Racers opinions
- Thread starter mattybfat
- Start date
SpartaBard
Well-Known Member
I would say SSAP because of the party vibe afterwards. Everyone pretty much started and ended at the same time so there were a lot of people hanging out waiting for podiums. At the H2H races, the different categories are spread out throughout the day and as a result the crowds are spread out.
I do remember that the Wawayanda race was pretty fun because the way they set up the loops, it seemed that the races were all finishing up in the same timeframe so the was a nice post race vibe. The parking lot being so far away may have contributed to that though.
I do remember that the Wawayanda race was pretty fun because the way they set up the loops, it seemed that the races were all finishing up in the same timeframe so the was a nice post race vibe. The parking lot being so far away may have contributed to that though.
For me it's a toss up between Cathedral Pines and DH40
A lot of it has to do with the hype that the promoters create, the sense of community, party atmosphere and general positive vibe. These races aren't just races, they are events. Darkhorse, as well as Something Wicked Events really make you feel welcome. While many of us take racing seriously, no one is making a living off of this shit so after the suffering subsides, you might as well have a good time!
One major advantage that 6HCP has that is ideal for the endurance format is that you pit at your vehicle. This is an enormous plus. The feed zone is a loop around a gigantic field in which your cars are parked along the perimeter. Best race parking setup Iv'e ever seen.
Another aspect I like about these races is that the courses suite my riding style.
A lot of it has to do with the hype that the promoters create, the sense of community, party atmosphere and general positive vibe. These races aren't just races, they are events. Darkhorse, as well as Something Wicked Events really make you feel welcome. While many of us take racing seriously, no one is making a living off of this shit so after the suffering subsides, you might as well have a good time!
One major advantage that 6HCP has that is ideal for the endurance format is that you pit at your vehicle. This is an enormous plus. The feed zone is a loop around a gigantic field in which your cars are parked along the perimeter. Best race parking setup Iv'e ever seen.
Another aspect I like about these races is that the courses suite my riding style.
Robin
Well-Known Member
I love the DH races - both SSaP and DH40 - the vibe and atmosphere as well as the courses.
I enjoyed the ST races - because it was laid back and fun.
My favorite "series" race was the MASS French Creek - the layout of the course was great, MASS promoters are on the ball with registration and results - their electronic timing system is awesome.
I don't pick races because of "prizes" or schwag - its based on hear-say or previous experiences.
I enjoyed the ST races - because it was laid back and fun.
My favorite "series" race was the MASS French Creek - the layout of the course was great, MASS promoters are on the ball with registration and results - their electronic timing system is awesome.
I don't pick races because of "prizes" or schwag - its based on hear-say or previous experiences.
The most fun I ever had on a bike during a race was French Creek. The course design was great. Ending a race on a significant stretch of downhill leaves a great impression. Plus almost nipping Foco on the line after 4.5 hrs is always fun.
The Stoopid 50 was really well run. The aid stations are stacked and your drop bag is waiting for you as you pull up. A great course though I suffered in this race.
Rattling was also a great race. Very unique in that 250 mtbers take over a small PA town. Again the sick downhill finish was loved.
Of course I always love the BS50. And I love that they changed it up. It's easy to go with status quo but to modify what is already good shows that the promoter is striving to get a great product even better.
For the great races have all of: Course, convenience, support and people.
The Stoopid 50 was really well run. The aid stations are stacked and your drop bag is waiting for you as you pull up. A great course though I suffered in this race.
Rattling was also a great race. Very unique in that 250 mtbers take over a small PA town. Again the sick downhill finish was loved.
Of course I always love the BS50. And I love that they changed it up. It's easy to go with status quo but to modify what is already good shows that the promoter is striving to get a great product even better.
For the great races have all of: Course, convenience, support and people.
Chris(NJ)
Well-Known Member
Favorite Course was at the Coal Cracker Classic. The course was fantastic. I haven't seen a course marked this well...ever. The whole vibe was pretty cool. If I knew more people there it would've been better but enjoyed meeting a couple of new guys. Outside of just a favorite course, I'd give an overall win to SSaP! (havent done CP yet) Fun course, really good vibe, everyone hung around afterwards, annnnddd Beer! :drooling:
I still have the Mtn Man Biathlon in a few weeks. This was an absolute blast last year. Not a competitive atmosphere..people dressed up, had fun, gave away some cool shit at the end of the day, beer and bagels for everyone...lots of good reasons to enjoy this race. Relatively small scale event though. Then of course I'm hoping to do CP in Nov too. So I reserve the right to alter my opinion on favorite race by december.
