Wednesday, December 5, 2012

DEC 5th Update & OxSxOx 101

One Speeders Unite in Gravelage !

Race day is quickly approaching and the weather will cooperate in making it an epic, true "winter classic"... Come prepared by bringing as many warm layers and as much to drink and chew on as you think you'll need to get you through.

*THERE ARE NO OPPORTUNITIES FOR RESUPPLYING ON-COURSE

Feel free to drop at registration any extra layers you may want at the finish and we'll take them there.

The Brave New Wheel Support van will follow and assist you or your bike should either be rendered
"S.O.L".
Extra maps will be available for photographers, hecklers, etc.

This year we have Redneck-proof course markers, however, studying the map is highly encouraged... hint: you gotta know where you're going!

WHO'S ALL MAKING IT HAPPEN THIS YEAR??

Brave New Wheel

Go west! T-shirt Co.

Braaap nutrition

Wolverine Farm Publishing

Road 34 Bike shop and Tavern 

The Bean Cycle 

Your group ride

New Belgium Brewing Co.

Black Sheep Bikes

Lee's Cyclery

Also muchos thanks and props to Curtis Heideman for all the graphics.

WHO WILL THE OxSxOx BENEFIT THIS YEAR ???

ALL PROCEEDS  from entry fees, T-shirt and poster sales will go to our new, local, all women, all inclusive cycling team  Fort Follies!

That's right kids, the good Follies will be running this show, I'm sure one of them is that friend, co-worker, neighbor or partner you are so fond of... and now you have the opportunity to show her your support.

                                               OxNE SxPEED OxPEN  101

The OxSxOx has a different route every year, mostly gravel... as much of it as can be found for a good, fun loop. No one knows this route until maps are distributed during registration.

 For those not familiar with this kinda riding out on County roads:

 You will find not only gravel but also nice hardpacked sections as well as sandy spots and washboards at times.
Hills... it may not look like it when driving a car through but, they're there; not very steep, however,these are sustained, gradual climbs.

Equipment: The ideal tire for this will be one with some bite and volume to it. Cross tires from 32 to 40c are just about ideal depending on your weight and style of riding. I'm sporting Maxxis Razes in 35 and weight 120...for a hint.  NOTE: There's always the chance that we may encounter Puncture Vine aka "goatheads" somewhere along the course. Here's a few ways to fight them bastards:

-Run quality, "shielded" tires. ( Continental's "plus" family, while not a race tire are really tough / effective, for example)
-Run tubeless.
-Run Thorn resistant tubes
-Inject some sealing Goo such as "Stan's" in your tubes.
-Stay away from the edges of the road.
-some combination of the above.

And, good lord, what GEAR ??? you wonder...
Casual and amateur racers typically show up with gears around 40 to 44 /16 or 18
The more experienced riders typically show up with higher  46 to 50/16 or 17.
If you're one of Nature's freaks you may get away with a monster 52/14 ( Freak and all we love you Dads)
I'm more of a "climber" type douche and I'll be running 50/16 if that helps anyone.
In the end only you know if you'd rather mash or spin.

RULES: Ride a single speed bike.

Don't have one? Any disabled, handicapped multi-speed drivetrains welcomed !

Rookies: See below for your average Gravel Grinder Warpony.

Need other /more info than this?  Get in touch: bikeagainst@gmail.com

-WORD




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