect that it will be like a road century.
4) 90% of the dogs on the route are either nice and friendly or so old that they can't begin to chase you.

Some info that might actually be useful to some of you: The race notes will be roughly 4.25" wide x 5.5" tall.

Here is a picture of Jake dominating the crap out of a car. That happened to have been in the ditch for a long time.



Taken from http://ragnarok105.blogspot.com/
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The Nitty Gritty Details


Race Start - 7:30 am

Zumbro Falls Checkpoint (Time cut-off) - 2:00 pm

Goodhue Checkpoint (no Time cut-off... suggested cut-off) - 4:30 pm

Finish (Colville Park, Red Wing) - 7:30 pm

You'll get the second set of race notes/directions at the Zumbro Falls checkpoint. If you don't get there by 2:00 you won't get the notes.

Hope you've been able to get out and train....


Taken from http://ragnarok105.blogspot.com/
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Check 1,2... 1,2


Is this on? Be ready for some announcements in regards to the 2011 version of the 'Rok. Some changes are in store, but only good ones.

A little cat to let out of the bag... we will almost certainly have a "mountain top" finish this year... that should be enough to whet your appetite.

Shortly we'll have an official announcement of the date of the race (it'll be in early to mid April as always, just need to finalize things to set the exact date). We're also going to be driving the course to see if some of our new ideas make sense...


Taken from http://ragnarok105.blogspot.com/
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Recap of a few things


Today's note:

This year we will only be having one official checkpoint. That's right, the Lake City checkpoint is being taken out of the race. The one and only time that the race will go by a convenience store will be at the checkpoint town in Zumbro Falls. The race will go within a few miles of Goodhue and Lake City but will not pass directly through/by them. If you've come to know and love the Kwik Trip in Lake City, we're sorry, but we wanted to include a few different roads in the race and this was the best way to do it. We think that the additional roads will more than offset the lost chance at another roller-dog.

So... summary... Race starts in Red Wing... at approximately mile 55 there will be a checkpoint (with a time cutoff) in Zumbro Falls... then another 50 mile shot to Red Wing. No other gas stations will be passed.


Taken from http://ragnarok105.blogspot.com/
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Two official spots left!


We (the Ragnarok organizing committee) and we decided on the following:

1) Our new SPH team kit look awesome.

2) We will NOT be giving out full maps before the race of the course. You'll be entering the race blind (but we will have great notes to get you from point A back to point A).

3) We will be opening up the race to more than 30 entrants. I'm honestly a bit surprised by the response (especially in the past week... thanks LCR-Ricoh) and part of how we chose 30 entrants was because we'd feel stupid cutting off the entrants at 100 if 8 people signed up. I'm not sure what we'll actually cut off at, but if you want to give the ride a go get those cards in before we decide to cut it off (I'm thinking it will be 40ish... maybe a bit more due to the no show quotient).

4) HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

5) Oh... as of now this blog is more active (due to the race being so early in the spring) but if this type of racing interests you see the Almanzo 100 site for more gravel road goodness. This race, while pretty flat, will kick you in the fruitstand no foolin.

I will probably be away from the computer for a few days due to the holidays. I'll try and respond to any comments though as soon as I can. Thanks!

Z out


Taken from http://ragnarok105.blogspot.com/
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Registratiön is öfficially ÖPEN for Ragnarök '09


Some details:

When: April 18th, 2009. (edit... was April 11th, but that is Easter weekend)
Where: Starts and ends at Colville Park in Red Wing, MN.
What: The Ragnarok 105 is a mainly unsupported "race" that traverses the countryside east, west, and south of Red Wing in Goodhue and Wabasha counties. The length of the course is approximately 105 miles, and it will be almost a totally different course this year. There will be ONE location where you will be allowed to receive outside assistance from a support crew if you want. At least one other town to refuel (no outside crew support there though).

Quick rules:

1A. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOURSELF!
1. Must wear a helmet while on the course.
2. Must have front and rear lights (nothing fancy, just something blinking).
3. Must follow the rules of the road. If there is a stop sign, stop (officially I'm saying this...), if the speed limit is 55 mph, please don't exceed the speed limit.
4. You will get 1/2 of the course on tulip notes at the start. The other 1/2 will be given to you at the Zumbro Falls checkpoint.
5. There will be time cutoffs. More details later.

I'll be more detailed with the official rules as we go along (not too long into the future, just lazy tonight).

But, for now... here is what you really will want to know.

A) We are capping the field at 50 riders.
B) First come, first in... no lottery.
C) IF you are crazy enough to want to be in for the race, all you have to do is mail a postcard or card of some sort though the Postal Service to:

Isaac Giesen
134 Kingswood Drive #210
Red Wing, MN 55066

With the following information:

Your name
Your gender
Class (open or singlespeed)
Age
email

When I receive the postcard I will fire off a confirmation email.

I think that's it. Any questions? Post em up here or email me at i.giesen@charter.net .

