rondot@spiritone.com
First the disclaimer. I will NOT be doing either of these this year but will look toward 2013.
1) Test of Endurance (TOE).
I remember being afraid to try this, and finding out my fear was not founded. It was the first time I got to ride the upper parts of the Mudslinger Course (which are challenging to climb and a super blast to come down! The neat thing was when you get that first lap done.....Hey you get to do it all over again and refine your lines. This year may mimic one year I did it when the course was pretty much just perfect and the day was like one you would want for a picnic. This is as good as that course can be for total enjoyment. Don’t think it is a cakewalk. It is tough. 50 miles is a long way, but I approach it by riding the first lap below race pace and then giving all I have (nothing this year) on the second. If you have not done this race, you will learn a lot about yourself if you give it a go. Ripley and and his Crew take super good care of riders before, during and after this (and all of his) race(s). Test yourself! It will be beautiful there and again..........the descents are so much fun.
Thanks to Team Dirt for making & maintaining this great trail system Their work with Starker Lumber is a great example of a partnership of business and mtb community.
2) Pickett’s Charge.
I have not done the new course, but understand it is way Cool. I have heard it works you good as well as gives you some sweet descending. The old Pickett’s course was a fast one with lots of single track and I understand this course has even more single track. The Bend area offers such wonderful mtb opportunity and to have this Top Quality race there for us every year is a real gift for us dirty boys and girls. The Sunnyside Crew do it right. It is well run, a blast of a place to ride, you get to see those beautiful mountains as well as your buds. The fun is well worth the trip.
Sunnyside Sports, along with other central Oregon business and mtb groups put in lots of hours partnering with forest land managers to make and maintain these trails. Thanks all you great central Oregon people giving your time.
3) Nats Qualifier.
Remember for those of you thinking about going to MTB Nationals held again this year in Sun Valley, Idaho.... The day before Pickett’s is the qualifier race held on the Pickett’s course. I include below Bill’s email about this. Thanks so much Bill for giving people this chance to qualify!
ron
Hey Mountain Bikers,
The XC MTB Nationals Event in Ketchum, ID is going to be really fun but you need a qualify for the XC categories if you want to race. So come to the qualifier the day before Pickett's Charge and pre-ride the course while getting credit toward qualification. SuperD and singlespeed don't need to qualify.
I have only a few registrations so far, so I thought I'd let you know the courses in Idaho have been edited much for the better and the whole week is going to be a blast. Many of the issues with the climbs too early in the laps have been resolved and the amateur course is totally different. Check out the mini site for updated course maps and other details. By the way, it's Chad Sperry and a bunch of Oregon folks who actually put on the race in Idaho.
Your entry fees to the qualifier also help support the Bend Endurance Academy Juniors as they go to Nationals to compete!
Qualifier Details & register here
See you in Bend!
Cheers,
Bill
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William Warburton
Cycling Director
541.335.1346
Bend Endurance Academy
500 SW Bond St, Suite 142
Bend, OR 97702
www.BendEnduranceAcademy.org