Getting down to crunch time

Some info for those interested about the 4th edition of our little sufferfest.

I'm a bit of a mendicant with the computer, trying to attach the elevation profile from our drive/walk-run from yesterday...



The Garmin says 6909 feet of elevation gain... who knows how accurate that actually is.

Some notes on changes from previous years:

1) We will have three tulip note sheets. You will get one at the start. One in Zumbro Falls. One in Lake City. Each sheet will be 8.5 x 11, and if folded in quarters will be the same size as our previous format, but should be much easier to deal with and less likely to fly all over the countryside. There will also be a map of the leg on the back of the tulips in case you get lost or need assistance or just like to see pretty pictures.

2) The course is a few miles longer this year. 111 miles to be exact. Why? We found a few more sweet roads that we wanted to include and that added a bit. The first leg will be the standard 40-45ish miles and be Red Wing to Zumbro Falls. The second leg will be about 40-45 and get you from Zumbro Falls to Lake City. The third leg will get you from Lake City to Red Wing.

3) The minimum maintenance road sections could be in marginal riding condition. We could jog on snowmobile tracks on roughly 1/2 of them... snow cover ranges from 2-3" in sections to maybe 2 feet. (update, had some good melting until our current snow accumulation of 3")

The course this year I think is the best yet (though conditions have yet to be good enough to ride it fully). Still has our signature climbing, with a bit more off the beaten track factor...

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

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/

Official '09 Rules Post

1. Sponsors, organizers and any hangers on are not responsible for your safety. Each rider is considered to be on their own little private excursion. If you wipe out on loose gravel it is not our fault. You are responsible for you.

2. Outside support is only allowed at our Zumbro Falls checkpoint. There will be convenience stores available in Zumbro Falls and also at roughly mile 80.

3. You will receive the first 1/2 of the tulip notes upon registering the morning of the event. The second 1/2 of the tulip notes will be given to you upon reaching the checkpoint. There will be a time cut-off for the checkpoint, and believe me, it will be very attainable by all who can keep moving forward. The time will be determined at a later date.

4. You must attempt to follow the course at all times. If you need to go off course for help or food or something you must re-enter the course where you left it. I doubt anyone will be super familiar with the roads that we're going over, but please... no shortcuts.

5. Use your head. Yield to traffic. Pay attention to the road surface (which will possibly vary from concrete like hard gravel roads to snow covered sloppy muddy mess) and ride accordingly.

6. At all times you are making progress on the course you must wear an approved helmet.

7. Obey all state, county, city, village, township, borough, etc. laws, along with the Rules of the Road.

8. We are not responsible if you get lost or stranded. Have a way of contacting the outside world should something go not to plan.

9. Must have a blinking red rear light and a front headlight (can be one tiny white LED... it's amazing how much that helps you be seen even in the daylight).

I think that's it. Next post may be accompanied by pictures from a recon ride....

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