Thanks for reading!


Taken from http://ragnarok105.blogspot.com/
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Thanks to our Sponsors!!!


Wheelhouse Cycles - Not only does Wheelhouse provide some awesome service when our bikes need some help after miles and miles of grit getting into every orifice of our bikes, but the shop donated a Fargo frame!!! Rob Belz was the lucky winner of the frame. We had a drawing of those who made it to the Zumbro Falls checkpoint and his name came up as the lucky one!

HED Wheels - A first time sponsor HED wheels came through big time. They donated a pair of wheels that were made specifically for races like these! Eric Sudheimer won these sweet running wheels for finishing 37th. We random number generated a number between 20 and 60 the night before. Yeah it's a weird way to give out such a sweet prize, but we're a weird race. Note... Andy Tetmeyer of HED wheels missed the start of the race due to missing Colvill Park yet he still came through with the wheels! If you're looking for a beautiful wheelset made by a local company who supports local racing, look no further than HED!

Cars-R-Coffins - Longtime sponsor Cars-R-Coffins came through with some unique little messenger bags and water bottles. Not only that but some of their crew came down and rocked the 'Rok! Thanks again Hurl and crew for supporting the local races!

Salsa Cycles - Again Salsa Cycles came through with some awesome swag. Unfortunately Jake had the stuff in his car and it broke down in Lake City while he was patrolling the course. We'll find a way to get some stuff out to random people who participated. Also, it was commented on more than once that it seemed almost EVERYONE was on a Salsa yesterday. The race was won on a Fisher, but I would venture a guess that 7 or 8 of the top ten were riding Salsa (either the Fargo or La Cruz or Chili Con Crosso - I think those are the right names). Thanks for the three years of support!!!


Taken from http://ragnarok105.blogspot.com/
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DasDragDay #5

AWESOME!!!! Excellent weather, excellent people, excellent women, excellent race cars, excellent wheelies .......in a word excellent!!!






















Taken from http://manovrasoldvehicles.blogspot.com/
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You have been warned

If you are thinking of poaching Ragnarok, please don't. Respect that there is a race in progress. If you are caught riding on course and are not in the race your postcard will not make it in the drawing next year.

I'm sorry we don't let everyone in the race, but for riders safety I do not want confusions at check points. We have checkpoints that are for the directors sanity that can be easily screwed up by a random on course.

Thanks for the courtesy. See you on Saturday. Don't forget, if your in town on Friday between 7-9 stop down at Wheelhouse bike shop and pick up your number early.



Taken from http://ragnarok105.blogspot.com/
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I think we're "full"


1) Maybe I'm just naive, but I'm a bit shocked at how fast 50 slots have filled up. Thanks! We must have done something right last year.

2) If you showed up last year, with the weather as it was, to race and don't see you name on the list (haven't gotten a confirmation email from me either) don't fret. We are opening up additional slots for you. We will know who you are. Let's say.... have a card in the mail by Dec. 31st and your spot will still be there. Yes we'll be over 50, but they are our rules, so we can break them.

3) If you want to be put on a waiting list, let me know (via postcard). Invariably there will be quite a few people dropping out as spring rolls around so all isn't lost.

Again, a big thanks to those who have entered. This is still only the second year for this race so we're still getting comfortable with the logistics. In future years we may open the race up to more folks, but for now it is what it is. Thanks again and have a happy halloween!


Taken from http://ragnarok105.blogspot.com/
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Great Job Riders!


We'll post up a more complete summary soon, but just wanted to thank everyone for another great year!

As always comments for ways to improve the race are always welcome.

Sleep well!


Taken from http://ragnarok105.blogspot.com/
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Check out another stoopid race


Looks like registration has opened up for another stupid gravel road race. Chris puts on a mean race. If you like miles and miles of loose gravel, into the wind; This is your race (is that the proper use of a semi-colon? probably not).


Taken from http://ragnarok105.blogspot.com/
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Some Details on the Race Day for those who are wondering


On race day (April 18th!) registration will open at 6:30 am in Colville Park in Red Wing, MN. The main parking lot area will be where we convene. The official starting line will be the Dog Poop sign again. I think that there was a port-a-potty style bathroom at the start last year, but not certain

The start of the race will be 7:30 am sharp.

The First Checkpoint will be at roughly the halfway mark. The same park in Zumbro Falls will be the meeting area. There will be outside support allowed at this point, and this point only! This is a change from last year. The second checkpoint will not allow outside support. If you are not checked in at the Zumbro Falls checkpoint by 2:30 pm you will not get the second half course tulip notes.

There will be another checkpoint along the way with about 25 miles to go. This one is for our own sanity so we know where people are on the course. NO outside help or support will be allowed here.

The race will finish at the same place that the race started. Colvill Park. You must be at the finish line (dog poop sign again) by 7:30 to complete the race officially.

