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Capital Punishment 100 or Convict 100?
Hi everyone,
Trying to decide which of these two should be my first 100.
I know from looking at the profiles that the Convict 100 will be much harder but im not too concerned about that. I want quality single track.
From the description it doesn't sound like Convict 100 has a lot of single track, its all mostly fire trails?
Has anyone done both? Could you give me your opinion on which would be better from a ride point of view? Again the climbing doesn't bother me.
Cheers
Alberto
PD - Any 50 races before Capital Punishment that are reasonably local? I've been trying to get into the James Williamson Enduro page but it seems broken.
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Technically the Convict is all fire trail but the rocky stuff is challenging and generally there is only one line. The CP has more single track but it does have an annoying big untimed section. It also is point to point that's annoying as well. If you can't decide then do both
Just two totally different styles of courses.
I thought the first 60ks of CP was great but the following 30k's of trekking over to Stromlo on cycleways/fire trail/side of the road etc rather uninspiring.
Convict 100, the OGNR sections are great but the rest is average fire trail that you will find everywhere.
I personally prefer the Convict as it has more of a 'riding on rough and raw bush tracks' type of experience. The first climb is also a very satisfying challenge. Plus there are a few logistical things like 2hrs drive vs 5hrs, being able to camp at the event centre, loop vs point-to-point which all add up.
But if purpose built mtb trails are your thing then I can quite easily see how you could go the other way.
I'm a regular on both and they're are both a lot of fun for different reasons as outlined above. My favourite is the CP due to the singletrack which is a lot of fun so I'd recommend you do this if this is what you are after. It's also a little easier all round and a good introduction to the 100km enduros if you're not totally sure how well you will finish.
But the convict is more challenging and therefore more rewarding. Basically, you can't go wrong which ever one you choose. Perhaps start with the CP with a view to doing the Convict if you get hooked like the rest of us!
As it was once called is the go if you want to pick one or the other. Capital punishment loses it's feeling of being an actual mountain bike race when one needs to transition on paved walkways and roads to go get to stromlo. I would not recommend CP to anyone.
The one to do is the Kowalski Classic, it is the most entertaining endurance race of the ones I've done. It sticks to the tracks CP starts with and links them up in a maze of single track.
Round 3 of the WSMTB Summer 4 Hour Series would be a good practice run. It's a twilight race (6pm - 10pm) on Saturday 16 Feb at Mt Annan BG. Details on www.wsmtb.com and NobMob soon.
Ray Rice
XC VP, WSMTB
I also think it's hard to beat the event vibe at the Convict. Such a great location down at St Albans, especially if you stay a couple of nights and snag a camp spot by the river. The pubs right there also which has some good grub.
As said already though it is all fire trail, except the single track over the canoe bridge!
And you have to love The Womerah Range with 75kms in your legs
But at least you're rewarded with a nice little descent.