I still have the Mtn Man Biathlon in a few weeks. This was an absolute blast last year. Not a competitive atmosphere..people dressed up, had fun, gave away some cool shit at the end of the day, beer and bagels for everyone...lots of good reasons to enjoy this race. Relatively small scale event though. Then of course I'm hoping to do CP in Nov too. So I reserve the right to alter my opinion on favorite race by december.
Favorite race, Battenkill.
Although its not a mtb race this one really stands out for me this year. I had a good time carpooling w/26er, the weather was as good as it gets in April...I think it was like 75-80 degrees. It is amazing to be a part of a bike race that big, thousands of cyclist's. It was my first time doing it so the experience was heightened by the first time effect...like getting laid for the first time, good or bad you never forget it.
Although its not a mtb race this one really stands out for me this year. I had a good time carpooling w/26er, the weather was as good as it gets in April...I think it was like 75-80 degrees. It is amazing to be a part of a bike race that big, thousands of cyclist's. It was my first time doing it so the experience was heightened by the first time effect...like getting laid for the first time, good or bad you never forget it.
Have to go with SSAP this year. The vibe, the course, riding with Ilya and Fred and chasing Roger. Wasnt my best finish of the year, but I feel like it was my most perfect race. Everything went right that day...the bike, the race, the party, winning some cash...great day. Jungle being a close second.
Also had a blast at the ST series.
Also had a blast at the ST series.
1speed
Incredibly profound yet fantastically flawed
SSUSA. Nothing else was even close. Although calling that a "race" is kind of like calling beer pong a "sport". As far as actual races -- I don't know if I could pick one between SSAP, Iron Hill and Granogue. Every one of them was awesome in a very distinct way -- SSAP is SSAP: great vibe, great after-party, supr-fun course. Iron Hill is probably one of my favorite courses anywhere. And Granogue was 12 hours of one-geared bliss, my longest race this season. But it all takes a back seat to SSUSA. I made up my mind before I even knew where it would be held that I'd be back next year and even though it's in Minnesota and that's a bit far away, I'm still going in 2013.
HeavyMetaLance
Well-Known Member
French Creek for sure. It had such an awesome trail system that was both fun & challenging for MTB. The climbs were long, but so were the descents. So even though you were going up a lot, it didn't feel like that was all you did.
Short track races were awesome too because they kicked off the season, and the atmosphere. Also because it was the part of this year where I felt like I had the most fitness. I din't do very well once the heat kicked in during July & August.
Short track races were awesome too because they kicked off the season, and the atmosphere. Also because it was the part of this year where I felt like I had the most fitness. I din't do very well once the heat kicked in during July & August.
Pokgirl
Spork
In retrospect, my favorite races are the ones I did well at... but that isn't hugely dependent on the factors you ask about. So to generalize, I like races that aren't too far away, are shorter rather than longer (2 hours of riding is ideal), don't discriminate against my geared bike, and don't break the bank. I know this isn't popular, but I am not interested in paying extra $$ for others to drink beer. If I could change one thing... bring Stewart back to the H2H series. I know it ain't happening, but a girl can dream.
Well I did 3 races this year (short track, 6 pack, Mooch Madness). While I enjoyed these races, I must honestly say I enjoy riding with people (group or with few friends) more than racing. I mean before the race I'm like all psyched and like I'm gonna crush this thing. Then half way through the race, I'm like why the hell did I sign up for this thing. Then the race ends and I am happy. Then I go home and sleep cause I'm tired and wake up in the middle of the night with cramps. Then my schedule is all messed up cause I went to sleep early and you feel shitty for the next 2 days. Am I the only one who feels this way?
Having said that, I will probably continue to sign up for 2-3-4 races a year and go through the same cycle, lol.
Oh and to answer the question, I must say Mooch Madness was my favorite this year.
Having said that, I will probably continue to sign up for 2-3-4 races a year and go through the same cycle, lol.
Oh and to answer the question, I must say Mooch Madness was my favorite this year.
anyone who keeps nocturnal hours will feel shitty being awake during daylight.
what, no love for the bearscat50?
actually i enjoyed all of the non sanctioned races i participated in this year blackbear, darkhorse, mtbnj, and i'm sure something wicked won't dissapoint either. the best part of them is you are able socialize with everyone afterward. as for the h2h i have to say waway for the same reason.
actually i enjoyed all of the non sanctioned races i participated in this year blackbear, darkhorse, mtbnj, and i'm sure something wicked won't dissapoint either. the best part of them is you are able socialize with everyone afterward. as for the h2h i have to say waway for the same reason.
This is true. I guess the "I actually paid for this?!" feeling half way through the race is part of the "fun".