Here are the towns you will go through and what you can expect to see in the way of amenities:

Red Wing (start and finish) - hotels, gas stations, etc. No gas stations or convenience stores are on the route until the last mile or so. Also has a hospital, Peebles store and (2) Subways for some reason.

Zumbro Falls (Checkpoint 1) - two convenience stores and a couple of bars that may provide a decent burger

Millville - no stores or bathrooms or parks are on the course or even in Millville

Lake City - a convenience store will be on the route, there are also fast food opportunities a few blocks off the course and we'll be rolling right past a medical center.

There will be at least 55 or so miles without easy refueling so be prepared with enough water and food. The weather last year was about freezing and WINDY. Brutal. The week before it was about 70 and sunny. Could be warmer, could be rainy... could be snowing... BE PREPARED! You are responsible for you. 

More reports from out on the course tomorrow probably.


Taken from http://ragnarok105.blogspot.com/
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2011 is in the books


In the King of the Mountain competition Tim Ek, by virtue of being in the top 2 on every climb and winning 3 sprints to the "peak" wins with a total of 30 points (out of a possible 36). Joe Meiser was right behind with 25 points of his own. The always punchy Larry Sauber finished in a solid third place with 11 points.

Mara Larson took home another top Women's trophy with a time of 9 hours and 22 minutes on her trusty singlespeed. Kelly MacWilliams just over ten hours to take home second. Leah Gruhn came in just as we were about to call it an event to grab 3rd place.

Brad and Kelly Skillicorn grabbed the top tandem prize after being in the saddles for 8 hours and 17 minutes.

Thanks to our sponsors for providing support and some swag:

Wheelhouse Cycles - Andrew is a solid guy and has provided us with support while we are out on recon trips, helps with organizational things, hosted Friday night registration, and has a few real fancy road and cross machines at his shop. When you're in town stop by to grab a Gu or tube or one of his 10,000 pairs of biking gloves. Tell him the Ragnarok sent ya....

Cars-R-Coffins - Great people, strong riders, great fun. Thanks for another year of bringing down some awesome swag to be enjoyed by some weary racers.

Banjo Brothers - Makers of handy, dandy, reliable bags for your bike (and life). They stepped up with a nice selection of saddle bags and roll-up messenger bags. Don't get caught out in the hinterlands without one!

Salsa Cycles - Makers, designers, and riders of awesome bikes. Many a rider was on a Salsa this year as it seems that they just keep dialing in to what a long day in the saddle on rough roads requires.

Hed Wheels - Another year and another AMAZING wheelset given away. I think next year I am going to race just to see if I can somehow win these things! A big thanks to Hed! If you are looking for a light, fast-rolling, durable wheelset, you can't do much better than a Hed!

Also, thanks to Mississippi National Golf Course for hosting the start and finish. We went in not knowing what to expect, and while the bathrooms were locked in the morning, the course apologizes and it sounds like they want us to be back. The location can't be beat for access to the gravel, and they are some good people. Huge thanks to all for keeping the parking lot clean. I did a walk through when everyone was gone and I think it was cleaner after the race than before.

Most of all - Thanks to all the riders. You guys and gals are truly why we keep on coming back for another year. Hopefully we can find a few more hidden gem roads like the Zumbro Bottoms and "Heath's Hill"....

Preliminary calendars say that Ragnarok 5.0 will be on April 14th (Saturday after Easter). Details will follow as we know more.




Taken from http://ragnarok105.blogspot.com/
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YIKES!!! 12 spots


Some notes to those who may not be familiar with gravel roads and some rules re-iterated:

1) You are responsible for yourself!

2) You have to have a blinky red light for the rear and some sort of front light. There aren't a ton of people that bike on these roads so being seen is good! You are responsible for yourself.

3) For much of the race you'll be "in the middle of nowhere". We will provide accurate race tulips, but you're responsible for following them. No shortcuts. If you go off the course for some reason, you'll have to re-enter at the place you left. If something happens, please have someone you can call to come and get you. We don't want anyone stranded, but see #1.

4) Please obey the rules of the road. Stop signs technically mean stop. Yield - yield.

5) When going around blind corners it's usually a good idea to keep to the right a bit. Cars are not used to meeting anyone on the roads that we'll be going on.

6) You are responsible for yourself!

7) The weather in mid April can be anywhere from snow to 80 degrees. Please be prepared for whatever happens. The race will be held rain or shine.

8) I'll try and keep the gravel conditions up-to-date as the race approaches. There will be nice hard sections, and some super loose sections almost guaranteed. Tire choice is up to the individual.

Oh... and I hope this posts... the profile:



Taken from http://ragnarok105.blogspot.com/
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SILVER SUNDAY FOR SUPER SKATER!

SILVERGAL.JPG

Silver medallist, Canada's Kristina Groves, celebrates after competing in the ladies' 1,500-metres speed skating race at the Richmond Olympic Oval on Sunday.
AFP/GETTY IMAGES PHOTO: TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA



Taken from http://myextratwobits.blogspot.com/
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