B Witty
Chris is a Johnson Farm (and 'Cross Crusade) stalwart. He pretty much
sums it up perfectly and I would trust his opinion. However.....we have
some new stuff, even for Chris.
We cut a couple of new trails just today and added a really cool new
obstacle (the "disco under") that are worth showing up for. We probably
added a little bit of climbing overall, but we broke it up into several
shorter sections rather than one long grinding hill.
A lot of people bring both a 'crosser and an MTB (if they have them) and
decide the day of the race. When it's muddy, the MTB is probably better
for traction and handling. With it being dry, the 'cross bike might be
the better.
Also, we took several laps today with a 4 wheeler dragging some tires to
smooth things out a bit. There is still plenty of "washboard" type
bumps though, and the twisty descents are still there.
It's an absolute rip to ride the course no matter what bike you have.
The course will be marked and open to ride on Saturday if you decide to
come out an camp overnight.
Chris Brandt wrote:
In my opinion, I think it's a toss up. You're comparing the advantages
of
the cross bike to those of the mtb. A cross bike always has an advantage
on
flatter fast style courses, or those with long runups. This course has a
lot
of extended steeper climbing sections, and some rougher descents, which
go
directly down the slope, through a lot of stutter bump washboards, and
tight, winding turns through the dark (jack-o-lantern lit) trees. Your
decision should depend on your bike handling skills and what is more
important to you. Light weight on the climbs, or a plusher ride down? If
it
gets muddy, (think clay soil out there), the mtb will pick up more
weight. A
mtb usually has easier gears on the uphill section, but is heavier for
carrying. If you've worn yourself out on the downhill with a
rough-riding
crossy, you might not be as recovered for the climb. I think those are
the
main variables for making a decision. It's up to you to decide what you
like
best and what your strengths/weaknesses are.
I personally haven't made my mind up yet. - chris
From: ted gresh <tgr-@parametrix.com>
Reply-To: tgr-@parametrix.com
To: ob-@topica.com
Subject: [OBRA Chat] Johnson Farm course
Date: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 14:41:49 -0700
I am a relative newby to the Cross scene and have a question....I have
heard that the Johnson Farm course described as being better suited for
a
mountain bike rather than a cross bike. Would someone care to talk a
little
about that. What would make a course better suited for a mountain bike??
Thanks,
Ted
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